To keep things interesting around here we’ve decided to share the story on how we ended up with our boat name. We hope you enjoy it!
When it comes to naming a boat, you can take two avenues, something funny or clever like “Ship Happens” or “Unsinkable II” or you can take a more personal meaning like one of our Knsyna500 sister ships S/V Second Chance. We decided to go with the latter group.
The whole family sat down and decided what name would have a special meaning to us. We reviewed countless names to represent our African origins with a mix of the Australian side, but all that it resulted in was names which were too complex or too difficult to put on a boat. One must realise that you will be using this name on all entry documents, when dealing with authorities as well as having to spell it out phonetically. So, when it came to our decision to try and apply the name “Scatterlings” after the song “Scatterlings of Africa” by Juluka. We realised that it would take nearly an eternity to spell that name out phonetically especially when dealing with non-English speaking authorities. It was back to the drawing board to think of a name.
When I first heard about SV Catching Up’s construction, it was a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Who are these builders? Are they going to do a good job? Will we end up bankrupting ourselves by taking on this venture? All these questions were running through my head. One can only do so much research when preparing to have a boat built. You can read reviews and watch YouTube videos of the same boat you are soon going to be sailing, however, to stand and stare at your vessel is a whole new experience. You get a rush as you put your hand on her port hull, caking your hand in the fibreglass dust, it’s an exhilarating experience! This is going to be the first article of many highlighting my experiences when visiting and viewing our “still under construction” yacht…
… a Knysna 500 SE called “Catching Up”.
Having handled countless tasks from arranging insurance to sourcing and purchasing electrical components on the vessel, it was a welcome surprise when I was asked if I wanted to travel down to Knysna to view the boat and meet with the construction team. Touching down in Port Elizabeth, the three-hour car ride along the Southern Cape Garden Route towards Knysna gave me time to prepare myself mentally with the questions I wanted to ask. The long moving background of deep canyons, ocean views and lush green bushland provided an excellent view to daydream to while I tried to prepare for what was to come.
As we approached the large corrugated iron factory, it dawned on me that the factory exterior had a mild resemblance to the Knysna Yacht Company sail logo. Perhaps this was merely the onset of early insanity following the 3-hour car ride mixed in with a little jet lag. As we waited for the slow mechanical gate to open, our vessel was greeting us through the opening of the factory doors. As we walked up to her, the only thought going through my head was “Holy Crap! She is a bloody big boat!” Sitting with a length of 50ft and a beam of 27ft it is easy to understand the initial reaction I had. Walking along her portside bow, I immediately noticed the excellent craftsmanship and care that has gone into our yacht. The movement of the factory staff felt like that of worker bees buzzing the hive, each tasked with an important role all culminating in a beautiful piece of art. I don’t use this word lightly, the Knysna 500SE is a floating piece of art! The endless customisation options allow for your wildest dreams, from hydraulically lowered swim platforms to custom made eco-friendly solar systems the Knysna Yacht Company takes customers desires and converts them from an idea to reality.
SV Catching üP! 