LOCAL resident and well-known author, Robbie Hift, recently launched his new coffee table book, The Story of Marina Martinique – focusing on the three decade history of the unique development.
According to Hift, who was contracted by the Marina Martinique Homeowners Association to write and publish the book, The Story of Marina Martinique became a true labour of love for six days a week for seven months.
Some 5 000 photos were scanned – including historic photos and news clippings – and key role players involved in the development of the marina were contacted and interviewed.
“On one level, the classic photos grab your attention with short punchy captions describing, for example, how Oswald Buchner had the vision to create a marina with access for boats to cruise through a harbour and lock system into the sea at Aston Bay,” says Hift.
“On a deeper level, the text describes the story of high finance and the building of Belafonte – a Mississippi-type paddle steamer, as well as the multimillion Rand swindles of Masterbond in the 1990s who scammed several pensioners and subsequently crashed the marina project. The book goes on to show the remarkable ingenuity of a few dedicated and honest people, who recovered the marina from this scandal and put the project back on its feet.
“From 2000 to date, the dream homes built as part of stage 2 and 3 of the development, as well as the safe environment, have established this magnificent lifestyle estate as a supreme showpiece for Jeffreys Bay and the Eastern Cape.”
Apart from his latest book, Hift has written seven editions of Legends of Jeffreys Bay – all coffee table books.
Hift says, “Most of the books are sold out, but they stay in people’s homes forever. Families and visitors love to see how Jeffreys Bay was in the ‘good old days.’
“They furthermore want to read about local residents and their interesting life stories.”
Why so many editions? “As the town grows and new businesses open up, it is important to showcase them,” he says. “That is what makes for fascinating reading.”
What is next for this author?
“I am well advanced with my eighth edition of Legends of Jeffreys Bay,” says Hift.
According to Hift, the new edition will focus on old and new residents who have a great story to tell, as well as beautiful photos and interesting tales about Jeffreys Bay.
The book will furthermore highlight all the big festivals in Kouga: including the JBay Makiti, the Winterfest and the JBay Wind Farm Mountain Bike Classic.
The book is set to be completed before December this year.The Story of Marina Martinique is available at a cost of R385.
For more information or to purchase the book, contact the Marina Martinique Homeowners Association at 042 292 0200.
