Sailors battle tough winds at provincials
Dozens of sailors took to the water during the recent long weekend for the SAS Grand Slam.
SAILORS took full advantage of the warm days during the long weekend when they competed offshore in the SAS Grand Slam, incorporating the Hobie 14 Provincials hosted by Point Yacht Club.
Mount Edgecombe’s Garth Loudon dominated the Hobie 14 class finishing 18 points ahead of his closest rival. Garth recently returned from a successful adventure in Europe where he, together with his sailing partner Robbie Edwards-Bettsy, won the European Hobie 16 Grand Masters. He competed solo at the Hobie 14 Provincials and took line honours in five of the races offshore. After his two race discards, his score sheet also showed three seconds and two thirds.
An impressive fleet turned out during the four days, and more than 50 boats took to to the water for a maximum of 12 races. The conditions for the first two days were champagne sailing with a gentle dose of wind mixed in with blue skies.
Predictions were correct and on day three the sailors were greeted with a building south-westerly wind. With only three races still remaining, Bingham and his team constantly kept an eye on the Anemometer. During the eleventh race, conditions deteriorated which caused havoc on the water. A majority of the fleet battled with the growing gusts and a number of boats could be seen cartwheeling and tumble-weeding across the short sharp chop.
Rear commodore for Dinghies, Myles White said, “The first race was completed despite several capsizes in all classes, but it was after the second race got underway that the breeze increased dramatically. The rescue and support team were kept busy righting boats that had been knocked down in the gusts. Racing was suspended at the end of the second race, with the brave competitors safely returning to shore.
The fleet concluded the regatta on Women’s Day. The majority of the boats took to the water in near-perfect conditions for the final race.
The fleet comprised of 50 boats, with 19 of these being Hobies. Also on the water were Darts, a Tornado and Hobie Tiger comprising the Open Cat fleet, 505s and 29ers being the Open Dinghies, approximately 10 Lasers, and 12 Optimists.
The next event for the yacht club requires all in attendance to don their smart attire at this year’s Commodore’s Dinner with host, Beauty Ramapelepele, on Saturday, 20 August.
