Inaugural African Boating Conference hailed as "great success"
By IBI Magazine
The inaugural African Boating Conference took place in Cape Town last Friday and was hailed as a "great success" by its organisers. The event was followed by the third annual South African Boating Awards. Veda Raubenheimer, executive director of Cape Town Boatbuilding and Technology Initiative (CTBi) and SABBEX, told IBI that about 80 people attended the event. "It was a fantastic event, and we were able to cover a lot of different topics," she said. Uli Heineman from IMCI and Peter Jacobs offered a presentation on the combined NMMA and CE Certification as well as a presentation on MCA and the Australian certification for South Africa's export companies. The Boatbuilding Academy at FBC offered an interactive skills development session. This consisted of a presentation of the courses currently offered by the academy, as well as a lively discussion regarding present training loopholes in the sector. There were other discussions concerning the present regulatory environment for small boats within South Africa as well as export incentives for builders. There was also a discussion on financing within the marine industry. The third annual South African Boating Awards were held at a special dinner that night. Raubenheimer said they are designed to recognise "innovation, exacting standards and a commitment to excellence within the boatbuilding and boating industry." Finance MEC Alan Winde was keynote speaker at the awards. Uwe Jasperson was presented with the Notable Achievement Award, having designed and built two different boats in 2008 that each received different awards. Fabian Baadtjies and Phumelele Gobinduku were presented with the Best Student Awards from the Boatbuilding Academy and the Whisper Boatbuilding Academy respectively. The Whisper Academy is an initiative that aims to initiate deaf students into the industry. The Best Sailing Craft (All Sizes) Award was presented to Maverick Yachts' Maverick 380. The new generation Maverick is regarded as being by far the most innovative sailing vessel to come out of South Africa in the last year. Stealth Yachts' Stealth 520 RUV took the award for Best Power Craft. The Eraco 6m V-Skiff from Eraco Builders won the Trailerable Craft category. Caudwell Marine's Axis Drive took the award for Most Innovative Product/Design of the Year. A unique drive system for power boats and a world first. "It was awarded based on its huge potential," said Raubenheimer.
(22 May 2009)
|
