Jeppe Boats and Blades what we all about and what we want to achieve.
The awesome sport of rowing shouldn't be an exclusive sport and more of a inclusive sport. With out valued partners, donors and sponsors to make Rowing available to everyone.
J88 – Help Jeppe Rowing Grow
After acquiring 15 boats in 2020 including a top range Swift 8+, Jeppe rowing is poised to be the most dominant Public School in SA rowing. Equipping the club and maintaining a strong position, is the reason Jeppe Boats and Blades Trust (JBB) exists.
Historically Jeppe Rowing have raised funds in response to a need, as JBB we want to create a fund that will ensure the club can plan for equipment purchases knowing that the money is available.
The success of this goal is totally dependent on the contributions from the Jeppe rowing community, many of whom are already supporting the sport that has given them good memories, great experiences and lifelong friendships.
All it takes for you to be part of making Jeppe Rowing great is a monthly contribution of R88.00. This will ensure Jeppe has equipment in which to train and compete at the highest level.
Through Jeppe Boats and Blades, you are 100% guaranteed that your contribution will go towards equipping Jeppe Rowing. Section 18a tax certs are available please let us know in advance should you need these.
Should you be interested or wish to contribute or have any questions, please email us
Our guarantee to you is that 100% of your contribution will go to equip Jeppe Rowers
Section 18a tax certs are available please let us know in advance should you need these.
Looking forward to building a formidable club with you!
Martin Maine, the
legacy that
is both man and
boat.
If you were looking for
1 person to represent
Jeppe Rowing from its
birth in 1958 up to
2022, you need look no further
than Martin Maine. From the time he was asked by his uncle Dr JRD Tomlinson, to put a Jeppe crew together, his love and support for Jeppe Rowing has never diminished. The crew that Martin brought together was made up of Michael Watt, Herbert Freercks, James Davidson and Ken Brooks. In 1959, the crew coached by Doc Tomlinson, competed at their first SA School Champs held on the Buffalo River. As the only Transvaal school at the regatta, they beat many seasoned Cape school crews to come second to Selbourne. The very first Jeppe crew with Doc Tomlinson, who was both a coach and mentor. In 2021, Martin sponsored a 4+ and named it after Doc Tomlinson, the founder of rowing at Jeppe and school boy rowing on the reef. In April 2021, Martin was able to christen the boat at an event hosted by the club. It is fitting that on Martin’s 80th birthday in January 2022, his son’s Brian and Colin presented him with a 4+ that was to be named after him. The following week Martin and his son’s met with Simon Moore, the Director of Rowing at Jeppe, at the boat house where Martin was able to see the boat that will bear his name.
Martin and his boat
From Right to left, Martin, Brian and Colin
Just over 60 years from the first time his Jeppe 4+ took to the water, Martin Maine will again be competing under the Jeppe banner, only this time it will not be as an athlete, but as a John Waugh wing rigger quad that has the honour of bearing his name.
Gladius – Victory Assured
When naming the scull he adopted, Claudio Salassa, crew of 1974, knew that in addition to supporting current and future Jeppe rowers, he wanted to reflect on aspects of his family’s background. Claudio who now lives in Houston Texas was a first generation South African Italian. His father was originally from Torino in the north of the country while his mother was a full blooded Roman. Growing up with his mother at home, it goes without saying that Claudio’s speech and mannerisms were always going to be more Roman. The outworking of this is that Claudio has always been fascinated by the fact that that his family has roots in Rome and the Roman Empire.
The Romans Empire was one of the greatest and most influential civilizations in world history. Originating from the city of Rome in 753 BC it lasted for well over 1000 years,
and grew to rule much of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. While we have the benefit of their legal and governance systems today, the empire grew mostly at the edge of the sword, the Gladius in particular. While the sword was not a Roman invention this relatively short, double-edged weapon became the hallmark of Roman infantry who used it with deadly effect.
Claudio notes that in keeping with the tradition of naming boats after bladed weapons, he felt that Gladius and the victories it ensured would be appropriate.
watch the interview we did with Claudio and hear more about his time as a Jeppe Oarsman.
