Summer Sailing Season starts

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Summer Sailing Season 2013/2014

Spring has sprung, and that means the sailing fraternity is coming out of winter hibernation to begin the 2013/2014 summer sailing season with the opening cruise and opening regatta.

The opening cruise on Sunday 15 September is the official start to the sailing season. The yachtsmen have enjoyed their winter on dry land and will be raring to go with a number races planned for both the keelboats and dinghy sailors.

The opening cruise will see all yachts muster off N Shed to enjoy the traditional sail past. The yachts sail in single file in a formal procession past the dignitary boat, saluting Commodores from Durban’s main yacht clubs, the station commander from NSRI and other guests. After the formalities, the sailors will have the opportunity to have a fun run around the bay in a social race.

The opening regatta hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club promises to be serious racing and awesome fun. The Sea Sailing Adventure Regatta takes place over the long weekend in September with a number of sailing and shore based events happening from 21 – 24 September.

The regatta kicks off with two days of offshore racing. The fleet will race in two divisions, the racing and cruising division.

On Monday afternoon, sailors along with their shore based teams’ IQs will be tested as they participate in a cryptic club contest.

The final day the harbour will be cooking, in more ways than one! The fleet will sail laps in the bay around a set course, while the shore crew will tend to the serious stuff, the Potjie Competition. 

Race Officer, Rob Samways stated, “We have had the honour of a highly competitive winter sailing season with the Ola Lipton Challenge and MSC Week taking place offshore of Durban but it is time for our whole community to dust off their boats and participate in the action packed calendar that will be taking place over the next seven months!”

Summer is almost upon us, the warm weather is encouraging Durban’s sailors to leave their winter cocoons and relish the summer splendours.

For more info contact Gayle at the Royal Natal Yacht Club on 031 301 5425.