Victoria Lake Club recently hosted an interschool sailing competition at Germiston Lake.

The event, which dates back to the 1970s, was created with a simple but powerful purpose: to get schoolchildren out on the water, learning the skill and discipline of sailing dinghies.

Over the years, this has quietly shaped young talent, producing sailors who would go on to make their mark, including Mark Sadler, Paul Willcox, Graeme Willcox, Neil Sutherland, Peter Funke, Thomas Funke and Erica Hermmann.

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But like many community-driven initiatives, the competition has faced its share of challenges. There were years when the lake felt almost empty, when fewer than eight young sailors showed up to compete. It seemed, for a moment, as though the tradition might drift away.

Yet, this recent event told a different story.

Children between the ages of nine and 17 lined the shores in small boats perfectly suited for young sailors.

Among them were determined front-runners like James Tanner and Mika Malan, their eyes fixed on the water ahead as they battled for position in the Optimist class.

For organisers, the growing numbers are more than just statistics; they are a sign of revival. “The spirit of the competition is returning, one young sailor at a time.

“Beyond the racing, the event carries a deeper message: sailing is not just for the experienced or the elite, it is for anyone willing to learn,” said organiser Philip Malan.

Through ongoing training programmes at the club, beginners are given the chance to discover the sport, build confidence, and become part of a legacy that stretches back decades.

Malan said for those watching from the sidelines, the invitation is simple: the lake is waiting.