Benonians sail into first place
Benoni yachting team wins on the Vaal Dam.
The Benoni team of skipper Noel Abendroth, his wife Padi, daughter Amee (12) and school friend Erin van Straaten (12) took part in the Ron Rosevaere Yachting Night Race, at the Vaal Dam, over the weekend.
This competition was the first race for Amee and Erin, who attend Arbor Primary School.
It is hosted by the Pennant Nine Yacht Club, on the Vaal Dam.
The team sailed on the Mistral yacht “Freude”, owned and skippered by Noel.
The fleet of 23 yachts, with Freude being one of the smallest at 24 foot, started in cold, wet and miserable conditions at 3pm, on Saturday, August 16, at LDYC (Lake Denys Yacht Club).
The race course was laid to round various marks and beacons around the dam.
The fleet started well, with Freude in the top half, before the wind died and the rain set in.
As dusk approached, the cold also set in, but the Benoni team endured and managed to cross the finish line at 9.57pm, beating the opposition on corrected time, to claim first prize.
Amee and Erin were elated with their win, and were re-awarded the trophy and gold medals during assembly at Arbor Primary School, on Monday morning.
