Conquest Charters

Summer is on its way

Ryan — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:49:59 +0000

I agree that, updates have been slow of late. But I DO have some charters to report back on. The Cape Point run in False Bay has been our most active trip so far with Marine Scene and Blue Flash. As usual weather conditions vary day to day - making for fun outings. Our most recent trip was from the Waterfront which was a great change of scenery.

Marine life – Seals, penguins, a brides whale (no southern right yet) and many bird species.

Pictures courtesy of Blackberry and GoPro

Get Shareaholic

Discovery Shark Week

Ryan — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:43:01 +0000

For those of you who are know me and are familiar with the business, will know that during the winter time in Cape Town I often talk about going to sea. Now Some people might think this is crazy, but it is during this time that the Great White Shark population in False Bay concentrates its feeding habits to a smaller area around Seal Island. This Island is situated not too far from the mainland and harbors, so access is not too difficult for those who brave enough to dare.

The sharks found here have overcome their camera shyness and can be found on numerous documentary reels and the odd facebook album of cage diving adventure seekers. Despite the experience being surreal, adrenaline rushing and completely mind blowing, there are many important conservation lessons that are learnt and can be drawn from, being there in person and watching on TV.

Some of these conservation messages are brought home during the Discovery Channel SHARK WEEK. The sharks are meant to be admired, provide inspiration and feared as a natural predator of the sea. I will attempt to update the blog once a week recording the awesome events (most not my own material) regarding the fascinating world of sharks in oceans.

We begin this homage with something seen on our last trip but not captured on film. Thanks to Chris Fallows and his team these videos are available on the net to be shared and admired.

Get Shareaholic

Sharking around

Ryan — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:09:02 +0000

Last year we ventured out to the film site of Air Jaws. A BBC documentary focusing on the Great White Shark in False Bay, Cape Town. This is not too far from our usual tourist run and naturally we were curious to see more about the famous island. Well we did! and it was awesome, so good no-one took pictures for fear of missing the ‘real deal’.

It’s a year later and we are planning to head back to experience the feeding frenzy that is well captured by the professionals on film and DVD for your viewing pleasure. However, there is something about being there in real life that is magical. Maybe its the rocking of the boat, the smell of the fresh sea air or seals themselves. Then of course there the really quick strikes followed by a tiny adrenaline rush.

Since I am feeling the urge to get to Seal Island again to view the Great White shark feeding habits, I have been scrolling through some interesting online stories. Wired magazine featured an innovative online education and innovation program to protect the sea and its top predators (SharkTagYourIt). I thought I would share it as it speaks to both the environmentally minded as well as the social entrepreneur.

Enjoy the sites and I will posts some pics as soon as we head out next.

Get Shareaholic

Winter won’t stop us!!

Ryan — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:30:48 +0000

June in South Africa signals the arrival of the winter season and is usually accompanied by the cold and the rain, many reasons to stay indoors. However , there are many beautiful days that nestle in between the cold fronts that make their way with ferocity over the Peninsula and the beauty of the Cape tends to shines through on these rare days.

A winters day boat trip to Cape Point on one of those rare days provides a special feeling to those aboard. Their knowing that the sea can be a mean beast, yet the safety of the boat instills a sense of calm and allows them to relax and just enjoy the ride. A Marine Scene tour saw a large group of French tourists require the services of Zangetsu. With no time restrictions and a large swell (to make the journey more enjoyable) we set off for Cape Point at a leisurely pace. The ride was exciting and the group was eager, despite an earlier request to keep it slow. The waves tend to get a bit bigger as we approach Cape Point and the anticipation clearly rises the closer we get. After a few pictures and some historical stories we set back along the coastline to Millers Point.

At the end of the day another happy group that enjoyed the Cape Point experience by sea.

All smiles after a fun trip

But first, we wait for the French to arrive

Get Shareaholic

End of Summer

Ryan — Sat, 21 May 2011 21:44:24 +0000

Once again UCT exchange students joined us for a mid-semester team building excursion. Last year, we took them from HoutBay, however this year we left

from the Oceana Power Boat Club on the Atlantic seaboard. This route includes highlights such as vistas of the beautiful Table Mountain and the marvellous new Cape Town Stadium. Next we pass the Green Point lighthouse (built in 1824) and the very public Sea Point promenade on our way to beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.

Recently, the oceans have been rather full of sea life and we were lucky to have encountered a large sunfish, many basking seals and some playful dusky dolphins enjoying the boats wake. The dolphins have a way of letting you know if you boat if fun to ‘play with’ and do so by staying around for a while before leaving you wanting more. The feeling Enjoy the pictures.

Italian Stowaway

the packs

The Stadium

View from the front

Coming soon a video of the dolphins, stay tuned for more Conquest Adventures

Get Shareaholic

Cape Point Adventures

Ryan — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 17:00:25 +0000

Hi,

Our recent trip to Cape Point was eventful. It was windy but as the saying goes: “The wetter the better”
Although no one really got wet this time around…unfortunately. The Point was beautiful and the passengers were treated to a great day at Sea. We accompanied WhaleSong and RubyRunner. Thankfully they were there to provide assistance due to an electrical fault…That said its all resolved and ready for the next trip. Enjoy some of the pictures.

Get Shareaholic

Summer on the Sea in Cape Town

Ryan — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:27:19 +0000

The year started out well with more locals getting on the boat than internationals as is normally the case. The trip in the picture was planned for an 8am pre-work boat ride from the waterfront. It was amazing; the sea-life – seals,birds, all out in morning light. Glad to say we were back by 9 and everyone was happy.

Get Shareaholic

GREENPEACE: Climate change needs basic leaders

admin — Fri, 14 May 2010 11:19:00 +0000

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

Get Shareaholic

National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Training Day

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 08:15:00 +0000

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.

Get Shareaholic

Ashe’s no good

admin — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:16:00 +0000

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.

Get Shareaholic