Michael aims for top five place
NGN catches up with local sailor and former Northwood School pupil ahead of the Laser Nationals.
AS the 2015 edition of the SA Laser Nationals off Durban’s shores unfold this weekend, one man hoping to make the top five of the competition is Durban North’s Michael McNeill. The former Northwood School pupil is one of a number of local sailors eyeing a podium place finish.
The Laser is the most popular single-handed sailing dinghy in the world and the annual event is hoping that close to 80 boats from around the country will hit the water to compete.
Michael will be competing in the full rig Laser and is also a previous national champion (Laser 4.7).
“I’m hoping to make the top five. There are a lot of competitive sailors and it’s going to be tough. Trent Bingham, a fellow sailor and friend, is probably my biggest competition: we are super competitive out on the water,” the 20-year-old explained. He will also be facing stern opposition from his brother and 2010 national champion, Rudy.
“We’ve never raced each other before, but we’ve definitely joked around as to who would win in a race between us. So I guess this will settle that friendly debate.”
He added that knowing the conditions in Durban is a definite advantage for local sailors.
“I’ve been sailing in Durban all my life, so I think knowing what to expect from the conditions on the day is a huge help. This is only the second time in a long time that we are hosting nationals in our home waters.
“It’s going to be awesome and I hope to make the North proud at the event,” he said.
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