Regatta turned out to be fantastic

What a fantastic 2016 J22 Nationals regatta that was hosted by Witbank Yacht and Aquatic Club (WYAC).
There were four days of challenging winds for the race officer Dave Rushton and his team of Bridge crew, Mark layers and National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI).

There were also mornings with delayed starts because of no wind when later in the day five hectic races took place in strong and gusty winds.

Ultimately 15 races were completed with the usual closely contested race honours. The black flag made its appearance; this has become an expected occurrence with the J fleet. Unfortunately just one J extended the boundaries just a tad too much and spent the remainder of the race enjoying the Witbank Dam scenery.
Three races saw J’s tie for a position, in the words of the race officer:

“very unusual.”

Witbank regatts’ always have to have at least one cold day when beanies were sold at a premium.
Saturday evening, April 30 the cold front arrived giving those tenting a disturbed night and awaking to a misty six degrees the next morning.

The yachts on the water during the last day of the J22 Nationals on Witbank Dam on Sunday, May 1.

The wind had risen so racing was yet again delayed but the last three races to complete the maximum of 15 were completed by 15:00.

A delicious sit-down prize giving dinner followed that evening where the hospitality of WYAC was at its best.
Thanks to all who worked so hard to ensure a successful event and Uriage who donated each competitor a good bag of superb high protection suntan lotion and thermal rehydration water. With the hours competitors spent in the elements over four days both products were the perfect protection. Many thanks to Uriage.