Conquest Charters

Moving..We have moved

2011-10-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

We have moved to a new home...

Keep up with our current adventures at

www.conquestcharters.com

A new swim challenge

2010-10-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

You may remember our Robben Island Freedom swimmer Luke... who managed to complete the 7.5km swim to Blouberg. Well now in aid of a different Charity see here, Luke aims to swim an amazing 11,5km from Robben Island to 3 Anchor Bay (Next to the mini golf course in Sea Point).

The swim is in aid of the rehabilitation of nine year old Cameron Els. Details of the charity are attached. Donations to the cause are also available on the website.

Conquest will be accompanying Luke as he attempts this amazing task.

Swim dates are planned for the 23rd or the 24th October...if you are interested show your support by meeting at the finish line.

Going Boldly

2010-09-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

I am conducting an experiment: our own video channel on YOUTUBE,

Here is a link to our first video

US Navy boats in Simons Town

2010-07-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

I wonder what this vessels was doing in Simons Town. It looks really sophisticated with is massive satelite and radar equipment. Anyway it provided some shelter from the wind to perfom our high turn in relative comfort. All in all the French on board were appreciatvie of the experience!

GREENPEACE: Climate change needs basic leaders

2010-05-14T04:19:00.000-07:00

As any respecting Sea Dweller would do, we gladly answered the call to work with GREENPEACE during their Cape Town protest. Climate Change is a serious issue and any action to raise awareness or bring about change is a step in right direction. Read the real story here.

We covertly snuck up to the Twelve Apostle Hotel and proceeded to wave lumo yellow banners. It was mostly a photo shoot, taking a few pics and completing a video documentary, but drivers on Victoria road stopped to take interest. We alsoattracted some media attention but nothing like what was expected from usual GREENPEACE protest. This is Cape Town after all.

I love the large banner in front of table mountain! So iconic

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Training Day

2010-05-10T01:15:00.000-07:00

As part of the FIFA 2010 World Cup build-up it is helpful to know that our national Sea Rescue and Navy services have things all sorted out should anything happen to the multitude of planes, and ships heading our way.

Forming an integral part of this training exercise I am pleased to say that things are looking pretty good. For one the skill of the helicopter pilots, and planes involved is astounding completing intricate search patterns before deploying additional life rafts is rather impressive. And the bravery of the volunteers of the NSRI who man the many boats is phenomenal.

A link to the Official press release and usual some interesting pictures.

Ashe's no good

2010-04-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

The effects of the volcanic eruptions in Iceland have finally filtered down to Conquest Charters in the Cape Town.

We recently received these two emails regarding future bookings:

Mail 1:

Hi ghgjje,

Our client kjhjkhkre, from Switzerland has cancelled its conference on Tuesday due to the volcanic eruption and fallout.

ALL delegates are stranded in Europe and can’t get on to flights.

This is out of anyone’s control and they are extremely stressed and disappointed due to this crisis.

Please relay to the other company that we need to cancel all reservations.

They have the conference once a year, so they won’t be able to reschedule for anytime soon

They have however, guaranteed to come back next year and do these activities.

Kindly reply should you have any questions

Mail 2:

Hello

Unfortunately due to the volcanic ash scenario in Europe at the moment, Thursdays charter is postponed until later in the year because the clients are stuck in the UK!!

Many thanks

We are but one company that has only recently been affected and I wonder how the rest of the world is dealing this. Especially those cannot afford to so.

Cute and cuddly..or sleek and agile - behold the Dolphin

2010-03-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

Dolphins Dolphins Dolphins everywhere! That is what can be said on a recent trip for Laurens Birthday Outing. The sea condition were great and the waves were few. However the the flat sea allowed us to notice the abundance of marine life in the bay. Seals, Penguins, Dolphins and Whales...all in one trip.

Enjoy some of the pics that follow:

For when you dont have a camera...a cell phone will do

2010-03-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

It seems that the blog site can serve as a useful platform for those groups that do not have cameras aboard. Unfortunately I only my cell phone, but you can make out everyone aboard the trip.

I really enjoyed that one!

It's video time

2010-03-03T02:46:00.000-08:00

Thought I would share this with you...

