Cape Town, 29 Aug 2014
With its branch office in picturesque Gordon's Bay, production printing vendor Riso Africa has every reason to sponsor the local Riso Gaul Regatta. What's more, says marketing manager Sonia Anderson, the event is a proven winner with clients and their families, resulting in an unusual day out in which many enjoy their first taste of the joy of sailing.
The Riso Gaul Regatta takes place in Gordon's Bay over the weekend of 5 to 7 September.
"South Africans are always keen to try a little something different and with a sailing regatta, they definitely get that," notes Anderson. "This marks the second year we've come on board as the naming sponsor of the Gaul Regatta, after a very successful event in 2013."
The Regatta offers Riso's guests the ability to get out on a sailing vessel to view the action up close; those who lack sea legs have the option of enjoying the racing from the comfort of the Gordon's Bay Yacht Club. "Many of our clients were very pleasantly surprised at just how remarkable it is to be on the water on a sailing vessel for the first time, along with their wives and children," says Anderson. "Being on a yacht also provides perspective on just how physically demanding sailing is."
Riso Africa offers production printing solutions which have some unique differentiators - which also have something in common with sailing, continues Anderson. "Our devices use inkjet technology where most others are laser-based. That's a fundamental advantage because Riso printing solutions use far less energy than any competing products."
In light of South Africa's energy challenges, this is significant as the cost of producing books, posters, manuals and other high-volume products is considerably reduced. It is also not necessary to get expensive (and increasingly difficult to source) three-phase electricity to power a Riso printer.
What's that got to do with sailing? "Just like sailing yachts are efficient and have a very low impact on the environment, Riso printers consume up to 50% less energy than laser devices. Our printers also take up far less space and don't generate the sort of heat which requires specialised air conditioning - and that adds up to helping companies keep costs under control in competitive environments," Anderson explains.
And, she says, just as the advent of motorised boats hasn't meant the end of wind-powered vessels, the continued advance of the internet and digital technology doesn't mean the end of printed material. "There is an evolution underway, but there remains very strong demand for printed products, whether for educational, advertising, leisure or other markets."
As the Riso Gaul Regatta gets under way, Anderson says a Riso printer will be in action on the day, producing a souvenir book of photos on demand for guests, sailors and enthusiasts. "That's the amazing difference of a Riso printer: it can be installed and produce top quality output in a short space of time, on demand and on the spot. There's nothing that impresses people more than seeing production printing in action which leaves a memoir of an event which has just taken place," she concludes.
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