McNeill sails to victory at Laser nationals
In all, a large fleet of 53 Lasers competed in the three classes at the Laser Nationals.
THREE testing days, with large seas and gusty northeasterly conditions, welcomed competitive sailors from around South Africa for the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) Laser Nationals hosted by Point Yacht Club a little over a week ago.
Local lad Rudy McNeill made a comeback of note, winning the ILCA7 class.
The Durban North resident, who hasn’t sailed a Laser for five years, stole the show after his sabbatical.
He has won the main class, the ILCA 7s, three times before, with his last success in 2015 on home waters, and he also has two ILCA 4 titles to his name.
“I think the best moment for me must have been the first race. I had no idea where I would be in the fleet, but after the first 100 metres, I shot out in front. I decided then, ‘Okay, keep pushing – you are going to win this.'”
And win this he did – McNeill scored nine first places out of the ten races in total. Having done enough to secure victory, he didn’t compete in the final race, resting his weary body.
“The conditions were physical, to say the least, but I definitely felt like it suited me. I have always loved sailing in a steady NE in Durban. I had no expectations, and my only goal was sailing for the love of being on the water again. The support I’ve got from family and friends has been incredible. Where to next from here? We will have to see, but this is definitely the start of the comeback,” he said.
Isabella Keytel from Zeekloe Vlei Yacht Club claimed top spot in the ILCA 4s after an almighty duel with Olivia Purchase from Milnerton Aquatic Club.
Inland sailor Keagen Nel, representing Stillbaai Yacht Club, defended his title in the ILCA 6s.
In all, a large fleet of 53 Lasers competed in the three classes.
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