Durban’s Point Yacht Club G’day crew battled wind and rivals in Cape Town, clinching ninth at the 2025 Lipton Challenge Cup last week.

The event was held over five days, from August 26-30, and the North Coast sailors scored 88 points over 10 races to finish in the middle of the pack.

Winners Hermanus Yacht Club took the title with 35 points, beating hosts Royal Cape Yacht Club (39) by four points.

The three-man Cell C G’day crew, skippered by Richard Weddell (Westbrook), with bowman Struan Campbell (Salt Rock) and trimmer/tactician Rudy McNeill (Sheffield) aboard the J/22 keelboat, struggled with testing conditions and a lack of preparation.

“It is not quite the result we were hoping for, especially after a tough final day where things just did not go our way,” said McNeill.

“It’s a disappointing end to a week that showed moments of real promise.”

The Point Yacht Club team were bidding to reclaim the title they won as part of a larger five-man team in a separate category during the 2013 edition.

The team fell away on the final day. They struggled to hold a lane, and some small mistakes kept them trailing at the back of the fleet.

They did, however, win one of the 10 races when they edged rivals Royal Natal Yacht Club in the fifth race on Thursday afternoon.

READ MORE: North Coast sailing trio eyes prestigious Lipton Cup title this week | North Coast Courier

“We were quick in the super light breeze, but once it got to full hiking conditions, we simply did not have the power to keep up with the front pack,” said McNeill.

“It was frustrating at times, especially knowing the top teams have been putting in months of training. This was a last-minute campaign, made possible thanks to the incredible support from our sponsors. I am proud we gave it a proper go.”

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.