Locals shine at Vaal World Championships

Local residents performed spectacularly at the recent J22 Yacht class World Championships at the Vaal Dam between 27 April and 03 May.

Out of 43 teams, 40 represented South Africa, one the Cayman Islands, one Germany and one the Unites States of America (US).

Emmarentia resident Richard Weiderhold took 12th place, as skipper of the Cell C boat.

“The experience was exciting, though I am not happy with the result,” he said.

“The wind made it hard to sail. We should have been eighth, not 12th.”

Fairland resident Jessica Lenz, who raced on the boat Majic came 15th, an improvement of about 50 places from last year’s competition.

First-timer Emmarentia resident Stephen van Niekerk (14) was a member of the Jay Bee boat and finished 38th.

“It was exciting, well organised and nice to sail there,” he said, and added that his young age did not diminish his ability to compete.

“There were a few of us my age. Being young does not affect the race if you know your way around the boat.”

South African teams Susie Too, led by skipper David Rae, and Rampant III, led by skipper Henry Daniels, took first and second place respectively.

Third place was won by Two Stroke, from Cayman Islands, led by skipper Mike Farrington.

New Generation Yachting, a team from Fontainebleau who has raced in multiple national championships, was set to participate in its first world championship but pulled out shortly before the competition, due to a lack of funds.

“We couldn’t raise enough money to hire a yacht,” disappointed team member Elliot Motaung said.

“We have raced in lots of nationals but world championships require a lot of time and money, which we did not have.”

Details: Denneysville Aquatic Club 016 371 1294/1329, Manten Marina 016 371 1301.