RNYC honours fallen sailors
In tribute to the sailors who have died, the Royal Natal Yacht Club hosted a Memorial Weekend of races.
DURBAN sailors gathered in their masses to support the Memorial Weekend hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club at the weekend. The two days regatta is hosted in honour of the sailors who have died and is a tribute to remember them.
On Saturday, 28 dinghy sailors took to the waters on an overcast day in the harbour. One of the surprises of the weekend was stalwart Trevor Gibb took first place. Patrick Harris and Jeremy Kriek, sailed their Flying Fifteen Foxxoff, and came second. The next surprise was dished up by Liam Fennessy, who crossed the finish line in third position. The determined young sailor also competed on Sunday, sailing with his dad Sean, on their Hobie 16.
A number of sailors competed both in the dinghy race and then on the bigger boats in the keel race on Sunday.
On Sunday, 22 keel boats took to calm conditions offshore of Durban. Gregg Hurter, who sailed on Bellatrix, is said to have flown around the course, taking the honours with a fantastic performance by him and his crew. Following behind him was Leo Kroone, who sailed on his yacht Phezulu. Kroone managed to make it interesting with a gybe gone bad about 400m from the buoy, stalling his progress. Struan Campbell earned a well placed third in the highly competitive fleet.
“The sailing fraternity in Durban and at the Royal Natal Yacht Club are a big extended family.” said rear commodore, Rob Samways. “Our friends and family who are no longer with us are sorely missed, dearly loved and never forgotten. The Royal Natal Yacht Club Memorial Weekend honours them and we remember them and commemorate their lives by enjoying the sport that they loved.”
The next event for the club’s sailors is the Henley Midmar Yacht Club’s 9-Hour Endurance Race at the Midmar Dam this coming weekend.
