ENTHUSIASTIC sailors from across South Africa were greeted with a pumping westerly wind that challenged the sailors during the Point Yacht Club’s four day Easter Regatta.
Four classes lined up to compete: The 505 and Dart one up Nationals, the Hobie 14 Provincials and an Open Class. Local sailors representing Point Yacht Club claimed victory in three of the four classes. World class sailors, Peter and Thomas Funke (PYC) won the 505s, Ben Meine the Darts, Peter Hall (PYC) the Hobie 14 and Siyanda Vato and Nhlanhla Phakathi the Open Class.
Race officer for the regatta, Jimmy Melville, had a testing time on the bridge boat as he watched and registered wind speeds near 20knots on most days. Jimmy only squeezed in five races during the four days as the second day of racing was completely abandoned.
Leading Hobie sailor, Peter Hall, said, “Overall, the regatta was great. I would say it was quite testy on the water. Conditions were quite blowy and in the only race held on the last day, first place changed about five times. Testament to the concentration required out on the water. It was very competitive racing. I capsized on the start line and managed to score a second in the last race, so only just managed to squeeze Garth out on points to claim the title.”
“My success would have to be down to boat speed as the conditions were really trying the whole weekend and the surf conditions were tough. A couple of the up-country boys did alright on the water, the others struggled.”
The next big event for the Point Yacht Club is its 125th birthday celebrations on Sunday, 14 May.
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