THE PYT ILCA KZN Regionals hosted by Point Yacht Club over the Women’s Day long weekend delivered challenging conditions and some impressive sailing from Highway competitors Luke Wagner and Campbell Alexander.

Rudy McNeill took the honours in the main class, the ILCA 7s, leading the fleet in every race.

Cowie’s Hill resident Wagner finished third overall in the highly physical ILCA 7s class, rounding off a successful winter sailing season. Despite limited time in the Olympic-class boat, Wagner said, “I really enjoyed the mentally challenging and physically demanding sailing. I definitely could spend more time sailing an ILCA, to be able to get comfortable enough to focus on tactics rather than simply trying to stay upright!”

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Wagner recently competed in the 505 KZN Regionals with McNeill where they finished third overall, before swopping out the smaller boat and stepping onto his keeler, Bellissima, where he and his team finished fourth in the ORC Nationals. Having last competed on the extremely technical and highly physical Olympic class boat at the nationals offshore last year, and asked if he was happy with his result, he replied, “Yes, third is great for me in an ILCA. The guys who came first and second had it fairly well tied up.

“The last race on day one in the super choppy sea was a blast to sail in; the downwind runs were exhilarating.” With the ILCA bug truly bitten, Wagner plans to compete in next year’s nationals.

“However, some practise is needed, and some time in the gym, my arms and core need some serious attention.”

ILCA-obsessed Alexander finished a point behind Wagner. The Kloof resident finished fourth overall and was the first Grand Master. “It was a great regatta. I was very happy with the races where Luke, Ant, Barry and Shaun were behind me. But the third race on Saturday was best for me, with a start on pin going full blast at the gun, breeze up surfing huge fast-moving waves and having the right people following me. It was a blast!”

On Sunday, the course was a triangle sausage starting off with champagne conditions. Shortly after midday the breeze started to swing around, steadily building. With three more races in the bag, Cockerill called it a day. Day three was abandoned due to the significant winter system causing havoc across the country.

This weekend dinghy sailors of all shapes and sizes will tackle the historic annual Jonsson Cup that takes place in the harbour on Saturday, August 15.

For more information visit www.pyc.co.za or follow the club on social media.

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