A most succesful fund raising event took place this weekend at the Durban Paddle Si Club, to raise funds for the Save Vetch's Association. The SVA is a public body that has legally challenged the authorization of the small craft harbour at Vetch's Beach.
Over 100 padlllers entered the event, which was originally set for them to paddle from Salt Rock to Durban over 2 days. The high swell, however forced most of the paddlers to launch from the sheltered waters of Vetch's Beach, whilst the more experienced and competant anglers launched their skis from Umhloti Beach. Despite the heavy seas, many good catches were made.
The prize giving and weigh in took place at the Durban Paddle Ski Club on Sunday afternoon with hundreds of people flocking down to support this event. It was encouraging to have had so many members od the Durban Ski Boat Club, Durban Undersea Club and Point Yacht Club supporting and assisting the event, even though their chairmen have signed an agreement, that will ultimately destroy the beach at Vetch's. A yacht even anchored off Vetch's Beach, displaying a Save Vetch's Beach banner.

The event highlighted the value of this beach as, whilst most of the Kwazulu Natal coastline, was being battered by the heavy surf, Vetch's Beach resembled a millpond, allowing even the most inexperienced paddlers to launch their skis. This is the beach where most people learn to snorkel, launch ski boats, paddle skis, sail yachts and surf and the destruction of this beach will put an end to all these activities for most people.

Many great prizes (over R70 000 donated by various sponsors) were handed out to anglers and lucky draw winners with the moment of the day being when 75 year old Jimmy Rudd won the Pinacle fishing ski with a R20 ticket. Jimmy was elated as he had never won a thing in his life.

Business also supported the event by donating thousands of rands worth of goods, foods and drinks which were either sold or raffled off to the public.

The Save Vetch's Association and the Durban Paddle Ski Club would like to thank all sponsors and everyone who came down to the beach and supported our cause of preserving Vetch's Beach.

Johnny Vassilaros (SVA and Durban Paddle Ski Club)