The J.R.D. Tomlinson - Commemorating the Birth of Jeppe Rowing
As a school, Jeppe has always been proud of its values and traditions that have stood the test of time. Being true to these values is what defines Jeppe boys and serves as a testimony of where we have come from, our contributions to making the world a better place and who we are aligned to. It’s these values and traditions that bond us to old boys who have gone before us and to future generations who will continue to live by them.
As Jeppe Boats and Blades, we are delighted to unveil the name of a Four to honour Doctor J.R.D. Tomlinson. This has been made possible through a generous donation from Martin Maine, who holds the privilege of being the very first Jeppe Oarsman.
The story began in 1958 when Doc Tomlinson, himself a Jeppe old boy, encouraged his nephew Martin Maine, the coxswain of the Doctor’s Wemmer Pan crew, to get a Jeppe crew together. Martin gathered a crew made up of Michael Watt, Herbert Freercks, James Davidson and Ken Brooks. Coached by Doc, the crew competed against the clubs and university teams and in 1959, decided to compete at schoolboy level at SA Champs held on the Buffalo River. Schoolboy rowing in the Cape was already well established and the Jeppe crew came a close second to the formidable Selbourne College crew. News of this achievement reached Mr Grant, the then Headmaster of Jeppe, and spurred the formation of the club. Doctor Tomlinson approached Anglo Vaal, who purchased 3 x Fours, one went to Jeppe, with KES and Parktown Boys also each receiving a boat. With this, schoolboy rowing was born and was shortly bolstered by General Smuts and Mondeor High also putting crews together.
The school is proud of the fact that Doctor Tomlinson and the Jeppe crew of 1959 are the catalysts of schoolboy rowing on the Reef. The naming of the Four in memory of Doctor Tomlinson, pays tribute to his contribution and is an apt reminder that his legacy continues to this day.
Project Damascus – a new 1st 8
The event that led up to the formation of Jeppe Boats and Blades was Jeppe’s 1st 8’s result
in the 2020 SA School’s Championships. With no boat of their own, but keen to compete, the
school was able to borrow a boat on the weekend of Champs. Undeterred by the fact that they
had no time to practice and get accustomed to the boat, the 1st 8 came first in their heat and
4th in the final. Two former oarsmen, Chris Midlane and Greg Le Roux, were inspired by the
team’s tenacity and decided to get the 1st 8 into a boat of their own. With advice from Devin
Cripwell, the then Director of Rowing, it was decided that the Swift Carbon Elite 8+, a winged
rigger 8+ where all skins are 100% carbon from end to end, was the best option. With the
help of Michelle Kirby, who joined the trust a month after its the support and generosity of the
old boy community was overwhelming and despite the arrival of COVID 19, which coincided
with the Jeppe Boats and Blades initiative, it was clear that we were going to achieve our objective. With the deposit
paid in June 2020, the discussion turned to the naming of the boat, and in keeping with the tradition of naming boats
after blades the name “Damascus” was agreed. The reason for the name is that Damascus steel was the forged steel
of the blades of swords, smithed in the Near East from ingots of Wootz steel, imported from Southern India. These
swords are characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water, or in a
“ladder” or “teardrop” pattern. Such blades were reputed to be tough, resistant to shattering, and capable of being
honed to a sharp, resilient edge. The reputation and history of Damascus steel has given rise to many legends, such as
the ability to cut through a rifle barrel or to cut a hair falling across the blade. Although many types of modern steel
outperform ancient Damascus alloys, chemical reactions in the production process made the blades extraordinary for
their time, as Damascus steel was superplastic and very hard at the same time. Chris Midlane connects the name with
Jeppe in that; “Damascus steel is forged in layers, with various other alloys to make it unique. Just like the Jeppe old
boys. A variety of boys pitching together to fund the boat. Each unique in their own way” conception, the task of raising
R500 000 for the boat began.
