Every month the Northglen News will profile sporting heroes who compete across a wide spectrum of sporting codes. These could include World or SA Champions or even rising stars who look set to take the sporting world by storm. Either way, if they are excelling or are passionate about the sport they play, then they stand a chance of featuring as our ‘Homegrown Sport Talent’ page.
La Lucia's Frances van Breda has never been one to shy away from challenges, especially against the natural elements out on the ocean. The Point Yacht Club member is one of the North's most decorated female athletes in sailing. PHOTO: Submitted
THERE are often obstacles in an athlete’s life, from people doubting your ability to you doubting yourself. There will be failures and mistakes, however, with hard work and determination there are no limits. It’s something La Lucia resident, Frances van Breda, can attest to. In many ways the 54-year-old occupies a unique niche in the sport of sailing. In 1996, she won the Point Yacht Club (PYC) ‘Yachtsman of the Year’ award, in the process becoming the first and only woman to win the award in the club’s 122 year history. She is also a two time SA Laser Radial national champ and was crowned the Laser Apprentice Masters World Champ at the age of 35.
Northglen News recently caught up with van Breda to find out where her sailing safari began.
“Sailing has always been part of my family’s life. My dad and brother sailed. My father used to live on Salisbury Island and he had to sail to get to school everyday. My brother was pretty competitive in the sport and one of the first times I actually got onto a sail boat was at the age of eight. He needed someone to crew for him and at first I was forced to sail, I really didn’t enjoy it at the beginning,” she remembers fondly.
Frances Park Ross. PHOTO: Bruno Bélaïch Laser
“But I was also a bit of a tomboy and as time went on, I began to appreciate the aspects of sailing and my passion grew. As a youngster I loved the nature side of things, being out on the sea, being able to look at the spectacular views. Now looking back, that has changed too. I now love sailing for the fitness and competitiveness of the sport and the solitude and independence you get out on the water.”
Van Breda who is focusing on competing at provincial and national competitions in the near future said throughout her decorated career, winning the national Laser champs on home (soil) waters and qualifying for the International Yacht Racing Union world champs in La Rochelle, France, were standout moments for her.
“Winning the SA Champs last year was just incredible. It was the best feeling, because the conditions in Simonstown at the national champs. The wind was howling with 30-knot gusts on the day and the spray off the sea and the waves were enormous I could hardly see anyone in front of me. I also saw a Great White Shark and so many of the female competitors withdrew from the competition. So crossing the finish line knowing I had battled through the conditions was just incredibly satisfying. I was determined to finish. I would not give up and when I crossed the finish line, the organisers told me I was the only woman to finish,” she said.
“Of course that feeling is right up there with winning the nationals off Durban’s shoreline. I knew the conditions really well but for any athlete winning on home soil is an awesome achievement.”
My Favourites
Fave sports to watch: “I love watching rhythmic gymnastics.”
Fave food: “I’d have to say Salmon.”
Fave TV show/channel: “The Big Bang Theory.”
Fave musician/band: “Live and Milky Chance.”
Fave quote: ‘Don’t sweat the small stuff’
