Durban North bros set sail for Canada

DURBAN North brothers, Rudy and Mike McNeill, are preparing to pack their bags as they head off to the Kingston Laser Worlds Standards Men’s in Canada from 2 to 8 July. On the back of the SA Laser Nationals held in Durban at the beginning of May, the sailing duo have had a good build-up to this massive event, where only 158 sailors are being allowed to compete. The competitors will be split into different fleets, with roughly 50 boats lining up at the start.

Rudy (24) has a notable CV in the Laser class, having travelled to all parts of the world representing South Africa. Last year was not a good year for the young sailor.

“I was out for most of last year with injuries, so it was a welcome return being back on the water and being able to perform. I was happy with the rehabilitation of my injured knees and ankle. Leading up to the KZN champs and nationals, Mike and I worked hard to improve, pushing each other, which helped to build up both of our confidences quite a lot.”

This is the one and only opportunity the two lads representing the Point Yacht Club have to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Besides their commitment to their training, the former Northwood School pupils have been stashing away whatever cash they can to make their dreams become a reality, “It’s tough competing in a pretty much unknown sport, which results in sponsorship being rare. Mike and I are paying for this trip all out of our own pocket, so if there is anyone willing to back two great guys, doing great things – give us a shout!”

Moving onto the topic of his recent success in winning the SA Laser Nationals, Rudy shared, “There were times I had to dig deep in the nationals. It wasn’t all easy – I got two sixes but fortunately I won the other races on those days. I kept telling myself to get over the previous race, focus on the new one. My mantra became ‘You are Rudy McNeill, do what you do, don’t worry. Enjoy it.’ It worked wonders.”

He admitted, “If you look at the starboard side of my mast, I wrote my name there to remind myself of where I have come from and where I want to go. If ever I doubted myself, I would just look at that, know that I am experienced and build from there.”

As the older brother, Rudy has had the good fortune of competing in Kingston before, having competed at the ISAF Youth Worlds when he was 16.

“I have been lucky enough to compete in Kingston before, so it isn’t completely foreign to me. But big fleet racing is always challenging, especially the start, the huge jostle on the line with everyone trying to get into a good position. The starts can make or break your race.”

Twenty-year-old Michael has just moved up to the full rig, which has a bigger sail.

Big brother Rudy boasted, “Mike is still 10kg too light for the full rig. If he puts on a bit more weight he is going to go much faster. In the recent nationals, he was only three points off experienced sailor, Campbell Alexander, so he did quite well. In the light winds he cooks, but he needs a bit more confidence in the stronger winds.”