..from Germany!
If you're asking yourself: nope, we didn't meet in person somewhere on a trip, but my dad did on V-day. He was down at Hout Bay sent there by a firm ...... and everybody was asked to better leave their cams and stuff like that outside the boat in case it's getting a little wet :) So there aren't any nice photos of this trip now, alas. However dad saw you and your lady (so he guessed ;D) taking some pics with your ipod asking where you'd upload them- he was the grey-haired one, blue eyes and a beard (probably) speaking english in a funny way...
Unfortunately he does neither own a facebook nor blogspot account and asked me to contact you.
We'd be so thankful, if you could arrange to upload some more photos of this trip on your blogspot or even contact him directly via email! -->

So here is a video and more to come once they have been properly edited.

So that was last week....

2010-03-03T01:24:00.000-08:00

The weather has not slowed the pace of Zangetsu, as we managed to venture out in gale force winds. Unfortunately the fun and water (provided by the sea and wind) had by ALL, did not allow for many pictures to be taken. The waves were big and the speed was right.

In Hout Bay recently the South Easter provided some interesting challenges getting to Seal Island and the boss crane. But we managed and because sea water is the water of life, no-one really mied getting wet.

But because the pics are few i decided to post another upcoming weather forecast... to wet your appetite for the sea.

The Cape of Storms

2010-02-23T00:53:00.001-08:00

What really bad weather we have coming up in the next week.

Weather forecast by www.weathersa.co.za

Looks like we in for some big seas in the coming days! Take care if you have to go to sea.

Done it on V Day

2010-02-23T00:49:00.000-08:00

Hout Bay is really amazing. And what better way to spend Valentines Day than to take in the sights and history from this magical place.

The Valentine's Day special went well. We ran two trips and although one large group cancelled on the last minute we went ahead anyway!

Look out for the next exciting trip.

Doing it on V Day

2010-02-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

We are in Hout Bay this Sunday and what better way than to take part in our "Alternate Valentine's Day Plan" special.

(event over)

Good enough to be used in Antarctica

2010-01-14T02:09:00.000-08:00

So, on our way to our latest charter we see that MCM (Marine and Coastal Management) have been inspired by us and the LEGENDARY ZANGETSU.It was enough to give the members of Conquest Charters Marine and Tourism a warm fuzzy feeling.

In summary they have a Gemini Wave Rider 850 with two Honda 225 engines as the work horses (sound familiar). But being monitoring vessels they went with the bright RED color scheme.

Since each boat has a single hoist point, they will undoubtedly serve as tenders to the larger marine fleet. Who knows they might end up in the antarctic aboard the SA Agulhas.Did I mention that warm fuzzy feeling? ....and that Zangetsu is a legend!

All Smiles at Cape Point Coffee Shop

2010-01-11T05:19:00.000-08:00

Although a fairly strong South Wester was blowing in False bay, carrying a few showers with it, it did not stop us from heading out to Cape Point.

After a stop at the Seals, the birds nesting in the cliffs and getting airborne we reached the majestic Cape Point.

This was a UCT Zoology holiday workshop group with students from USA, WITS, Rhodes etc. They were on a one way trip departing from Millers Point to Buffels Bay inside the Cape Point reserve. There aim was to explore the rocky shores of Buffels Bay during low tide, examining the various creatures that make their homes in these dynamic and dangerous environments, guided by the esteemed Professor George Branch.

But personally I think they enjoyed the boat more that what was to come. Photographs taken at Cape Point Coffee Shop.

Toyboata vs Zangetsu...Round 1

2009-12-22T01:49:00.000-08:00

It almost looks better on the Toyota, but having twins so suits the GEMINI.

Conquest Charters on Facebook

2009-12-21T05:39:00.000-08:00

If you follow the updates here then why not join our Facebook group as well. Click the link below to find out more.

http://tinyurl.com/yeu3bad

End of year run

2009-12-21T04:14:00.000-08:00

The end of year brings the TEAM together and there are many ideas thrown around on how to spend your day with the TEAM before you leave and enjoy your own holiday.

