News

Etanans find their sea legs on Lipton cruise

1 September, 2010

Port Elizabeth insurance adventurer Jim Foot competes in the Lipton Cup yachting challenge

Chris Brown (left), new Durban branch manager and Godfrey Williams, new Port Elizabeth branch manager

InspiRED by the sea and passionate about sailing, Port Elizabeth insurance adventurer Jim Foot skippeRED a yacht in the Lipton Cup during the week of August 22 to 29 – and Etana was there to cheer him on.

For the second year running, Foot’s adventure was sponsored by Etana Insurance, which hired a yacht for the occasion and invited brokers aboard for a fun-poweRED day of sailing around Cape Town’s Table Bay.

The Etana cruise was hosted by Cape Town Branch Manager Charl Swarts and Chris Brown, the new man at the Durban helm. Chris officially took up his position as Durban branch manager today in a planned succession move that saw him turning over his job as Port Elizabeth branch manager to his deputy, Godfrey Williams.

The Etana “crew” hailed from AON in Durban and Cape Town-based Alexander Forbes, SKYTIV and DMKC.

“The Etana cruise gave us a chance to spend time learning about this historic race while spending time socialising with some of our brokers,” says Brown.

The highlight of the Lipton Cup cruise for the Etana brokers was observing their colleague in action under full sail.

However, there were occasional murmurings of mutiny, as some brokers cheered on other competitors in the race.

“Loyalties were mixed, as several of Etana’s brokers were sponsoring other boats competing in the race,” says Brown.

According to Brown, the day was enjoyed by all – except those who turned shades of green due to unwelcome bouts of seasickness.

“This was a terrific opportunity for me to get to know the AON guys from Durban under such enjoyable conditions,” says Brown.

“I personally love sailing and it was a great pleasure to facilitate Etana’s involvement with Jim Foot’s Algoa Bay sailing team and I am looking forward to the new challenges that await me in Durban.”