I thank God every year for the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate – a place where I can truly be myself in the comfort of like-minded people who understand the difference between being classy and being clever. A place where I feel protected from the riff-raff and can discuss the latest issue of Vanity Fair with those who understand that it really is not a women’s fashion magazine.

Am I biased because our family Bastide in Provence is only a few town’s away from the town of Lourmarin, a town that lends it’s name to the wine brand behind the Queen’s Plate? Maybe…

But the fact remains – to put the Queen’s Plate in the same category and to compare it to other horse races (if indeed there were others?) is laughable. The Queen’s Plate is not Cape Town’s horse race of the year, The Queen’s Plate is South Africa’s SOCIAL EVENT of the year.

It, quite simply, does not get better than this.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the 149th running of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate will be taking place on January the 9th, 2010, at Kenilworth Race Course for a purse of R1 million. I will be there, and so will South Africa’s finest.

A DAY AT THE RACES

The prestigious and undoubtedly the most stylish event on the Cape Town racing and social calendar, the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, will be run for the 149th time at Kenilworth race course on January 9, 2010, for a purse of R1 million.

One of South Africa’s premier horse races over 1600m and a weight-for-age contest in line with the world’s most renowned Grade 1 events, the historic L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate was first held in 1861 in honour of Queen Victoria. When she died, the race became the King’s Plate up until the accession of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne in 1953. Today it is a chic and fashionable affair which brings the country’s finest thoroughbred horses onto centre stage and surrounds them with haute couture fashion, vintage cars and fine wines.

The 149th running of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate
January 9, 2010 – Kenilworth Race Course

The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate is a day steeped in elegance and punters are requested to dress in keeping with the blue and white dress code, which is carried through to the décor in the VIP village and style lounges. For ladies this means floaty, summery frocks in pearl, alabaster and ivory with large hats to shield their delicate skin from the harsh South African sun. Gentlemen don lightweight summer suits with ties in shades of sapphire, cornflower, turquoise, navy, sky, cobalt and powder blue. Effort will be rewarded with prizes for the best dressed couple who have embodied the sophistication of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate.

In the style lounges, guests will be accommodated in comfort and luxury in a variety of marquees, with a dazzling array of gourmet food stalls, plentiful totes for placing bets, classy wine and champagne bars, and a specially constructed deck for an uninterrupted view of their winning horse romping home. Later, as the sun dips behind the mountain and the last race is run, some of the country’s best musicians and DJs will take to the stage to entertain the crowds till late.

Like last year, car enthusiasts can look forward to a host of beautiful, classic vintage cars, which will be on display throughout the day.

Tickets: Entrance to the style lounges and VIP village is R250 excluding food and drink, and tickets are available at Computicket. A wide range of delicious food and beverages will be on sale there.

Date / Time: 9 January, 2010 from 11h00 until 23h00

Dress code: Strictly Blue and White

For more information go to www.lqp.co.za

I trust I will be seeing you there?

Until then, CLICK HERE for some pics from last year’s Queen’s Plate, including pics of Minki van der Westhuizen, Trcy McGregor, Lisa Cowley, Michelle Cowley, Lyndall Jarvis, Schalk Burger, Jo-Ann Strauss and more!

And EVEN MORE here!

The Annual Industry 5 A-Side soccer tournament is back – bigger and better!

This year’s venue is Hamilton’s Rugby Club, in the shadows of the 2010 WORLD CUP stadium, with all the excitement of past tournaments, and a huge afterparty at the venue thrown in for extra amounts of fun.

Look forward to a great vibe, bars, food stands, kids entertainment and more!

MC extraordinaire, Dan Nicholl (2oceansvibe Character “The Celebrity MC” will be hosting the day and Red Bull Street stylists will provide some mind blowing exhibition free-styling.

DJ JET, supported by Yaron, will be busting out the tunes during the day, with a surprise HEADLINE DJ rocking the afterparty.

TOURNAMENT sponsors HEINEKEN and technical suppliers MONTA will make sure this day is one to remember.

To enter a team, get in touch with Sox (2oceansvibe Character “The Personal Jukebox“) on 079 3954411 or djsox13@gmail.com

Or check out their Facefuck page here.

