Peter Finnis, Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival Competitor

I recently attended this 3-day event, based on Hayling Island, for the second successive year. It has become a highlight of my year for many reasons. Ostensibly, a fishing competition with generous prizes by main sponsors Orvis and a host of other sponsors. But, whilst I enjoy the fishing and the ‘goodies’, it is merely the tip of a very majestic iceberg.

The Festival is, for me, primarily about meeting old friends, making new friends, sharing experiences, learning new skills and just having good relaxed fun. The fact is, that the atmosphere generated at this Festival achieves all of this to a degree that would be very hard to better. It is literally like coming home.

Now this all sounds fairly straight forward doesn’t it? But of course, the level of perfection that appears to be achieved so effortlessly is the result of outstanding planning, professionalism and sheer hard work. But there is more going on here. It is the intuitive care, personality and warm culture that add that layer of sublimity that separates the best from the rest. And that is where Zambuni Communications led by the incomparable Claire Zambuni comes in.

Let’s talk planning and professionalism. This is a complex event. 100+ anglers spread out over many miles of coastline for 3 days. Presentations, teach-ins, guest speakers, professional guides, prize giving, media coverage, etc, etc. It was all so seamless. We anglers can be a bit air headed at times but I never met any confused, uncertain or lost souls at any point during the Festival. All I saw was happy faces and, at all times, there was Claire and the equally wonderful Emma Sandham, hands-on ensuring that all was well.

But for me what really seals the deal is the culture and atmosphere of the Festival and, truthfully, this is where Zambuni Communications go the extra stratosphere (mile is simply not enough to describe this)! The friendliness, empathy and sheer warmth that Claire instils is truly wonderful. You know when you find people who always have the right solution, who engages effortlessly with people regardless of age, gender or background, and who are universally liked and respected in equal measure by everyone they meet? Well Claire is that extraordinarily rare individual who has all these qualities wrapped up in one passionate and professional package and, as a consequence, the same set of qualities are embedded into the entire culture of the company.

I would like to congratulate and thank Zambuni Communications from the bottom of my heart. The knowledge, experience and passion that these guys bring to events like this is something to be celebrated and cherished. I have had a lifelong career as a corporate director and have travelled widely to fish in destinations around the world. I’m no stranger to great service and great organisation but, I tell you, what Claire and her team offer is truly special.