Knysna Oyster Festival 2012 Article and photos by CPO Byron Lombard Enquiries: 021 787 4697

The South African Navy has been involved with the annual Knysna Oyster Festival for a number of years and very good relationships have been built with the local community in Knysna. To maintain these relationships the SA Navy participated in the Knysna Oyster Festival from 9 till 16 July. The SAS Umhloti and SAS Umkomaas were deployed to attend this annual event.

The unfortunate weather conditions at the Knysna Heads were not conducive for the ships to come through the heads. Swells of 6 meter and gale winds coupled with limited visibility made it unsafe for the ships to make the treacherous attempt at entering the heads.

6m swells made it close to impossible to enter the heads

The weather played a huge role in the rest of the events that had to take place for the weekend ahead.

The cleaning up and commemoration ceremony of RN Mascot Dog “Bondi” was conducted at Thesen’s Island by Cdr Steve Erikssen and the sea cadets of TS Knysna. The sea cadets applied brasso to the plaque and cleaned around the grave.

Not safe to enter the heads	Cdr Erikssen during the commemoration ceremony
Cleaning the plague	Cleaning of the Bondi grave by TS Knysna Cadets

The courtesy call to the mayor and Chief magistrate was cancelled due to the ships not being along side in Knysna.

The Navy also entered the always entertaining, oyster eating competition at the Oyster Catcher restaurant. Five members entered and did really well to keep the Navy’s name high at this epic competition. Having the support of R Adm. (JG) Kubu supporting the teams really made it a memorable time for all concerned.

R Adm Teuteberg , Exec. Mayor G. Wolmarans and a town councilor	R Adm Teuteberg speaking to a sea cadet on parade
Proud sea cadets doing precision drill	R Adm Teuteberg inspecting the sea cadets on parade
Guard Commander salutes	Inspection party arrive on parade

The right of entry parade moved from the Main Road of Knysna to a parking lot in Thesen’s Island due to the gale force winds and rain. This provided cover for all those on parade. Ceremonial Warrant Officer WO1 B. Moodley was tested with limited space, but rose to the occasion. R Adm B. H. Teuteberg represented C Navy at the parade. R Adm Teuteberg thanked the community for always welcoming the SA Navy to Knysna and relationships that have been fostered over the many visits to Knysna. Executive Mayor of Knysna Mrs Georlene Wolmarans inspected the parade which also included the sea cadets from TS Knysna and the South African Police Services (SAPS). The SAPS entertained the crowd with a musical routine and the sea cadets let the crowd speechless with a well planned and executed precision drill.

Recruiting by AB Mashala	Rain did not prevent the SA Navy band from playing
The small crowd that attended the parade in the parkade on Theses Island	The venue for the cocktail function
GO NAVY!	AB Mashala loving those oysters

The Navy’s Public Relations team also had an exhibition on Thesen’s Island who was accompanied by recruiting from Pretoria.

Due the weather the rest of the events for the festival had to be cancelled.

Ships company before the parade

Although the festival was not well attended due to the weather the SA Navy can be proud and has made its presence felt in the town of Knysna.