Laser sailor to slice through the competition
Former Durban sailor, Colin Dibb, will be returning to take on the SA Laser Nationals.
AUSTRALIAN sailor, Colin Dibb, a wizard on a Laser, has returned to his former hometown, Durban three years after taking part in the SA Laser Nationals in 2012, to compete again at the 2015 edition of the Nationals.
“Growing up in Durban, I loved the summer holidays messing about in boats on Durban harbour. And the legendary PYC pie for lunch on a Saturday followed by racing. Fond memories!” said Dibb.
Dibb’s grandfather was a keen sailor nicknamed Skipper, and he encouraged Colin’s parents to let him go sailing at a very young age. He said he had taught him some great lessons in self-reliance.
With a string of accomplishments that any competitive sportsman can only dream of, put Dibb on anything with a sail, he is bound to succeed. The list of achievements includes representing both South African and Australia at the Laser World Championships. Dibb is a World Grand Master Champ and a World Masters Champ in the Laser class. He is also no slouch on a keelboat, windsurfer or four different dinghy classes.
“I’ve had the honour of representing both South Africa and Australia at the Laser Worlds, 10 years apart,” said Dibb.
Having been stuck on land for a while due to a shoulder operation, Dibb said, “Yeah, it was just a shoulder repair. General wear and tear! The recovery is going much faster than expected but I still missed four months of summer sailing.”
Dibb said he described himself as impatient and persistent.
“Perhaps persistence is my strength, otherwise why would I still be trying to sail a Laser after 40 years. Durban is right up there, one of my favourite places to compete.
“Racing downwind in heavy air. Exhilarating, fantastic! But so are spots like Fremantle, and many other places around the world. Each place has a certain charm, and challenge to it. That is what makes sailing so interesting. Every time you go out, it is never the same,” he said.
“Sailing has taught me a lot, mostly about the environment. To be ready for any shifts or changes and that plan Bs are ok,” he said.
Free time is something Dibb doesn’t have a lot of – he said he puts a lot of hours back into the sport that has given so much to him.
“Without sounding too clichéd, I would have to say my proudest achievement was starting a Laser 4.7 development programme in WA. We have produced some world champions and potential Olympians. It truly is a humbling feeling helping the future generation succeed in something I am so passionate about,” he said.
Asked who he most admires, he said: “I would have to say Laser sailors still competing in their 70s. That epitomises passion and commitment. Being active in the twilight years of your sporting life, phenomenal.”