The EGS department of UCT decided to spend their end of year party with Conquest Charters. My previous professors, colleagues and their children joined us for a sunset cruise on the Atlantic Ocean.

It started out as a cruise with drinks, snacks and swimming at the relatively warm Clifton Bay and ended up with some high speed jumps and turns. What a way to end the day. Thanks guys again!

The arrival of a German U-Boat

2009-11-12T03:43:00.001-08:00

For those of you who have been to see the new stadium, as seen from the Sea Point area, you might also have noticed the commotion in the ocean.

Namely a German U-boat (submarine), a Tug boat and many little worker boats ferrying precious resources to the mother hive.

Here are some close-up pics of a German WWII movie taking place in Cape Town. I am not sure of the details (we only had to carry the all important German Press) but it allowed us to get pretty close to the dangerous submarine, although only a replica I believe.

Also included in this post is the get-away boat! Enjoy.

The Beautiful Engines

2009-04-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

I could go into details about the new Honda 225's we have at the back of Zangetsu. But these pictures should give you an idea how awesome they really are.

Lights, Camera, Action

2009-04-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a while but this some of things we've been up to?

Cape Town is a favoured destination for movie makers and a recent German mini-series being shot here saw Zangetsu being required for some all important media shots. The all familiar movie crew, the grips and production agencies bustling around the streets of Cape Town often spill over into the sea.

Here are some photos of a recent media shoot. You might notice that the original Highlander (Christopher Lambert) appears in some of the pictures!

More of the Volvo Ocean Race Cape Town Leg

2009-01-20T02:44:00.000-08:00

I recently recieved some more photographs of the Volvo boats leaving Cape Town. Enjoy these photo's courtesy of Michael North!

If you need a photographer (outdoor, underwater, indoor etc.) let me know.

Sunset or Sunrise?

2009-01-20T02:15:00.000-08:00

It is an amazing thing to watch the sun set across the vast Atlantic Ocean. And I am sure you have your favourite place in Cape Town to do just that where you can enjoy the colours that go so well with the surroundings. I recently enjoyed one from the top of Kloof Nek Road overlooking Camps Bay.
(Picture taken from Kloof Nek)
(The colours seen from home)

But putting the land lubber in me aside, to see the sun rise above the Hottentots Holland mountains aboard a boat is truly another thing altogether. Unfortunately for this experience to come true you have to be at sea 530am. It’s early, I know, but a cool experience as you ride from Table Bay to Hout Bay in the calm of the morning. The early activity of the birds and seals is always a treat.

Enjoy some of the early morning photographs and my favourite, Lions Head shielding the sun from view…for just a bit.

(Lions Head Sun Rise)
(Making the most of great morning...coffee in Hout Bay next)

GO BIG OR GO HOME... we go forward

2009-01-20T01:56:00.000-08:00

Cape Town “2008” was awesome!

We saw our fleet double from one to two boats. The slow build of "Zangetsu" was worth the wait! The awesome 8.5m Gemini really performs well and is more than capable of handling the rough seas around Cape Town (although we prefer NOT to test those capabilities). The weather was great making the boat trips fun and the tourists were really rewarded by a bumper whale season as well as a relatively mild south-easter.

Another reason to be joyous was the latest upgrade to "Zangetsu" - two brand new Honda 225 outboard motors provide massively more power. We are now able to keep up with the big boys in the industry. I guess it’s a case of go big or go home.

On the sea-side of things: on our recent trip to Hout Bay we spotted, not one but two sunfish soaking up the rays, a pod of dolphins and plenty of seals. Also a southern right whale off Sea Point (although we thought it was a bit late in the season). It might have been this one (follow the link) who ended up in the paper not too long after we spotted him. Well done to the brave divers who jumped in to help, one of them being the skipper who took the pictures of our Red Bull BIG wave experience (see below).

http://travelblog.portfoliocollection.com/Blog/Divers-Help-Whale-out-of-a-Tight-Spot

We look forward to 2009 and having you experience Cape Town the Conquest way.

