Sailors get set for Vasco race

THIS year’s Vasco da Gama Ocean Race, hosted by Point Yacht Club, will have a fleet of 19 yachts lining up for the race from Durban to Port Elizabeth on Saturday, 23 April.

Back to defend his title, Cape Town’s Rob van Rooyen skippering Al Mount Gay Rum was the first person to sign up for the 2016 edition. In last year’s race, Rob won the handicap honours in the racing class, and crossed the line in second place.

“Rob’s entry brings much to the event as he is a hot competitor who leaves absolutely nothing to chance and who prepares his boat meticulously,” said Richard Crockett, the race director.

This year’s Vasco da Gama truly is a national race, embarked by ocean-going yachtsmen. More than half the fleet are from Durban, with two boats from Richards Bay joining in, and ten from outside of KZN. Boats from as far afield as the Seychelles, Gariep Dam, Cape St Francis, Cape Town, and Richards Bay will be taking to the 400NM race along one of the toughest coastlines in the world.

Leading up to the Vasco, a number of the KZN boats competed in the recent Zululand’s Inhaca Race as a warm up for the Vasco. The Kavanagh team on Ray of Light did extremely well, taking the line honours, Skitzo was the first Fast 42 over the line, and Nomad was the first multihull to finish.

Of the roughly 120 crew members that will participate in this event, half of them are what are called ‘Vasco-Virgins’, with about a third of the newcomers being under the age of 25. A recent addition to the trophy list is the Choose Life Youth Award, a special trophy that is on offer to the first under 25 across the line. “It’s a good indication how many youngsters want to get out and experience this event. Getting additional sailing experience. It is wonderful for the development of the sport that we are welcoming all this young blood. It’s good for the race, good for yachting!” said the race director.