Launch of Cleaver
The story of Gary ‘Butch’ Hepburn and his faithful John Waugh Racing Scull is one that transcends the boundaries of time and place. Butch was a successful school coxswain, he coxed both the 1st 4 and 2nd 8 in 1984 and 1985 respectively, with a string of wins culminating in a 2nd 8 Win at ’84 and ’85 SA Champs. Not content with this, the 3rd 8 in which he rowed as bowman also had a successful year.
Like all good stories there were disappointments too and the ’84 1st 4 crew that included Kevin Smith, Sean Du Buisson, Warren Van Rensburg, Christian Roberg (shown in picture below), were unbeaten the whole season, finished 3rd at SA champs to St Stithians (who took delivery of a new Empacher two weeks before champs) and a touring German Squad who took second place.
Butch’s rowing and coaching of junior teams did not end when leaving school and in 1986 he coached the Jeppe under 14’s with Antony Short and in 1987 the under 15’s. Military conscription in 1988 and career opportunities in Kimberley in 1990 interrupted his rowing opportunities. In 1999 he purchased the John Waugh racing scull which accompanied him to Scotland, where he was fond of rowing on the lake at Lochwinnoch, located in the west central Lowlands. Ultimately both Butch and boat returned to South Africa a year later and returned to Kimberley where he still resides.
The scull has once again gone on a journey, this time from Kimberly to its new home at the Jeppe rowing shed at Victoria Lake. Here it will give a whole new group of oarsmen the chance to appreciate the craftsmanship that John Waugh boats are renowned for as they refine their own skills and hopefully take home some medals.
In keeping with the tradition of naming boats after blades, it is fitting that the boat was named Cleaver. This is relevant, as Butch is a well-known restaurateur in both Kimberly and George and this blade is a mark of his profession.
Jeppe Boats and Blades thanks Butch for both his generous contribution to the new 1st 8 and donating “Cleaver” to the Jeppe Rowing Club. His continued support is testimony to the value he places on the sport and in equipping current and future oarsmen.
The Claymore Adopted and Named
We are excited to announce that just a week after announcing Gladius’s adoption another scull was adopted.
Stuart Johnstone, ’73 crew adopted and named a scull. Stuart chose to name the boat Claymore which keeps with the tradition of Jeppe naming boats after blades while honouring his Scottish heritage.
The term claymore is an anglicisation of the Gaelic claidheamh mór or “big/great sword”. This great sword is the Scottish variant of the late medieval two-handed sword in use from the 15th to 17th centuries. The word claymore was first used in reference to basket-hilted swords during the 18th century in Scotland and parts of England. This description was maybe not used during the 17th century, when basket-hilted swords were the primary military swords across Europe, these basket-hilted, broad-bladed, swords remained in service with officers of Scottish regiments into the 21st century. After the Acts of Union in 1707 when Scottish and English regiments were integrated together, the swords were seen as a mark of distinction by Scottish officers over the more slender sabres used by their English contemporaries: a symbol of physical strength and prowess, and a link to the historic Highland way of life
Nodachi adopted and named
We are once again able to announce the adoption and naming of another boat. The story of Nodachi’s adoption and naming encapsulates the team spirit of rowing.
It’s in this spirit that Clive Gillman adopted the boat and asked that the Jeppe oarsmen to name it. Clive is well known to Jeppe rowing as an oarsman and coach including the U23 pair for the 2003 World Champs. He has inspired many and has achieved the ultimate achievement of any sportsman, that of representing their country in 1981 & 1982 and again in 2005 when he rowed in the world masters.
Given the announcement that Nicholas Bonthuys had been selected for the 2021 S.A. Junior National Squad that will participate at this year’s Junior World Rowing Championships in Plovdiv Bulgaria, it was suggested that Nick should have the honour of naming the boat.
Nick has named the boat Nodachi, a traditional Japanese sword favoured for their length and accuracy and particularly effective against cavalry charges. Nick says that:
‘To me, it is not about the meaning of the name of the sword, but more about what it was like for the person using it. The soldier needed to have a high degree of skill to use this sword and it gave the soldier the confidence to take on an enemy bigger than them – and win’.
Aligning this analogy to rowing he goes on to say that ‘Similar to a scull, where the oarsman needs to have skill and confidence to succeed’.
