KZN U13 / U12 teams announched

SPAR KZN Rugby

Woodburn Stadium: Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 May 2015

Three days of superb rugby action at the SPAR KZN Inter-District Rugby Tournament concluded on a gorgeous winter’s day at Woodburn Stadium on Saturday, with three teams being announced to represent KZN.

The main game of the tournament was the finals in the U13A sides, the last game of the tournament between Durban Coastals and Southern KZN.

The surprise in the U13A category was the determined team from Southern KZN, their never-say-die attitude and relentless eagerness saw them win two games back to back, the first time in five years they have managed to win, and not only win but qualify for the finals.

An elated coach from Southern KZN, Warren Hitchings said, “I can’t explain how happy I am! The guys just clicked. The atmosphere in the team was fantastic; every single one of the guys backed each other on and off the field. It was an honour to be a part of!”

The coach that hails from Pennington Primary continued, “Each and every single one of them was, in my eyes, a quality player, the best from our region and they did us proud. We only had three training sessions in the build up to this tournament, guys travelled from Kokstad and Kuswag to Suid-Natal to come and train, their commitment evident from the very first session we had together.”

A delighted Durban Coastal’s coach, Brandon Hobbs from Glenwood Prep said after their teams win, “We had good team spirit in amongst our lads. They did really well, making it all the way. Some great talent! There were a few individuals who managed some game breakers in key plays. I was impressed how they all played well together as a team.”

KZN Midlands Primary Schools Rugby Chairman, Tiny Coetzee said, “I was delighted with how the tournament turned out. The weather was great, the games were hard and exciting and I believe every single one of the 330 boys enjoyed themselves.”

Talking about the selection process, Coetzee continued, “We have had a bit of a re-look at the selection structure. The guys who make the squads will have to go through another round to impress the selectors. Two U13 teams will travel to Bloemfontein to take part in the Bondedag, this will serve as their final trials as to who will be selected for the A or B side. The U13A team will head to the renowned Craven Week in Witrivier, Mpumalanga; meanwhile the U13B side will head to Sasolburg.”

“In the U12 division, will come back to Pietermaritzburg for their final round of trials. The successful guys will then head onto Vryheid to represent KZN towards the end of July.”

“We are really pleased with the tremendous spirit and camaraderie that is evident in this tournament.” says Rob Philipson, MD of SPAR KZN. “From our point of view, SPAR encourages people to lead healthy lifestyles, and this tournament not only helps to develop strong and healthy bodies on the field, but also helps to grow and nurture healthy attitudes and team spirit. Well done to all those who participated, they are all winners to have got this far. We wish those who have been selected for the next level, the very best of luck, and we look forward to their future success."

List of KZN teams:

KZN U13A

1 KH Thomas (SKZN – Izothso Primary), 2 U Botha (DBN Coastals – Umhlali Prep), 3 T Trollip (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 4 H Gouws (Zululand – Richards Bay Primary), 5 C R De Bruyn (Southern KZN – Scottburgh Primary), 6 M Khuzwayo (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 7 M Mkhize (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 8 K Khumalo (Midlands – Pelham), 9 P Elliot (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 10 M Halstead (DBN Coastals – Clifton), 11 S Nkomo (Southern KZN – King Edward), 12 S Ngcobo (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 13 K Mbongwa (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 14 M vd Merwe (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 15 E Matkovich (Pinetown and Districts – Westville Senior Primary), 16 N Mdabe (Zululand – Mtubatuba), 17 B Nortje (Southern KZN – Kuswag Skool), 18 M Xego (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 19 J Dobson (Pinetown and Districts – Kloof Senior Primary), 20 M Khalishwayo (Northern KZN – Paul Pietersburg), 21 E Potgieter (Northern KZN – Lucas Meyer), 22 J Murray (Midlands – Cowan House), Coach M Dick (DBN Coastals – DPHS), Asst Coach M Jali (DBN Coastals – DPHS), Manager H Muller (Zululand – Richardia), Chaperone K Barkley (Midlands – Pelham)

KZN U13B

1 M Fierro (Pinetown and Districts – Highbury Prep), 2 J McCabe (Midlands – Merchiston), 3 M Immelman (Pinetown and Districts – Westville Senior Primary), 4 C Van Heerden (Midlands – Pelham), 5 M Madela (Northern KZN – Hutton Park), 6 L Grobler (Southern KZN – Kuswag), 7 L Stubbs (Midlands – Merchiston), 8 N Zikalala (Northern KZN – Monument), 9 B Oellerman (Midlands – Merchiston), 10 H Trodd (Midlands – Merchiston), 11 M Maphisa (Zululand – Mtubatuba), 12 N Dludla (Northern KZN – Nuwe Republiek), 13 K Morsink (Southern KZN – Izotsho), 14 Y Gosai (Pinetown and Districts- Atholl Heights), 15 J Roets (Southern KZN – Amanzimtoti), 16 J Bessick (DBN Coastals – Northlands Primary), 17 N Mndaweni (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 18 M King (Midlands – Merchiston), 19 M De Klerk (Midlands – Cordwalles), 20 T Tomsett (DBN Coastal – Virginia Prep), 21 M Grant (Midlands – Corwalles), 22 T Nkosi (Northern KZN – Piet Retief), Coach S Carroll (DBN Coastals – Northlands Primary), Asst Coach B Hobbs (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), Manager Archie Bhengu (Pinetown and Districts – KwaManzini Primary), Chaperone R Robbertze (Zululand – Richardia)

