SIX yachts competed on day one of the Point Yacht Club’s Congella Cup on Sunday, January 26, offering thrilling racing on the two nautical mile racetrack with strong winds testing their abilities in the offshore Durban event.

Some big names in the Durban sailing community had come out for the event, with race officer Anthony Howes setting a windward-leeward course that allowed the yachts to stretch their legs in a building north-easterly breeze. CFM, helmed by Durban stalwart Nigel Milln, was in fine form, taking line honours in both races. Hot on their heels in the first race, the smaller L26, Tequila Sunrise, pushed hard, finishing second across the line, followed by Bellissima, which was making a welcome return after not competing for several years.

In the second race Bellissima, which had Clipper Round the World sailor Craig Millar at the wheel and PYC’s Lipton sailor Luke Wagner running the boat, managed to pip defending champions Tequila Sunrise, skippered by Kevin Rainer, across the line. The experienced duo of Millar and Wagner read the conditions perfectly to keep Bellissima at the front of the pack.

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All six yachts completed the two laps of the two nautical mile racetrack, with gates at the top and bottom of the course. The yachts had the choice of rounding either gate at either end, then turning and heading back. The cruising competitor She-Myra, skippered by Frans van Oers, raced admirably against the bigger boats. With only two onboard, they completed the first race but opted to retire before the second as conditions worsened. Aquavit, skippered by Andy Pavid, was also a double-handed entry and decided to bow out of the second race as well.

In the second race, the yachts were climbing mountains as the wind quickly stirred up the water in the bay. Recording a gust of 28 knots, and many around 25 knots, Robin Hulley, who was the third entry sailing with his son Jacques, said, “It was a great day offshore, hard work as the wind came through churning up big swells that we had to climb over or surf down.”

The sentiment was shared by Howes who said, “The guys did so well today. The bay was a washing machine with huge sets rolling through. It was an admirable effort by all that ventured out.” He added that the small turnout was due to a majority of sailors competing in the SAS Grand Slam in Midmar. The challenging conditions on the first day set the stage for what promises to be an exciting series, with competitors eager to test their mettle against the elements and each other. The conclusion to the Congella Cup takes place on Sunday, February 23.

Also Read: Young Durban sailor gears up for national event

Durban’s yachties are also in the midst of a busy Wednesday night Twilight series which ends in March. Members of the public can join the ‘Bums on Boats’ initiative where Howes will match up the willing participant with a competitive yacht that races on Wednesday nights. For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or like their Facebook page.

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