Do something almost impossible

First, it was Riaan Manser, alone and unaided… cycling the entire perimeter of the African continent, then circumnavigating Madagascar in a kayak and similarly around Iceland in a double kayak, adding two more incredible world firsts to his name.

He then met his adventure partner for life, Vasti. Together, they broke world records through their adventures; from a world-first ocean row - Africa to North America, and then earning another Guinness World Record during a subsequent ocean crossingthe fastest mid-Pacific row from California to Hawaii.

And now comes - Sailing Family Manser - with the introduction of their two young sons, James aged 5 and Samuel aged 2, to a world of exploration on their newly refurbished Muira 31-foot sailboat!

“We had just bought the boat and James asked me what it will do for us?” says Manser. My answer: “Take us anywhere in the world “ to which James confidently replied: “So, you mean we can go eat Chinese noodles in China?” This is the essence of what Sailing Manser is about.

With vast experience on their ocean rowing boat, they opted for a more family-friendly boat with the intention to explore the world, but first they need to find their sailing “sea-legs.” The maiden voyage will see them set off from Simonstown and make their way along the South African coast stopping in Mossel Bay, East London, Durban and Richards Bay.

In Richards Bay they will do final checks and stock the boat with food and all they will need on the open ocean and then set sail for Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world. With Manser’s new children’s book coming out in July 2023, themed around his circumnavigation of Madagascar, it is only fitting that their voyage will see them sail these waters - but this time as a family.

They might not be heading to China - yet, but the Manser family are ready for this epic family adventure. Doing what we all dream of doing – taking the bold step to live out that dream.

The 2023 Plett Ocean Festival, now in its second year, is scheduled to take place from 30 June - 9 July 2023 in Plettenberg Bay. One of the highlights of the festival is the three-day Marine Science Symposium, which will be held at the iconic Beacon Isle Resort from 30 June - 2 July 2023.

The festival offers a unique opportunity to explore marine conservation, sustainability, coastal exploration, and enjoy sunny days on the water. It takes advantage of Plett’s attractive winter attributes, such as the presence of abundant marine life, including southern right and humpback whales, during the winter months. Following its successful launch in 2022, the festival aims