Meet The Team
The Ocean Sailing Association of Southern Africa (OSASA) is led by a team of experienced sailors and maritime professionals dedicated to supporting the cruising community in Southern Africa. With extensive offshore experience and strong relationships with local authorities, our team works to simplify port entry, improve sailing processes, and promote safe, efficient cruising along our coastline.
Chairman of the Board
Michael Robinson
Experienced ocean sailor and veteran of eight Atlantic crossings.
Former President of South African Sailing with a strong background in leadership and the national sailing community.
Brings extensive offshore experience and strategic insight to the cruising sector.
Board Member, Chairman of ExCom
Michael (Jakes) Jacobs
Former NSRI Senior Coxswain with 28 years’ service, including 10 years as Deputy Station Commander. Awarded Distinguished Service Award (Gold) and multiple valour honours for lifesaving bravery. Past Commodore of Knysna Yacht Club. A strong record in leadership, sport and mentorship.
Founder: Board and ExCom Member
John Franklin
Ocean sailing skipper with over 50 years’ experience and 100,000+ nautical miles offshore.
Former Commodore of the Ocean Cruising Club and UK DoT Yachtmaster (Ocean).
Extensive voyages across the Atlantic, Caribbean, North America and Europe.
Founder: Board and ExCom Member
Jenny Crickmore- Thompson
Ocean cruiser with 35,000+ nautical miles and 14 years of full-time sailing experience. Former Rear Commodore of the Ocean Cruising Club with a strong focus on global networking.
Coordinates incoming yacht information and liaises with maritime authorities for OSASA.
Board and ExCom Member
Vince Nel
Durban maritime leader and active member of the Royal Natal Yacht Club. Former Rear Commodore of Point Yacht Club and OCC Port Officer Representative for Durban. Works closely with marinas and authorities to support visiting yachts and enhance the cruising experience.
Treasurer and ExCom member
Clinton Edmonds
Nelspruit-based businessman and registered Professional Accountant with a background in accounting and tax. Long-standing member of Zululand Yacht Club, serving 10 years as Treasurer and contributing to club leadership. Owner of a Lavranos 39ft yacht with a keen interest in the cruising community.
ExCom Member
Warren Fraser
Founder of Associated Rigging with extensive involvement in the international cruising community. Also Director and Board member of SABBEX, strengthening ties between boat building and the cruising sector.
Brings regional insight and industry experience to support collaboration and shared maritime challenges.
ExCom Member
Thor Eriksen
South African maritime professional. Former skipper and engineer on state-run vessels, working closely with government, scientists, and industry stakeholders. Director of Compass Marine with a strong focus on technical services, marine operations, and practical support for the cruising community.
ExCom Member
Sunette Nel
Operations Manager with extensive experience across corporate, marketing and project management roles. Active in Durban’s yachting community through Royal Natal and Point Yacht Clubs.
Combines professional expertise with a passion for sailing and ocean cruising.
ExCom Member
Edward Blackbeard
Marine industry professional with over a decade of experience across oil and gas, industrial fabrication, and yacht repair.
Former manager of oil rig repair facilities in Cape Town, with project involvement in Saldanha Bay’s heavy industry sector.
Leads Yachport SA in Saldanha Bay, focused on advancing local yacht repair, refit capability, and strengthening South Africa’s appeal as a world-class cruising destination.