A new swim challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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....

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

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

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

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

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

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.