On 3rd March 2023, Alex Haubrich, Chief Digital Officer of YachtieWorld, kicked off the Yachtie Networking Event at Kapstadt Brauhaus, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
The energy was fantastic and various presentations were given by industry experts and business pioneers. The bulk of the people looking up to the stage were young industry hopefuls – AKA ‘Green Crew’. It was a room full of dreamers being given a chance to turn their fantasies into reality. Alex brought these fresh faces into direct contact with some of the industry’s most knowledgeable crew.
This is the crux of Alex’s inspiring vision; to ensure that the aspirations of potential yachties are achieved. Arming the local Green Crew with knowledge and resources, YachtieWorld and its various partners are on the way to firmly placing South Africa on the map as a true north destination for yachties from around the world.
There were interviews held with the event collaborators where each was asked a series of questions. The aim of this was to give insight into becoming part of a yacht crew and the different personal experiences.
There were some interesting and amusing answers, such as that from Marli Schoonraad of Pull North when asked how she got into yachting. Marli felt trapped in her hometown and went to work in a circus in San Diego! She saw a few yachts and realised that was where she really wanted to be. She ended up in Palma, Spain and got her first stewardess job in yachting two weeks later – after sneaking onto the docks in a vegetable truck between the broccoli and carrots!
When asked about their craziest experience on a yacht, there were some amusing responses. From an elderly captain falling asleep at the helm in rough seas and the anchor coming loose and smashing through the porthole, to an owner turning up with two duffel bags full of banded €500 notes, sex toys and toothbrushes!
Pete Daly (Uncle Pete) of Sail & Power SA told his story of sinking a 52-foot yacht when a drive-shaft failure took place. He explained what a surreal experience it was to be sitting on a yacht at 2am under a moonlit sky in totally calm weather while sinking into the ocean!
Sandra Jordaan of SIREN Club topped the list of countries visited with a whopping 62, and all 7 continents. This certainly whetted the appetite of all those who attended the event.
In conclusion, the YachtieWorld networking event organised by YachtieWorld founder Alex Haubrich, Pullnorth Yachting founder Marli Schoonraad, and Voyage International Beauty founder Bianca Blom, was a resounding success, bringing together industry experts and aspiring yachties from around Cape Town. With a full capacity of 450 guests, the event offered attendees the opportunity to connect and learn from experienced professionals in the industry. Alex’s vision is inspiring and his commitment to positioning South Africa as a premier destination for yachties worldwide is truly admirable. The YachtieWorld networking event proved to be an invaluable platform for aspiring yachties to make meaningful connections and realise their dreams.
@yachtieworld
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