A small and supportive contingent from Benoni Sailing Club (BSC) ventured down to Durban to compete in the Marriott Mirror World Championships hosted by Point Yacht Club from April 14 to 19.
Three Mirrors made the long trip down to the coast with husband-and-wife team Brendan and Dominique Geraghty making the trip twice, heading down a few weeks before to participate in the Mirror Nationals where they finished 21st overall.
At the conclusion of a long hard Mirror Worlds, the couple finished in an impressive 26th place.
Sharing their experience, Brendan stated, “The Worlds was great, really enjoyed it. We are so glad that we participated in this event. There was great camaraderie amongst the sailors. The event was professionally run and gave the impression of safety first.”
Dominique added, “I am not a seasoned dinghy sailor, although my skipper is. On Monday we went out but did not start as it was too rough for me and returned to shore”.
Roger Langman, from Dowerglen in Edenvale, partnered with his father-in-law, Herbert Osman. They finished 33rd overall.
He explained that their first launch on the beach was exciting.
“We were way out of our comfort zone, but what an amazing week and experience. The sea needs to be respected, she can be very unforgiving. For us, there were great days and brutal days.”
Langman sailed regularly as a teenager and purchased a Mirror a year ago, joining BSC shortly after that.
“I did the Round the Island Race in 1994 and won. Sailing currently is just a great way to spend my Sunday afternoons.
“It was a once in a lifetime experience to attend the event. We got a lot of encouragement from our sailing club. It was a logistical nightmare to get the boat down to Durban. But once down there, the facilities were world-class. The event was professionally run. And the impression of safety first.”
The youngest flying the Benoni burgee at the regatta was Dudley Thomson. He competed with Durbanite Shalin Naidoo and they finished 30th overall.
“It was tough conditions. Coming from the tranquil Homestead Lake to choppy surf and massive swells was quite a transition. I would say that my best moment was on the run flying the spinnaker when the wind was pumping and Shalin and I were just screaming along,” Thomson said.
The hosts, Point Yacht Club, were delighted with the camaraderie displayed over the six-day event.
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