The Atlantic Experience

2008-11-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

Recently we have been undertaking the True Atlantic Experience by going from Hout Bay to Oceana and vica versa. This route takes in all the great sites along the Atlantic seaboard: Table Bay, Clifton, Camps Bay, Sandy Bay, Maori Bay (named of the sunken ship in 1909), Seal Island and Hout Bay. Some pictures from our latest trips are posted!

VOLVO OCEAN RACE 2008/2009

2008-11-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

We were lucky enough to work on the start of the second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. In a strong South Easter many boats joined in to wish the brave sailors on their way. Its funny how the Volvo Circus captured many peoples hearts and it was evident in the support shown on the day of their departure.

Eight awesome machines arrived in Cape Town some three weeks after leaving the port of Alicante in Spain. After roughly two weeks at the V&A Waterfront and transforming the harbour area into a giant workshop as well a hive of product showcases (thanks to PUMA, VOLVO, ERICSSON), action and well positioned branding, the show was about to hit the road.

I’ll skip the history section about the event and cut straight to our adventure at sea. Joined by two crew and passengers from Cape Classic Charters we headed for the start line. I must stress that had i had eyes in the back of my head, it still would not have been enough to prepare me for maelstrom I had entered.

(Pic courtesy of Michael North)

Buzzing every which way the Volvo boats tacking for position, private yachts, boats jet skis and paddle boarders all made it there mission to be part of the action.

We followed Ericsson three for a bit then tagged the Puma boat and just before they left the Cape we said our goodbyes to the rest of the boats.

It was really a great experience and unlike last year we did not have to follow the boats miles off shore! A great day had by all!

Charters on the GO

2008-11-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

Conquest Charters is gearing up for a bumper season should the wind and weather decide that Cape Town deserves Summer for all her hard work this year past.

But even though the 'good' weather has yet to come, it hasn't stopped the adventure seeking spirit in our clients from going to sea!

Our popular runs, a) Millers Point to Cape Point, b) Hout Bay, c) Atlantic seaboard (Table Bay - Clifton) always guarantees some action and amazing scenery. The sea life is great, Whales, Seals, Sun fish sea birds, penguins and more.

Posted are a few photos of some recent charter trips.

Red Bull Big Wave Competition

2008-11-19T07:57:00.000-08:00

The Red Bull Big Wave Competition celebrated it tenth anniversary at Dungeons in Hout Bay South Africa. The waves were big, the sound of crashing waves thunderous but the skill of “special” kind of people out there (those doing the surfing) was amazing.

It was the first time being out there with the waves that big! Normally on our seal island runs you wouldn't think twice about the wave but that day! OMG! They were truly impressive. Even more so with so much action going on, in and under the waves.

We were tasked with pleasing some photographers, which allowed us to get up close and personal to the surfers and the waves. Also VIP access to the after party....Schweet. and did i mention there was loads of RedBull?..Nice.

Luckily a fellow skipper (Rod Smith..thanks for pics) managed to get some pics of us doing our thing and more. Enjoy some pictures and our feeble attempt to get some big wave air of our own.

Yip that is us in the far righ corner of the picture...oh what a drop!

Winter in the Cape

2008-08-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Well winter has set in to Cape Town and our main charter runs come to end. However if you are keen for diving, now is the best time to get out to False Bay and see some of the awesome wrecks and reefs that can be found along the coast.

As with most seasonal businesses this time spells the maintenance period that the vehicles so desperately crave. “Orlando” the mighty Landcruiser has been responsible for towing Conquest, and now Zangetsu, around the Cape Peninsula. Not fast and not the most luxurious but still reliable and enjoyable to ride. Some pictures include an unforgettable trip up the West Coast and an ill fated sampling trip (alone I might add).

Also featured is another tow vehicle that we hope will live up to the Landcruiser’s strength (feel free to comment on your vehicular affiliation).

(land rover pic coming soon...sorry)

Well guess I best get back to fixing the wear and tear that is becoming evident from a life close to the sea.

OUR FREEDOM SWIM

2008-08-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Cadiz Vista Nova Freedom Swim is an annual event whereby very enthusiastic people come together and swim from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand Big Bay. Robben Island, once home to a prison, is in close proximity to Cape Town (South Africa). There are numerous well documented accounts of prisoners and the history of Robben Island which I will not go into here. However, I reckon if Mr. Nelson Mandela had to attempt the swim South Africa might have had a very a different history. With a distance of 7.5km in water averaging 13C (55.4F) only the brave attempt the swim.

