Liyabona Njingolo, a Grade 12 learner at Tygerberg High School, recently returned from Mallorca, an island off the coast of Spain, where he gained some insights into the working of superyachts.
The matric learner from the Royal Cape Yacht Club was fortunate to travel to Europe, along with Simamkele Ntingiso, Nhlakanipho Lebengu and Liqhawe Mdoda from the Lawhill Maritime Centre at Simon’s Town School. Lawhill Maritime Centre coordinated the trip along with Marine Inspirations.
“The experience that we got to have in Mallorca was truly an unforgettable one. Being 8 000 kilometres away from home it truly was something different.”
“The main purpose of the trip was to expose and introduce us to the yachting industry,” Liyabona said. “Being there with someone like Captain Phil Wade was cool and an eye opener. We got to tour a lot of motor and sailing yachts as well as meet the captain of these boats and some of the crew too.”
The co-founder of Marine Inspirations, Wade is a retired superyacht captain.
Tours
“The first thing that grabbed my attention was just the sheer size of these vessels and the materials they use to build them,” Liyabona continued. “The interior designs were off the wall. Some of the glassy wood finishes that the builds had were impeccable.
“We also toured the engine rooms of the yachts we went on board of. Just to learn about the systems they have in place to keep everything running smoothly, a lot of them I’ve never even heard off, but understanding them I got to see the great purpose that they serve and being able to be on the water for even weeks at a time.
“Amid looking at boats, one of my favourite things we did was getting to meet a lot of great people who work in the yachting industry, whether it be sailors, boat designers, manufacturers who make sails and even companies that transport the yachts and other vessels on board ships.
“We even toured warehouses of service teams and crew clothing manufacturers.
“We did a bit of sightseeing around the town and got to eat at great restaurants. The food culture in Spain is quite different from what I am used to, but nonetheless, great food.”
Discipline
“Being with an experienced person like Captain Phil we got to learn a lot. Not just on board, but life lessons as well. He taught us a bit of financial discipline and how to carry oneself outside the workplace.
“But I must say the overall experience was a truly unforgettable one and I honestly cannot wait to go back and really get into the yachting industry.”
Liyabona thanked all the people who played a part in making the trip possible and a great experience.
“Another big thank you to our sponsors who helped us in having a commendable experience.”
Dorria Watt, spokesperson for the trip, said the four had a fabulous time, despite their luggage going missing and them only being able to collect it on their way back to South Africa.
“They saw and experienced so much. They visited loads of superyachts, were given tours of engine rooms, the STP shipyard where dozens of superyachts of all shapes and sizes were in for repairs and maintenance, they met a top naval architect and a successful yacht designer. They went to OmniAccess who employs more than 200 people who work on 24/7 shifts. They visited North Sales which has a storeroom holding about 13 000 sails and helped fold some 20 plus metre sails.
“They were given the task to challenge their fears by going up the 30 m mast, which allowed them to see the beautiful view of Palma.
“The owner of Mirage, Captain Colin Richardson who sponsored two of the flights, showed them around his yacht and they helped the crew for a couple of hours to wash the boat.
“The group went for a sail along the coastline in Palma Bay and ventured to Amina Beach for a refreshing late afternoon swim in the Mediterranean Sea.”
