BRUCE TEDDER mourns the passing of Willy Persico, and offers surfing advice to Kevin Fouché

It was with shock and sadness that I learnt of the recent passing of Willy Persico, the founder and owner of Southern Wind Shipyard. A man of huge foresight, he took over the shipyard that was building his own 70ft monohull sloop in 1991, at a time when people with wealth were fleeing South Africa in droves. He invested into the country, primarily to get his own boat finished and launched. 52 amazing boats and huge investments later Southern Wind Shipyard is the “gold standard” for semi- custom high- tech high performance monohulls the world over.

Strength and fortitude to his family, friends and especially to the incredible team at Southern Wind Shipyard. We wish you continued success. We salute you Willy Persico.

Some good news.

The positive impact of the re-building of vessels for the Virgin Islands charter fleet decimated by the hurricanes late last year is now being felt as insurance companies are now finally paying out on the destroyed vessels.

Voyage Yachts have started on a brand new model, a new Voyage 575, custom designed for BVI Chartering. Dock talk is of many new orders being signed by our catamaran builders.

Farming or Surfing for Kevin Fouche ex owner of Knysna Yachts after the recent sale of the award winning catamaran builder? We wish the new owner Grant Boshard all the best. He is certainly off to a flying start with a well respected and well known brand and a hugely loyal customer base. Aloha Kevin, wax up and head for J Bay!!

The next Quarterly Networking Session will be in late July.  Final date and location to be confirmed. Rear Admiral (retired) Arne Soderland, has written an incredible book detailing the previously top secret missions undertaken by the Recce’s during the “Total Onslaught” years. Google “Iron Fist from the Sea” to get a taste. Arne will have signed copies available and he will spill the beans on the secret missions that were whispered about back in the day.

The SABBEX and MIASA websites have been merged. Please check it out, You Tube clips, more social media, more content and much more relevant.

PLEASE send ideas, thoughts, input to Vanessa or myself. We cross a variety of sectors in the marine space with very different needs and concerns. We need your news and input. Building the brand Boating South Africa is our goal.

Safe sailing – Clean Oceans

Comments

  • Ken

    Promoting brand Boating SA is perhaps not as important as promoting members brands and growing the membership and serving their needs ….?

Sign In

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.