Six St Andrew’ College learners participated in this year’s Tuna Classic (27 April – 2 May 2009). They were Rick Lister, Cameron Smith, Richard Were, Nicholas Fleischer, Dane van Heteren and Tristin van Heteren – all of them very enthusiastic members of the St Andrew’s Angling Club. Unfortunately the weather had the final say as two out of the five days were cancelled due to foul weather. However, two beautiful tuna were caught by Nicholas Fleischer (19,5 kg) and Tristin van Heteren (18,7 kg). Dane van Heteren landed a great Mako Shark in the 25 kg range which caused much consternation on deck before it was successfully released. A number of smaller Tuna and Bonito were also landed. Most of the boys were deep sea fishing for the first time. They experienced the excitement of three of the six rods going off at the same time, saw shoals of feeding dolphins and also survived really rough seas on the last day before the fishing was called off by the organisers. The boy’s behaviour was exemplary and they proudly represented their school by pitching up at Prize Giving in their Blues. They made a great impression and were called on stage to be congratulated by being the first U16 school team ever to participate in the Challenge. Thanks must go to Mr Fleischer who fully sponsored this event. He was an excellent skipper and strict safety rules had to be adhered to. Apart from deep sea fishing, the boys leant about true hospitality, generosity and how to ‘vasbyt’. Thanks again, Mr Fleischer, for making it all possible.
