We are still experiencing strong north westerly winds and rain in Simonstown, too strong for sailing, but all is good as our workshop is buzzing with the Mirror dinghy repairs. We are in the final stages preparing the wood to be varnished using the spray method, a much better look and quality of work.
Tuesday (23.08.22)
The plan is to finish one boat that would look like new so students could be proud of what they’ve done and a boost of their confidence. The next sailing event will be the Cape Classic hosted by Zeekoevlei Yacht Club on the 10th and 11th September. We will attend with our boats looking in great condition. Then on the weekends of 17th and 18th September and 24th and 25th September we sailing the Spring regatta hosted by Falsebay Yacht Club in Simonstown. Our students are so looking forward to this as many have always wanted to be part of a team sailing on the keel boat MSC Donna Mia. They always ask questions about the pictures of the L26 yacht, to them it’s stepping up a level as most have never experienced keel boat racing before, really exciting times.
Wednesday (24.08.22)
Izivungu staff were invited to the farewell of Dave Herman, the warrant officer of the navy sailing centre at Simonstown. We presented him with a hand made plaque of our sailing school. He has always been a positive influence and helpful when we needed assistance with sorting out naval affairs. He assured us at his farewell speech that he is leaving the navy but not Izivunguvungu, and he will keep on assisting us where he can.
Thursday (25.08.22)
Our Fathers House is a community based organisation feeding the homeless and needy, and is involved in many other activities. At a church meeting in Simonstown on the weekend of 13 and 14 August that Veronica, Eldred’s partner, was attending, she met Pastor Sadie from Our Father’s House and they offer to support Izivungu. They have been donating hot meals and bread daily for our students and phoned me on this day to collect yogurt and sweets for the weekend event I am honored to have met with the coordinator, Pastor Shadrick Valayadum. Marlon Jones, one of the older members of Izivunguvungu, and his wife Shakira, also often donate warm meals when they can. We are grateful to them as they always go the extra mile. Thank you!!
Friday (26.08.22)
We had a visit from Denis Henwood of Cape Sailors Home, one of our donors. He is very interested in our projects and visited on a few occasions recently. He was so interested in the work that was being done on the Mirror dinghies and that we had run out of paint on the day that he donated R450 in cash out his own pocket, this was a big help. A very big thank you!!
Saturday (27.08.22)
It was an early morning start as students still needed to put back fittings on the boats. Then we still had to pack boats on the trailer for the next day’s sailing at Imperial Yacht Club. We had a busy schedule ahead, but later that evening we all were invited to Zubair David's (another old Izivungu student) house for his 21st birthday party. All 14 of us, eating supper and cake. It was a fantastic evening and we were privileged to share his special day.
Sunday (28.08.22)
The club sailing event at Imperial Yacht Club. We had 6 Mirrors and 1 Laser / ILCA sailing. Marcello Buricks is one of the oldies that sailed the Laser / ILCA.
It was great that he made the time to join in. We had perfect weather, and even members of the public came to see the racing. Many of us exchange contact numbers and offered assistance, we are really grateful. Our students are not only developing on thier sailing skills, but on people skills as well by just being a part of this friendly environment where strangers come and see what they do best.