The Benoni Sailing Club held their annual Hospice Charity Regatta, to raise funds for Hospice East Rand.
Commodore of the sailing club David Cutts said the event, which was founded three years ago by his wife, Elaine Cutts, who died from cancer in December 2013, has become recognised by the South Africa Sailing organisation.
The Saturday dawned with strong winds and overcast skies, which kept a few potential sailors away.
However, Cutts was impressed with the turnout when a satisfactory 27 boats entered the series of races.
Following a successful spit-braai and music provided by Maverick, with some great saxophone playing, over 100 people enjoyed the day’s events.
Cutts said the dinghy racing continued on the Sunday morning, with more favourable winds and in very welcome sunshine, resulting in seven races being completed.
This was followed by a prize-giving and the awarding of senior and junior trophies, sponsored by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
The senior overall winner was Mark Hawksworth (sailing with his son, Duncan) of the Benoni Sailing Club, in a “Mirror” dinghy, while Campbell Tiley, of Aeoliens, took the junior trophy, sailing an “Optimist” dinghy.
“Congratulations and thanks to everyone who supported this successful and well established annual regatta,” said Cutts.
The event was supported by the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora, who held their annual “Anything that Floats” challenge on the Saturday afternoon, which proved to be very entertaining.
“They have become strong supporters of our event, for which we are grateful,” said Cutts.
In the ”Anything that Floats” event participants had two hours to build creative floats.
The teams who participated were The Mad Hatters, Aspire Wealth Management, the Benoni Aurora Rotaract Team, the Fellowship Team and the Communications Pink Team.
Five boats, hand-crafted to perfection, were launched.
As all is fair in love and war in this challenge, the floats were bombarded with eggs, flour and water bombs, resulting in some sailors falling into the water.
The winners of the trophy were the Communications Pink Team.
The Benoni Aurora Rotaract Team won the ”longest day” award, the Fellowship Team the “best loser” prize, Aspire Wealth Management showed the most enthusiasm, team spirit and fun, and the Mad Hatters won “the worst something or other” award.
The club supported the cause through catering profits.
All in all fun was had by all and a total of R10 000 was raised for Hospice East Rand.