I’ve just been sent these brand new pics of the new Cape Town International Airport, which is opening this weekend!

Could someone please check who those bags belong to?

What an amazing occasion! I was just at DF Malan last week (en route to Jan Smuts) and the dust from the building over my car was something to behold! I’m glad that will be over – quite weird parking underground and getting more dust than if you were parked outdoors!

Click the thumbnails below to check out the rest of the pics!

Nice. Real nice.

Looking forward to the world cup fans arriving at DF Malan and enjoying a hassles free experience!

[thanks dad]

I attended a full day at the Audi High Performance Driving Course at Killarney race track in Cape Town. I don’t know if it was because of that speeding fine I got, but my boys at Audi Centre Cape Town felt I couldn’t carry on driving the R8 or the TT without attending the course. It sounded like fun, and anyway, it also allows a reduction in insurance premiums. I’m FINE with that!

It was on a Friday (the whole day 08h30 to 16h30) and I realised at that moment that we have NO idea that, at any given time in our week, normally people like you and me could be SCREAMING around a race track during working hours! And that’s exactly what I did! Not that I have “working hours” per se, but you know what I mean!

Wernich, from Audi Centre Cape Town ensured that I was settled and then bolted then moment the head instructor walked into the room.

I turned to the front and that’s when it all fell into place.

Do you remember this guy from Top Gun?

“Viper” – from Top Gun

Of course you do. His name in the movie was Mike Metcalf (callsign: Viper) and he was the instructor at the Top Gun fighter pilot academy.

That was basically the vibe I got at the beginning of the day. I sat there in my chair as the head instructor, John Simpson (same vibe as Viper) explained the day’s schedule. I looked around and sized up the other people attending. I couldn’t help but wonder, who was the best of the best?

I caught the end of something he was saying – “in case any of you are wondering who the best is, it’s not you – it’s these guys right here.” As he pointed to the professional driving instructors standing beside him.

Viper runs us through the day’s lineup

The Audi Top Gun pilots

“These men will be taking three of you in each car and they will gauge your strengths and weaknesses. Listen to them and you will learn a lot.”

Nice vibe..

My team mates, Lorinda and Allan and I got the best instructor of the day, Gary. Try and get him when you go – he’s an ex-racing champion. I get on well with ex-racing champions so I knew we would have a good day.

I beg your pardon? You want to know my involvement with ex-racing champions.

Seriously, do I have to?

Okaaaaaay, if I MUST!

  
Michael Schumacher asked if he could record this moment.
“No problem,” I said, “as long as you get my Judrons in the shot.”

So anyway, back to the Audi High Performance Driving Course. I can categorically state that I have never become so enlightened in just eight hours, as I was at Killarney that day. I did the fixed-wing glider course once – and that took a week. Not a lot of people have that kind of time.

Besides hurtling around the track at (by the end of the day) at 180 km/h and TEARING into corners, the learning that went down was something to behold! In this one test, they show you how where the car stops if you slam on brakes at 60 km/h. Then, after marking that off, they do it again at 120 km/h. Do you know how much further the stopping point was?

Just a bit more the original distance?

Twice the original distance?

No my friend, it’s something like four or five times the distance!

These are the kind of things you get exposed to which result in your insurance premiums going down. Because you leave a better informed and more skilled driver.

The guys also take you through technologies like ABS and ESP and explain to you exactly how they work. But they don’t just explain, they get you to try it out yourself. slamming on anchors at 100 km/h, violently turning from one side to the other, trying to roll the car – stuff like that. It’s pretty hairy stuff but totally in control at all times.

That’s the one beautiful thing about the day, is the slickness of the whole operation. Not for one second did I worry about my safety – such is the calming effect of being around professionals like these.

And THIS is the result!

Seth becomes a Top Gun pilot

Oh yes! Not to be silly or anything, I would prefer it if you called me “Maverick” from now on. Thanks very much.

Check out their vibe at the official Audi High Performance Driving Course website for these training days – www.4rings.co.za

Besides the reduction in insurance premiums, this is a brilliant way to spend a day and learn at the same time. I couldn’t imagine a better team building initiative for companies out there looking for something different.

