Smooth sailing The Bluff sailor

NICOLENE Henkeman from The Bluff demonstrated her sailing skills by securing second place in the highly competitive L26 KZN Regionals during the MSC Week Regatta which was hosted by the at the Point Yacht Club from July 1 to 5.

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Henkeman and her team navigated challenging conditions to achieve second place in the five-day regatta, characterised by varied weather conditions.

Sophie Thompson, the event’s publicist, noted that sailors experienced everything from light winds requiring tactical precision to exhilarating offshore challenges amid unpredictable weather. Henkeman, along with skipper Nqoba Mswazi, led the Royal Natal Yacht Club on the Orion B2G2 with distinction throughout the competition.

Despite a rocky start with mid-fleet results on the initial days, their performance steadily improved. Tuesday’s races in the bay provided ideal conditions, where they secured a third place followed by two first-place finishes, showcasing their adaptability to varied sailing conditions.

Reflecting on her experience, Henkeman emphasised the camaraderie and competitive spirit within the L26 fleet. “The diversity of sailing skills, age, and backgrounds brought us together. From a challenging start to finishing strong, our teamwork and effort were evident throughout the regatta,” said Henkeman.

Henkeman’s standout moment came during Tuesday’s races when favorable winds allowed her team to excel. “We got a clean start and led the fleet, executing our downwind tactics to maintain our position. It was a race filled with excitement and teamwork,” she recalled.

The MSC Week Regatta concluded with accolades for the team in various races. Looking ahead, Point Yacht Club is preparing for the Mirror Worlds Regatta scheduled for next year, building on the success and enthusiasm generated by the MSC Week Regatta.

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