Sailors gear up for final day of Lipton Cup

The debut race of the six-day national regatta had 17 yacht clubs’ best teams competing offshore Durban for the coveted trophy, donated by the famous tea merchant and keen yachtsman Sir Thomas Lipton in 1909.

Fighting in a light eight to ten knots south east wind, the Royal Natal Yacht Club team on Orion B2G2 managed to sneak their bow past the defending champions, Royal Cape Yacht Club at the last moment.

Umdloti sailor and Orion B2G2 skipper Paul Changuion said he was proud of his team’s sailing efforts.

“I am so happy to be sailing with my long-term mates. The last time we were together in Mossel Bay for a Lipton we were good but we made some mistakes that cost us.

“We have our work cut out for us as our fifth member is not allowed to sail due to an unfortunate first day forced exclusion, which will negatively affect our performance on windier days,” said Changuion.

Fellow Umdloti sailor and crew member Luke Wagner said the racing was hard work.

“The conditions were quite tough – relatively light wind with some significant shifts allowed the fleet to alternate positions during the race which made staying at the front quite difficult. We were very lucky to have passed the Royal Cape boat in the last 30 seconds to take the win. We very nearly finished fourth when an unforeseen wind shift allowed the fourth and fifth boat to sail right up to the front of the fleet,” said Wagner.

While the team claimed the Golden Teapot trophy on day one, Wagner said they have no time to rest on their laurels.

“We are already bruised and battered and it has only been day one of six. Lipton is all about consistency and not necessarily about winning every race. The event could be won by any of the top four boats. We, of course, hope the final winner will be us on Friday.”

Unfortunately, the highlycompetitive regatta was over for nine teams on the first day already, as three boats were disqualified under the “U” flag rule (boats cannot be in front of the start line in the last minute before the start) and six boats were unable to finish within the time limit.

Sailing will wrap-up today (Friday, July 13), with prize giving taking place this evening.

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