Here are some pics from our day.

Thanks again to Audi Centre Cape Town for such an incredible experience. And remember, if you’re in the market for a new car, give them a shout. I’ve got the TT and the R8 and can’t say enough about them. Go for a test drive – apparently they’re got some HOT new S4’s in..

You don’t get better service and, if you give me a shout before, I can probably organise you a cheeky little discount to make your buying experience even more fun! CLICK HERE

You might have spotted the new Cosmopolitan Mag on the shelves which happens to be their annual Beach Babe Summer Special, which includes the 66-page Swimwear guide. I can confirm that is is very hot. I slept next to mine the first night I had it.

We spooned.   

Back to the point of this article – there is something quite silly happening on wednesday, 11 November. Basically, it’s gonna be Bikini City. I can just picture it. There will be hordes of angels prancing around in bikini’s on and off the ramp – whilst you and I sip on cocktails and flutter around the room, undressing each other with our eyes. Because that’s how it was meant to be. And that’s how it always is at the annual Cosmopolitan Swimwear Fashion Show and Summer Party!

Check it out here, as well as how and where to get tickets.

Cosmopolitan magazine’s popular Summer issue is out now and, in true Cosmo style, sets the tone for the hottest months of the year. The issue features a 66-page special shot in Egypt in partnership with Max Factor and showcases the latest in beachwear, from metallics, animal prints, bohemian-inspired fabrics to the very popular vintage styles.

The brands featured in this year’s Cosmo Summer issue are Speedo, Woolworths, Davidoff, Sunglass Hut, Vawter, Clicks, Max Factor, Scott & Wells, Havaianas, AC Activewear and Hang Ten.

To kick start the summer fun, Cosmo will host its annual Summer party at Ignite in Camps Bay, Cape Town on the 11^th of November. All the summer fashion featured in the magazine will be showcased at the Egypt-themed fashion show and the party promises to set the tone for summer. Tickets to the event are available at Computicket outlets or online at www.computicket.co.za.

For any queries contact Melissa Beukman n 011 262 3244.

For more Cosmo, go to www.cosmopolitan.co.za

Shame, it sounds just AWFUL, don’t you agree?

We really must try our best not to go. Seriously, there is nothing I hate more than models and bikini’s (and topless guys in boardshorts for the girls) and cocktails and smooth tunes as the sun sets over Camps Bay.

Sis.

Very poofie..

So anyway we’re giving away 5 pairs of tickets to you, the lucky 2oceansvibe readers. All you have to do to win the tickets is email editor@2oceansvibe.com with subject “Cosmo Compo” and tell me who is on the cover of the latest Cosmopolitan mag (the cover is red and it’s not the angel in the image above.)

Competition closes on Friday 6 November at 17h00 and, as always, is only open to 2oceansvibe Subscribers.

CLICK HERE to SUBSCRIBE to the VIBE.

It’s with great ease that they do, because Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut (lest we forget the Le Grand Pavillon Brut Rosé) has very recently become the sparkling wine of choice for 2oceansvibe. Hardened 2oceansvibers out there will know what it takes to get the nod as a 2oceansvibe brand and, make no mistake, this premium Franschhoek outfit has paid their dues.

It’s won’t be long until you’ll find it at all your favourite 2oceansvibe hangouts, including Caprice, Miss K, 1800 Restaurant, Cape Royale Hotel, HQ Restaurant and Caveau.

Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut
Now being served at The Safe House

Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut – the 2oceansvibe Sparkling Wine of choice.

The Methode Cap Classique of choice, I might add!

I’ll be honest, The Muse and I klapped a bottle each on Sunday and I must say it goes VERY well with the Atlantic Seaboard. In fact, it goes very well with the entire weekend. It went well with the post-Clifton-tanning-session Sunday Times hour , as well as the vinyl player interlude, featuring Barry and Barbs.. Yes, it seems to adapt very well.

But you would have known that anyway, if you were following the 2oceansvibe Twitter feed, as well as the 2oceansvibe Flickr feed..

For the more serious bubbly drinkers out there, you can CLICK HERE to download the Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut cheat sheet (PDF) which will answer all those questions you might be asking. Questions that I cannot answer. All I know is it tastes great and everyone I drink it with thinks the same!

