A day in Simonstown

(by Brian Hancock) On the east side of the Cape Peninsula is the tiny town of Simonstown nestled between the sparkling waters of False Bay and the high mountains of the Table Mountain Chain that stretches from Cape Town to Cape Point. It’s a quaint town with art dealerships, curio shops, more than a few good restaurants and South Africa’s biggest naval base. Head of the naval base is good friend of the Portimão Global Ocean Race and all round good guy, Rear Admiral Koos Louw. When Admiral Louw was in Portimão for the start of the race he promised the skippers a day that they would remember, a day of fun sailing and fine food. On Saturday he delivered.

Within the bounds of the naval base is Izivunguvungu, a thriving non-profit foundation aimed at teaching life-skills through the medium of sailing to underprivileged youth. This sailing centre is another of Admiral Louw’s passions and his idea was to combine a fun day with the Izivunguvungu sailors and the Portimão Global Ocean Race skippers, and to include a sea safety refresher course for all. To say that the day was a success is a large understatement.

The morning included safety briefings from first-aid to how to douse a fire. The afternoon was all about competitive racing as each skipper teamed up with a local youth sailor. Four short inshore races were held in a stiff northerly wind until a cold front moved through bringing with it bone-chilling rain at which point the fleet scrambled for cover in the classroom. Prizes were awarded and stories were swapped before adjourning to the False Bay Yacht Club for the much anticipated Admiral’s braai.

South African’s are by nature hospitable people. And they know how to throw a party and Admiral Louw is no exception. Homemade bread smeared thick with country butter and tiger prawns grilled on the open fire and washed down with cold South African wine were just a teaser. Two inch think steaks seared on the grill with fresh salads and a large bottle of red wine still showing dust from the Admiral’s cellar were the main course and a South African favourite, rum-flambéed bananas with vanilla ice cream wrapped things up. Even the cold wind that whipped around the corner and persistent drizzle could not damped the mood. It was only when the English lost horribly to New Zealand in rugby that the smile finally left the Team Mowgli crew’s faces.

Our thanks go the Admiral Louw and the inspiring children of Izivunguvungu for a memorable day.

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