Clive’s response to the name is: ‘I like it, length and accuracy … makes a rowing boat move very fast’ !!
Echoing these observations, may every rower who trains or competes in the Nodachi, find that the boat will perform with agility and boost their confidence.
First Double Adopted and Named ‘Iklwa’
We can once again announce that another boat has been adopted and named ‘Iklwa’.
The adoption of a double scull has been made possible in part through the collective monthly contributions from people who have signed up to the J88 initiative. This has enabled JBB to raise the R20 000 needed to pay for the boat.
The incoming Rowing Captains Sven Clausen (Club Captain), Joshua Gillespie (Vice Captain) and Darian Ferreira (Vice Captain) were asked to name the boat. In considering the name the Captains looked to the current fleet for inspiration.
They were fully aware that the club has a double scull called Assegai which is named after the traditional Zulu throwing spear. Being one of the more seasoned boats in the shed, they got to thinking that while it was still in use and would continue to contribute to the club’s success, it would work well if paired with a newer boat.
This thinking led them to consider Shaka the Zulu king recognised for his military reforms, who invented a shorter stabbing spear. This weapon is known as the iklwa (after the sound that was heard as it was withdrawn from the victim). As the context of Shaka’s conquests, the Assegai double is not abandoned, but will be used in conjunction with Iklwa.
In the same way that this tactical combination gave Shaka’s forces a significant advantage, the Iklwa double will compliment the Assegai double and Jeppe Rowing Clubs fleet as a whole.
Should you want to find out more about the J88 club and how you can help sustain Jeppe Rowing Clubs growth for as little as R88 per month, please
Falchion
The 2021/2022 Rowing season will most definitely go down in the history books of the Jeppe Rowing club and will be spoken of for many years to come. In the words of Brendan Gittins Director of sports at Jeppe High School for boys, rowing was the best performing summer sport resulting in the first 8 all receiving full colors and well deserved.
It is for this reason that there were no better people than the departing opens to ask to name the pair that has recently been fully paid for. It turned out to be a far harder task than they thought and there was a lot of debate and deliberation on what a suitable name for the boat would be as well as what did they want their legacy to be as they exit the club.
Finally, they decided on a name – Falchion. When asked the reason behind the name they were very quick to revert as a lot of time and effort had gone into selecting this particular name.
“The Falchion Sword was one of the most popular weapons used in the medieval period. The name originates from the old French word, fauchon, which means a “broad sword”. It is a single-handed, single-edged sword that originated in Europe, characterized by its broad, curved design with the edge on its convex side.
Falchion swords were primarily used for cutting an opponent’s limbs and slicing unprotected areas of the body swiftly and with a single stroke.
Why this name? We have chosen this name as departing opens to associate this seasons success to the blade, just as the sword was deemed to be unfitting to be used by the best, the knights and the soldiers during the time, Jeppe was seen as a minimalistic threat when it came to racing however the crews of the Jeppe rowing club dominated the season with a swift movement “cutting deep” into the success of other clubs which we competed against.”
After receiving the above explanation, no other name could be more appropriate to sum up their season as they all move on to brighter futures taking the experiences and memories gained during their time at Jeppe Rowing club.
Scull named in memory of Trevor du Toit.
Trevor was a Jeppe Boy all his life. He started at Jeppe in the centenary year of 1990 and from the start he loved everything about it and forever loved being part of the Jeppe family. He loved the ethos, the traditions, the discipline, the sporting life and the culture it brought and was passionate to share it with everyone.
Trevor loved all sport and gravitated to rowing and hockey as well as he was passionate about the pipe band. He fell ill in his first year and was hospitalised and had to have his spleen removed. Even with these medical issues he excelled at rowing and poured all his energy into it, making the 1st eight and getting half colours for Rowing.
After matriculating in 1994, Trevor and several Jeppe Old Boys moved to London and shared a house and created a new life there. Upon returning home Trevor studied Mechanical Engineering and focussed on a new passion of cycling. He did at least 15 Cape Argus cycle events and 2 Sani2C mountain bike events. And to top it all off he also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to top off a stellar sporting career.