Then, when you’re done there, take a stroll down to their website and see what it takes to become the official 2oceansvibe bubbly – www.boschendalwines.com

Never before was there a better excuse to grow a moustache and get away with it. It’s the month of Movember and ll you guys should be aware that you have a right, nay a duty to grow your moustache. And no-one can stand in your way either – not your boss and not even your angel (nor your gay lover). Because you have the best excuse ever – it’s to raise awareness for Men’s health issues, like testicular cancer. That’s right! So who are they to stop you doing it?

The month ends with a bowling tournament at the Fresnaye Bowling Club.

As can be expected, Team 2oceansvibe won last year. Yup, turns out it’s not just motor racing and love making that Seth is awesome at.

Team 2oceansvibe – reigning champs..

Check it out:

During Mo–vember (the month formerly known as November) men all over the world are growing moustaches in order to raise awareness for Men’s Health Issues. We’re celebrating the end of this moustache growing month by hosting a lawn bowls competition with a difference.

In its second year, Bowling for Movember, will be hosted at the Fresnaye Bowls Club on the 29 November. Last year’s event was a great success and we raised over R15000 for CANSA…..check out our youtube video. Bowling for Movember is an opportunity for all those who have grown their moustache in support of Men’s Health Issues to show off their mo’s and bowling prowess in style. Full bar, DJs, café and sponsor stands which include a Dermalogica Skin Bar and WellSpa Massage Zone. There’ll also be a nurse and CANSA representative there on the day, who will have all the info you need on Prostate and Testicular Cancer.

It is estimated that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Prostate Cancer is the leading cancer in males and more than 4000 men are diagnosed yearly with prostate cancer in South Africa. Males over the age of 50 should have yearly screening.Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy of males aged 15 – 35 years. The incidence of testicular cancer is on the increase. In both Prostate and Testicular Cancer, early detection and treatment significantly improves the outcome.

All the money raised by Bowling for Movember is used to grow awareness of men’s health issues by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). CANSA uses funds raised for research, to increase awareness of the importance of early detection and to improve the support networks for those affected with prostate or testicular cancer.

Here are some suggestions:

The event is on Sunday 29 November 2009 at the Fresnaye Bowls Club 10am – 5pm

Great Prizes for the winning teams, best mo-bro, best mo-sista, best dressed mo-team! Our delightful and hilarious mc’s Corne and Twakkie will be on hand to keep the good times rolling. They will also be conducting the charity auction for some awesome prizes.

Enter your team of 4. Team entries cost R500. All proceeds go to CANSA.

CLICK HERE for the Bowling For Movember website and sign up your team!

I am overly impressed with the vibe being thrown by the new Cape Quarter, in the de Waterkant neighborhood of Green Point. Do yourself a favour and do a little fly-by along Somerset Road, opposite the BP (who are upgrading their shop to include some new kind of Pick ‘n Pay express vibe – much needed).

The all new Cape Quarter “Extension”
Generally quite stunning..

Dubbed, the “Cape Quarter ‘Extension,’” this is what their website tells us:

Cape Quarter ‘Extension’

The Cape Quarter ‘Extension’ is now open.

In keeping with the lifestyle theme, Cape Quarter ‘Extension’ enhances the village environment. Patrons can enjoy the convenience and security of this self-contained lifestyle building, with Jarvis Street serving as the link between the current Cape Quarter and the ‘Extension’.
Upmarket boutique stores focused on décor, design, furniture, fashion, food, and entertainment makes this destination one of a kind.

[check out their website here]

I think a little round of applause is in order?
Well done, guys, looks good so far.
Let’s just hope the service compliments the facade of the building.

Courtesy of Olmeca Tequila, Pussy Natural Energy Drink, Cape Royale Hotel and 2oceansvibe. What’s more, the only beer being served was Jack Black beer and the only wine was De Grendel Rose. Just because.

All the professional behind-the-scenes pics are right here.

The boys…the boys!

You’ve seen that face somewhere before?

The venue – shame..

Get in, babba..

