Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
BOK BEFOK ON THE HIGH SEAS…
In over 53 years of sports journalism, I have covered many international events around the world, but never have I watched a rugby Test on the high seas.
Yesterday, I watched the South Africa vs New Zealand Test on board The Mirage, Africa’s first 150-passenger luxury catamaran, owned by Mark Werhley and Tara Sharbonda.
The catamaran has a glass-enclosed main deck for all-weather comfort, a full-scale galley, a dual deck with a flybridge, and custom amenities. It ensures every journey is a memorable adventure, starting at the V&A Waterfront.
We were invited to watch a live screening of the 107th match between these two giants of world rugby.
The pre-match activities included welcome drinks, music and a DJ who gave way once the players ran onto the field ahead of the rendition of the national anthems.
From that point onwards we were transported to the spiritual home of South African rugby Ellis Park (where the Bokke won the 1995 World Cup final) as the stadium’s sound was transferred to the catamaran’s sound system.
Straight after the kick-off, The Mirage set sail in the direction of Clifton and the onboard staff assistants started doing the rounds with a curated selection of light snacks, sushi, gourmet snacks and the more traditional rugby delights, boerie rolls and hamburgers, followed by exquisite pastries.
The premier culinary offering was the succulent Greek-style lamb chops that Tara told me Mark brought from the Karoo. It blew everyone away with its exceptional quality and unique flavour.
At halftime, The Mirage dropped anchor and when Irish referee Andrew Brace started the second half, we made our way back to the V&A Waterfront at a snail’s pace.
Once the post-match interviews were done and dusted, the DJ cut loose for the mother of all celebrations as ecstatic fans in a sea of green and gold took to the floor with dance routines never seen before.
As soon as the fans heard that our group included a celebrity, a former cricketer of Six Sixes’ fame, buckets of French champagne started making its way to our table.
It was a bespoke sailing expedition in the beauty of the Mother City with its breathtaking vistas and glorious seascapes.
As the first stars began to twinkle overhead, we made our way to the jetty and were left with great memories of a Springbok win snatched from the jaws of defeat.
