Father-and-son sailors shesha to strong result at Flying 15 Nationals
Thomas and Gust Funke finished fourth overall in tricky, choppy conditions on the Vaal Dam.
Ballito father-and-son Thomas and Gust Funke took on the country’s best Flying 15 sailors over the weekend and returned with an excellent top-5 finish.
The pair faced heavy winds and choppy waters over nine races at the 50th Flying 15 nationals at the Vaal dam, hosted by Aeolians Club on Saturday and Sunday. Representing Point Yacht Club on the newly rigged Shesha, Thomas (44) and Gust (12) claimed 34 points, finishing fourth overall.
“The event was amazing, but the winds blew like hell!” said Thomas. “It’s not often you get the maximum number of races in over two days.”
Their best result came in Race 8 on Sunday, where they placed third. Thomas, who won last year’s race at Midmar Dam with his brother Peter (40), said this year’s conditions were far more challenging.
For Gust, it was a memorable debut: “It was a great feeling, lots of fun, including the (8th) race when we almost got the win,” he said.
Gust explained the demanding nature of the event, especially managing the sails in strong winds.
The spinnaker, a large balloon-like sail used for downwind sailing, and the jib, a smaller triangular sail for upwind, are crucial components of the boat’s rigging system.
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“The first day was pretty tough, there was a very strong wind blowing. I was sitting at the front of the boat, operating the jibs and the spinnaker,” said Gust.
“The waves were splashing on me the whole time, making it difficult to pull the jib because on the one side, the ratchet was the wrong way round.”
Thomas praised his son’s excellent performance in trying conditions.
“Gust sailed like an absolute champ. Racing was extremely tight, and Gust did very well, especially as it was his first Flying 15 Nationals and his first time racing a Flying Fifteen,” he said.
Looking ahead, Thomas is optimistic for the future and is expecting his sons, Kai (10) – with whom he races regularly – and Gust to start going it alone.
“We look forward to building on this campaign in the future and will target the 2026 events. I guess soon my two boys will sail on their own,” added Thomas.
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