I could go on forever. There were many more pics and I thought I would put them in a sexy slideshow for you. They include MANY more beautiful boys and girls and bikini’s and even this week’s WeatherGirl.

By the way, the 2oceansvibe Show is coming out tomorrow..

CLICK HERE TO SEE A SLIDESHOW OF ALL THE PICS!!

pics courtesy anthony fox

It’s common knowledge that I am a big fan of the Woolies JT1 lingerie range (I’m not alone, it seems) and have never seen a better example of why this is, as on Saturday night at the JT1 fashion show which took place at Cape Town’s FTV Cafe. Every single girl involved was an absolute angel.

But if I HAD to choose one, it would be this naughty little thing:

Very naughty

Jeepers Hudders – I’m fine with that.

She can be my Angel Wingman, anytime!

Check out a quick slideshow of her and the angels HERE.

It’s going to be difficult for me to write this article without audio. Because I want to shout it. I want to scream it. It’s off the charts. It’s off the hook. And dare I say it, OFF THE CHAIN! Cape Town has NEVER seen anything like this before!

Stop it

It was just this week that 2oceansvibe declared summer open, and what better way to celebrate this awakening moment than with GOLDFISH, who, thanks to Olmeca Black Tequila, will be playing an EXCLUSIVE, INTIMATE set on Friday afternoon from 3pm at the Sky Bar – which is the top deck and pool area on the roof of my residence, the Cape Royale hotel in Green Point. Temperature is scheduled for a mellow 28 degrees – no wind. Cocktails..

It’s such short notice it won’t have the ability to reach the global headline status it deserves – and that’s why you are tuned in to 2oceansvibe, because we deliver the ACTUAL NEWS – news that people REALLY talk about.

What is the “Sky Bar,” you ask? Well, let’s recap:

Shame..
A sneak preview of the Cape Royale’s SKY BAR

Those of you who have been there will know how crazy the very notion of this is.. I mean, really – how many natural and man-made wonders can you comprehend in one setting? Table Mountain – Robben Island – the Atlantic Ocean, the Green Point stadium – swimming pool – Signal Hill – GOLDFISH..

70 hand-picked individuals will be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience GOLDFISH POOLSIDE, at the beginning of summer, on a roof – everything paid for.

It’s quite silly, really..

40 of those invites have been reserved for the 2oceansvibers out there who reckon they can do it justice. 2oceansvibers who jump around in shorts and bikini’s without thinking. 2oceansvibers who embrace life. 2oceansvibers who embrace summer and everything that goes with it.

Do you think YOU should be there?

COMPETITION IS VERY MUCH CLOSED. WELL DONE TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF YOUR VICTORY. YOU ARE THE CHOSEN ONES. THE AWESOME ONES..

WINNERS ARE REMINDED TO BRING THEIR PROOF OF WINNING AS PER SETH’S EMAIL INSTRUCTIONS. THIS PROOF WILL CORRESPOND TO YOUR NAME ON A LIST AT THE VENUE. EVEN IF YOU HAVE ID AND YOUR NAME ON THE LIST – YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ENTRY WITHOUT PROOF OF WINNING. IF YOU BRING ANY MORE THAN THE AMOUNT OF PEOPLE ALLOWED – YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROMTHE LIST ALTOGETHER.

HECTIC? SURE.

REALISTIC? DEFINITELY!

* ps. to the Durban crew – we’ll keep Goldfish warm for you before they play at the Sun Coast Casino on Saturday!

You’ll recall with tears in your eyes the 2nd Neighbourhood Rock/Paper/Scissors Grand National which took place a couple months ago at Neighbourhood bar on Long Street. Ja, well it looks like the organisers have finally surfaced from the tequila haze and have produced a highlights video from the event.

They’re taking it national (properly) soon and want to get a South African champ to send to the World Series next year. No, I’m not joking. You don’t know about the RPS World Series? Seriously – they often show it on ESPN.

Non-Fiction.

Back to the video. I just first want to say that I am completely and utterly blown away by the amount of hot angels in this video. WTF? So many! All hot! Some of them even flash their chest at the camera – it’s seriously wild. I strongly advise you go next time!

Check it out:

Hey?

Best night of your life – FACT!

