by SFT | May 5, 2025 | St Francis
Community Spirit Shines Despite The Storm!
On May 1st, 2025, the MayDay NSRI Golf Day, proudly sponsored by Client Care, teed off at the St Francis Bay Golf Club. Despite wild winds and tough conditions, the event was an incredible success! The community rallied together to raise over R55,000 in vital funds for the lifesaving work of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 21.
The golf field featured 120 enthusiastic players. This included well-known names like professional golfer Wallie Coetzee, Club Pro Jeff Clause from The Links. Also top amateurs Emile Nel, Chris Van Rensburg, Basil Coenraad, Charles Coenraad, and Charl Blaauw. Their energy and competitive spirit helped make the day one to remember. Even with the weather trying its best to steal the show!
Hole-In-One Challenge
One of the highlights was the R100,000 hole-in-one challenge on the 10th hole, sponsored by Frontline Underwriting Managers. Golfers had the chance to win R50,000 in cash while securing a matching R50,000 donation to NSRI. All for landing that perfect shot. With over R7,000 raised in pay-to-play fees alone, the registration desk buzzed with laughter and determination, even as gusty winds made every hole-in-one attempt impossible.
The day ended on a high note with a prize-giving ceremony led by Craig Lambinon, NSRI’s charismatic spokesperson and seasoned volunteer since 1993. His trademark warmth and humour added a special touch to the event. A heartfelt tribute was also paid to Sara Smith, outgoing Station Commander. She has led NSRI Station 21 with courage and a huge heart for 9 incredible years. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
“We are thrilled with the success of the MayDay NSRI Golf Day and grateful to our sponsors, participants, and volunteers,” said Elizabeth Anderson, Co-founder of Nirmatri Events. “The community’s support for NSRI Station 21 is truly inspiring, and we’re honoured to play a part in keeping their vital work afloat.”
Keeping South African Waters Safe
Frank Harpur, volunteer crew member at NSRI Station 21, added, “We’re so thankful for the funds raised today. Every rand helps us continue saving lives. This event shows just how strong the spirit of our community is!”The NSRI, which relies largely on private funding and donations, is powered by volunteers who give their time and skills freely to keep South African waters safe. Thanks to the generosity of everyone involved, the R55,000 raised will directly support NSRI Station 21’s ongoing daily operations.
Big thanks go to our title sponsor Client Care, Frontline Underwriting Managers, and all the other incredible sponsors who helped make this purpose-driven event such a roaring success.
For more information about NSRI Station 21 or to get involved in future events, please contact:
Elizabeth Anderson – Event Coordinator, Nirmatri Event ~ 083 241 0159
Frank Harpur – NSRI Station 21- Representative ~ 071 898 1295
Let’s keep the momentum going — every little bit helps to save lives!
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by SFT | May 5, 2025 | St Francis, Surfing Today
The top surfers set to return to Jeffreys Bay as the 2025 Corona Open J-Bay drops in from 11 to 20 July. After a year off the calendar, the iconic Supertubes is again front and centre on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, and fans are frothing. One of the best right-hand point breaks in the world, Supers is always a popular destination for the top surfers in the world
All eyes will be on local legend Jordy Smith, who has had a good year so far and is currently sitting 5th in the global rankings. The Durban-born charger just broke an eight-year win drought with a triumphant finish at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, ahead of fellow South African and JBay surfer Matt McGillivray. Now he’s staring down a 2025 World Title.
Back-To-Back
Jordy knows Supertubes well. He nailed back-to-back wins here in 2010 and 2011, and the stage is set for a fairy-tale comeback. With home-crowd energy and the ocean in his corner, it could be one for the history books.
It is unclear if McGillivray will battle it out with him, as he has yet to requalify. We will only know after the Margaret River event in Western Australia later this month. McGillivray had a bad event on the Gold Coast, and the Margaret River contest is his last chance, but he loves the wave, and he has requalified from there before.
Matt McGillivray © WSL
Kouga Region
But it’s not just about the surf. The return of the Corona Open J-Bay is a major win for the Kouga region, bringing a wave of visitors. The influx over the JBay Open and the concurrent festival, as well as music events on nightly, contribute massively to the local economy, and everyone wins.
Read more about the Corona Cero Open J-Bay.
Read more about our local surfers here – Gallery: St Francis Surfers In Action In Port Alfred.
by SFT | May 5, 2025 | St Francis
The Kromme Enviro Trust celebrates a successful 2024 Coastal Clean-Up in St. Francis Bay over the weekend, with strong support from residents, businesses, and local organisations. The initiative drew broad participation, partly thanks to favourable weather encouraging a strong community turnout.
High Traffic Zones
Volunteers focused on high-traffic coastal zones, including Bruce’s, Sunset Rock, and Seal Point. Armed with gloves and refuse bags, teams collected litter and debris, which they deposited at designated drop-off points for efficient removal. While the overall condition of the coastline was encouraging, the clean-up still yielded substantial waste, highlighting the ongoing need for environmental vigilance.
Matt Davis and a group of local footballers made a significant impact along the Bruce’s to Grannies Pool section. Their efforts were supported by Bruce’s Cafe and the Ocean Museum, where Nikki, Ernest, and their team provided logistical support and refreshments. Volunteers were treated to ice cream, a small but welcome gesture of appreciation for their hard work.
Nevermind/Pig & Rooster
Nevermind/Pig & Rooster, thanks to Wes and Jules, allowed using their front lawn as a central base camp. The location served as an accessible, organised meeting point for volunteers to gather, receive instructions, and rest.
The clean-up benefited from the active involvement of local organisations. Richard Vauqulin and Lynn Aitken attended on behalf of Rotary, while Trevor Gascoyne represented FOSTER, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative.
Kouga Local Municipality
The Kouga Municipality Parks Department, coordinated by Ivan Kamte, ensured timely rubbish collection and removal. Their prompt action played a key role in the success of the event.
Through clean-ups like this, the Kromme Enviro Trust celebrates environmental stewardship and community engagement in protecting the St. Francis Bay coastline.
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