Local sailors compete in Maputo
Top honours went to Seychelles with South Africa’s very own Olympic sailor, Stefano Marcia taking silver in the Standard class.
THREE Point Yacht Club’s keen Laser sailors ventured across the border to Maputo for a change of scenery and competition recently, when they competed in the African 420 and Laser Championships hosted by Clube Maritimo.
Campbell Alexander, Robbie Goulden and Henri Frencken were the only Durban sailors competing in the championships that had sailors from all over Africa competing. Top honours went to Seychelles with South Africa’s very own Olympic sailor, Stefano Marcia taking silver in the Standard class and other Olympian sailing this regatta, Asenathi Jim won the Radial class closely followed by fellow South African Calvin Gibbs.
“The front of the fleet had some really hot sailing going on, the top guys were of the highest international quality and we watched in awe
as these young-guns work the waves downwind with great talent and skill,” the internationally experienced Alexander said.
“Our age most certainly showed, as the entire fleet was 35 years our junior. We worked out that our combined sailing experience was on the
other side of 140 years. With no other real competition for us Grand Masters to race against, we decided that it was a
wonderful excuse to get some good exercise sailing in different waters,” Alexander added.
The last time Alexander raced in the bay of Maputo was in 1972, “It was fantastic being back, for all of us. Rob and Henri reminisced about their family holidays at the same camp site in the early 70s.Maputo has changed a lot since the pre-war days. The venue was fabulous, the race officer was outstanding and the courses were very good.”
Racing conditions were ideal, with the tune-up race starting off light and building to the late teens. Thereafter the wind was pretty consistent. The days that the trio of Durbanites competed, the wind blew quite hard. “Conditions during our time on the water started off light at the start of the regatta, and then the wind blew most days around 15knots.”
Asked how they fared overall, Alexander assured charmingly, “We enjoyed our time on the water immensely, but I’d think we all would prefer not to dwell on the result. It was a great experience for us old timers but we did round off the results at the bottom of the scorecard.”
The sailing community will be taking a break over the festive season. Visit www.pyc.co.za or contact Amanda on 031 301 4787 for more information.
