History
Severin Racing Shells was purchased from Wayne Severin in 2004 by Paul Smith and Andy Maclachlan, when it was re-named Macarbi Racing. The business has relocated from Benoni to Wemmer Pan aquatics club, and as a result is now more accessible to paddlers and oarspersons.
The business was started in 1993 with the aim to provide the South African rowing market with more affordable rowing boats, repairs & spares, with the eventual goal to open a kayaking section in order to offer all products required by the South African canoeing market, linked directly to the best follow-up maintenance and repair service around.
Macarbi Racing has a full range of products and services to meet all one's paddling or rowing needs, from the individual client to the larger clubs in South Africa. We offer year round repairs to all types of boat from wooden shells to the latest honeycomb composite boats.
Management - The art of taking something great and making it fantastic.
The business is now solely owned by Andy Maclachlan, who has achieved at various levels in rowing and canoeing circles. He has won 7 University Boat races and numerous Blues titles for SA Student Colors during his academic days, captaining the Blues crew on most occasions. He is the holder of 5 University Sportsperson of the year titles, an awesome feat. On an international front, Andy has represented South Africa and participated in at least 40 international tours, gaining over 50 international caps, a number of those being at World Championship level. He has won most SA rowing titles during his rowing career, including the coveted Silver Sculls trophy on a number of occasions.
Andy is a relative beginner on the kayaking front, yet has achieved remarkably well thus far. He narrowly missed silver medals in the Dusi and Drak Marathons in 2006, after achieving a 3rd position in the K1 in the 2005 50 Miler race. He has also achieved two silver medals in the Fish Marathon to date, just missed a top 10 finish in the 2007 Umko Marathon, and achieved a top 30 position in the 2006 Fish. He has also found himself on the podium for various other Gauteng races.
With the Macarbi management exhibiting this experience, the customer is offered a quality product from a manufacturer with an intimate understanding of the sports. Macarbi recognizes one's requirements and is constantly striving to discover new and dynamic innovations to make your experience more successful, pleasurable and as efficient as possible.
The Macarbi Offering:
Rowing:
Macarbi has identified the requirements of SA rowing, with our international athletes now achieving medals at the highest level possible, and all developing athletes striving to do the same. As a result, Macarbi has identified the manufacturers of the best rowing products available world-wide, and has secured the agency rights for these manufacturers. We strive to bring these products to our rowers as efficiently as possible, whilst doing our best to make them affordable for all athletes. Croker, Rowfit, Wintech, Olym Sports, Hudson, Coxmate, Martinoli are just a few of the products that Macarbi has on offer.
Spares, Repairs and Maintenance
Macarbi offers the best Spares, Repairs and Maintenance service in South Africa, by far. Our recent record shows that we are number one in South African rowing when it comes to service and repairs of rowing boats and equipment. Our recent launch of Winter Fleet Maintenance programs for schools and clubs has indicated our commitment to maintaining the best performance of our customer's clubs.
Canoeing:
The factory canoe section is headed up by Steven Riley, an individual whose selection into the South African Canoe Polo team a few years back ensures an intimate understanding of the paddler's requirements; this section is in safe and capable hands. Steve has also had a good few years' experience working for and heading up sections at two other kayak manufacturing businesses, and has an immense pool of knowlege and experience to bring to the party.
Macarbi has created a niche for itself by offering paddlers ON TIME repairs, service and delivery. We have outsourced a large amount of our manufacturing to other top boat manufacturers, in order to focus more on our service to the customer. This has also enabled us to expand our range of boats available dramatically, and we now offer an entire range, from absolute beginner boats to top level sprint boats.
Macarbi Kayaking offers all accessories, services, repairs and spares, and strives to make the sport more affordable and enjoyable for all paddlers.