Don’t be shy to read up on the sport on their Wikipedia page (here), including history, variations, strategy and more!

[thanks toby]

I won’t have to walk very far from my suite at the Cape Royale, downstairs to 1800 restaurant on Sunday; as they showcase over 50 wines, cheeses and chocolates!

The Cape Royale Food & Beverage Manager gave me a glimpse of what they’re doing and I can promise you this is NOT to be missed. Plus there is complimentry parking!

[And a Jack Black beer tap - shhh!]

What a great end to the long weekend!

Be there.

This looks good, oh lovers of wine and song..

2 – 4 October 2009
Durbanville Wine Valley

Escape from your winter-cocoon

Join us for sushi and Sauvignon …sway to the sounds of Abba and a zesty white …. Blanc and Blues … Jazz and Prawns. Sip diamond award-winning beauties and sing-along to Neil Diamond classics. The Durbanville Wine Valley signals the start of white wine season with a jubilant week-end long celebration of extreme fun.

So sip into something white and indulge in Spring with us. Here’s to go about it:

Match fun with family and friends on wine farms in the picturesque Durbanville area …. all blending beautifully with the region’s signature style Sauvignon Blancs.

This year sees the debut of the Durbanville Sauvignon Wine Ferry, taking to the air on Saturday, October 3rd for an adventure of fine wines and brilliant views in a fleet of Base 4 helicopters. With stop-overs at De Grendel, Durbanville Hills and Meerendal, this unique way of exploring the winelands allow for leisurely wine-tasting before taking off to the next wine destination.

Take to the skies at Hillcrest with a helicopter flip around the Wine Valley or simply lounge on their lush lawns listening to the brilliant line-up of bands.

Bookings

Bookings are essential and must be done directly with each of the wine farms.

Bookings at Computicket for the three-destination Durbanville Sauvignon Wine Ferry helicopter rides stopping over at De Grendel, Durbanville Hills and Meerendal. R500 per person.

Bookings for Hillcrest helicopter flips: R300 per person: book at Hillcrest Estate.

CLICK HERE for more info, including bookings and full programme of activities on all the participating winefarms.

[thanks joel]

“Kings of Neon?!” – come on, man – that’s quality!

I’m speechless. Just look at this flyer – it says it all.

(You guys look hysterical!)

God help us all!

I must say that looks like it’s going to be crazy fun. I strongly suggest that everybody goes. Maybe HQ beforehand for Friday drinks – then Cappers for the Kings of Neon?

Hating that!

See you there!

Well it’s not every day that a Hollywood A-lister comes out in support of a local radio station! Heart 104.9FM celebrated the annual Heart FM Spring Dip, and Christopher Walken lent a hand and joined in on the fun!

Christopher Walken
“I got this watch…”

No stranger to Cape Town events, Christopher Walken was spotted last year at the Cape Town Tens rugby launch.

Back to the Spring Dip, there were all sorts of celebrities and personalities there! Including Colin Moss, Roxy Louw, Paul Snodgrass, Dan Nicholl and even ex-Springbok legend, Rob Louw. The boys made a video of the event, which includes one of our early 2oceansvibe Weathergirls, Michelle G!

Looks like loads of fun!

Also found this great image of Dan Nicholl – looking stunning!

Nicholl – pleased

Click here to check out Fatboy Slim’s music video Weapon of Choice, which features Christopher Walken !

I’m really so impressed with the support shown for this campaign. It’s such a brilliant concept, which let’s you the public donate your old jeans to those who need them – in return for Levi’s shopping vouchers.

Genius!

So there was a live 5FM broadcast at UCT last Friday, which added another 405 pairs of jeans to the Get Rid Of Your Jeans For Good cause! Bringing the total to 5,266 pairs of jeans!!

Not shy!

Aah, the students!

Get into those pants, baby!

The 5FM team, live on air!

Well done, UCT! You’ve made us proud! And to attend lectures for the rest of the day in your jocks is a very noble undertaking!

Let’s keep it up guys and gals – the competition is still running and remember, Levi’s will pay you up to R200 for your old pair of jeans. AND you’re helping charity!!

Wallet gets looked after, as well as your karma..

It’s too easy!

Go! Go! Go!