Edmond
As I said already, I've never been on that boat for the sardines. Been on a similar trimaran, I think it's the same one since we went on a cruise to Robben Island. Can't remember really. AFAIK, the Ocean Adventurer never went as far north as where we were this year. I was told (so this is hearsay) that they weren't in East London either. I think I remember seeing the boat way back in 2008 but only briefly. I personally would not like to be on a boat on the Wild Coast when the big oceanic swells meet the wrong wind. In my limited experience, the sardines are not as easily trackable as it's made out to be.
As for dates, anyone who tells you a certain time is the best is either a fortune teller or "mistaken." As this year has proven since action started 1st week of June and sporadically continued through till Aug, there is no exact best "window." It merely depends on what you are looking for and how lucky you are on conditions and whether nature wants to play.
More pics in these galleries:
http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=37623
http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=36719