The morning of the 26th April was a frantic rush. The decision for the swim to take place was only made at 7am that very morning. The boat had to be launched and at the Island waiting for the swimmers to leave Murray Beach by10am. Not an easy task when over 100 boats are jostling for position on a tiny launch site. Having launched at roughly 935am a very bumpy but quick ride to the Island followed. Unfortunately the weather conditions were not ideal and a fairly large swell (for swimmers anyway) made it a difficult swim. Our swimmer Luke Whiteman coped well with conditions. Our role was to support him and guide him to Big Bay in one piece. A brief scare with a fin swimming towards us (turned out to be sunfish) was followed by a fairly large Cape Fur Seal feeding directly in his path. A swim time of roughly three hours saw Luke enter Big Bay amoung the top twenty five.

It was truly awe inspiring to see so many people take on the rough, cold water of the Atlantic Ocean to raise awareness and funds for Vista Nova School. Enjoy some of the photos of the swim.

It only just begun...

2008-05-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

You've seen the work in progress...which was ZANGETSU in the making. Now I'm pleased to say that the newest member to the CONQUEST CHARTERS group is complete. After a frantic dash to get all the safety equipment and legalities sorted we headed off to SAMSA for ZANGETSU first of many safety surveys. Following a full safety inspection we were given out operating number of DTC 8135B, which we proudly had sign-written on pontoon to give ZANGETSU the business look.

The next day we rushed off to Hout Bay (not too far from Cape Town) for the first of many Adventure rides that day. Our target being a 30min round trip to Duiker Island (also known as Seal Island), Chapmans Peak which included a few minutes of speed and high speed turns just off the beach in Hout Bay.

I'm pleased to say it was AWESOME. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Having tested a range of different sea conditions that week, ZANGETSU is living up to its name of being able to slice through the waves like a hot knife through butter.

Enjoy some of the photos of the trip and a Cape Fur Seal cleaning up after a fishy meal.

You can expect the next update from the CADIZ VISTA NOVA ROBBEN ISLAND swim.

A Rainy Day in Cape Town

2008-03-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

With a weather report indicating a maximum of 20 degrees with a 30% chance of rain one tends to look on the bright side and overlook that small chance of rain. Today in Hout Bay "Conquest" was one of five RIB's preparing to take tourists to Chapman Peak and Seal Island. Normally a beautiful run, but today the weather added to the adventure by providing a decent swell and some rain. Unfortunately the passengers got a bit wet but much fun was had by all. Since we took it "easy" the trip was gentle and even the slighlty faint hearted could relax and enjoy braving the seas of the Cape of Storms. Highlights included the dramatic mountainside views of Chapmans Peak, The Sentinal and Seal Island, home to numerous Cape Fur Seals.

Introducing ZANGETSU

2008-02-27T01:45:00.000-08:00

Now with all the fun and games that goes with rides the big blue....there comes a time when you either need a new vessel or an upgrade. Enter ZANGETSU....

Now CONQUEST the lovely boat introduced earlier (see The Mean Machine above) will still be in service. As mentioned earlier we started in the film industry acting as the photographic vessel. CONQUEST the "work horse" has a unique hull design which increases stability while filming at sea. And it is to this that CONQUEST will go back to.

Her baby brother ZANGETSU will be mainly a tourist vessel designed to carry 14 people screaming people. Not yet complete and still needing to undergo sea trials I have put some pictures from the build till now. The next post will hopefully have the completed boat all to see.

For Now...

2008-02-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

For now i'll be posting some pictures of previous trips! Bearing in mind we've been in action since 1999, there are few pics to put up. However these will be mostly to convey the feel of the Cape Town area and the potential fun to be had. I hope you enjoy these!

The next big planned event will be the Robben Island to Blaauberg Swim. A truelly amazing feat we will be taking part in! More on this to follow. But until then i'll be trying to catch a fish in this big big sea of ours.