KZN U12

1 A Mfiki (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 2 Q Pitout (Midlands – Merchiston), 3 A Zondi (Midlands – Cordwalles), 4 S Mkhize (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 5 J Venter (Northern KZN – Pongola), 6 K Manukuza (Zululand – MtMathuba Primary), 7 L Mtshali (Zululand – Veldenvlei) 8 G Mbatha (Northern KZN – Paul Pietersburg), 9 C Oellerman (Midlands – Merchiston), 10 C Davis (DBN Coastals – Virginia), 11 S Kok (Midlands – Merchiston), 12 A Zakwe (Midlands – Merchiston), 13 C Maree (Northern KZN – Piet Retief), 14 L Mpongose (Northern KZN – Paul Pietersberg), 15 D Pretorius (Northern KZN – Piet Retief), 16 M Khuzwayo (Midlands – Merchiston), 17 R Swift (Midlands – Merchiston), 18 S Mngomezulu (DBN Coastals- Penzance) 19 J vd Merwe (Midlands – Merchiston), 20 A Nkuma (Zululand – Grantham P), 21 R Viviers (Northern KZN – Hutten Park), 22 L vd Walt (Northern KZN – Piet Retief), Coach S Accerman (DBN Coastals St Henry’s), Asst Coach Tinus Laatz (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), Manager David Malaki (Southern KZN), Chaperone R Robbertze (Zululand - Richardia)

Brothers Rudy and Michael head off to compete in Canada

Point Yacht Club

Kingston Laser Worlds Standard Mens

Kingston, Canada: 2 – 8 July

Brothers, Rudy and Mike McNeill prepare to pack their bags as they head off to the Kingston Laser Worlds Standards Mens in Canada from 2 – 8 July.

On the back of the SA Laser Nationals held in Durban at the beginning of May, the sailing duo have had a good build up to this massive event where only 158 sailors are being allowed to compete. The competitors will be split into different fleets with roughly 50 boats lining up at the start.

Rudy (24) has an notable CV in the Laser class, having travelled to all parts of the world representing South Africa. Last year was not a good year for the young sailor, “I was out for most of last year with injuries, so it was a welcome return being back on the water and able to perform. I was happy with the rehabilitation of my injured knees and ankle. Leading up to the KZN Champs and Nationals, Mike and I worked hard to improve, pushing each other which helped to build up both of our confidences quite a lot.”

This is the one and only opportunity the two lads representing the Point Yacht Club have to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

“There were times I had to dig deep at the Nationals. It wasn’t all easy, I got two sixes but fortunately I won the other races on those days. I kept telling myself to get over the previous race, focus on the new one. My mantra became ‘You are Rudy McNeill, do what you do, don’t worry! Enjoy it.’ It worked wonders.”

He admitted, “If you look at the starboard side of my mast, I wrote my name there to remind myself of where I have come from and where I want to go! If ever I doubted myself, I would just look at that, know that I am experienced and build from there.”

Older brother Rudy has had the good fortune of competing in Kingston before, having competed at the ISAF Youth Worlds when he was 16. “I have been lucky enough to compete in Kingston before, so it isn’t completely foreign to me. But big fleet racing is always challenging especially the start, the huge jostle on the line with everyone trying to get into a good position. The starts can make or break your race.”

20 year old Michael has just moved up to the full rig which has a bigger sail. Big brother Rudy boasted, “Mike is still 10kg to light for the full rig. If he puts on a bit more weight he is going to go much faster. In the recent nationals, he was only three points off experienced sailor, Campbell Alexander, so he did quite well. In the light winds, he cooks but he needs a bit more confidence in the stronger winds.”

Canada in July is glorious, and the waters off Kingston offer some of the best fresh-water sailing in the world. Having previously hosted the 1976 Olympics at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, it seems fitting for the McNeill brothers as they tackle a week of epic sailing in the hopes of qualifying for the Olympics.

For more info visit www.pyc.co.za  

SA Laser Nationals Offshore of Durban

SA Laser Nationals

Offshore of Durban: 30 April – 3 May

Durban’s Rudy McNeill reclaimed the title of the SA Laser Nationals over the May Day weekend with an impressive display offshore of Durban.

Asked how he would describe himself in one word, he replied “Determined”. McNeill certainly dominated on the water, five of his seven wins being completely solo affairs with him charging to the front and remaining there untouchable. The 2015 SA Laser Nationals had 62 entries with 60 boats actually competing, one of the largest regattas in the country for quite some time.

“I was out for most of last year with injuries, so it was a welcome return being back on the water and able to perform. I was happy with the rehabilitation of my injured knees and ankle. Leading up to the KZN Champs, Mike and I worked to improve, pushing each other which helped to build up both of our confidences quite a lot.”

“Richards Bay was the first decent regatta this year where I could compare myself and I won the first three races straight off. My knees were fine and the ankle wasn’t a problem. Everything felt great.”

“The KZN Champs was a tester for both Mike and I. We knew we were quick but both needed to be tested. Building up to Nationals, I had to get into the right mind set. I kept repeating to myself that I could do it. Mike and I trained every day for a few months, getting the cardio we needed at soccer training and gym and then sailed at every given opportunity. I believe our fitness gave both of us a big boost.”

“Entering the Nationals, my focus was to win but I also had the bigger picture in mind. The KZN champs win was a boost in my preparation for the Laser Standard Worlds in Kingston, Canada in June and July. Pacing myself against the really talented Rudolph Holm, I knew that if I lost to him I would have so much more work to do. But my feeling was that I was performing even higher than before the last Nationals. I was pushing myself for the wins to raise my confidence even further.”

“There were times I had to dig deep. It wasn’t all easy, I got two sixes but fortunately I won the day’s racing on both of those days. I kept telling myself to get over the previous race, focus on the new one. My mantra became ‘You are Rudy McNeill, do what you do, don’t worry! Enjoy it.’ If you look at the starboard side of my mast, I wrote my name there to remind myself of where I have come from and where I want to go! If ever I doubted myself, I would just look at that, know that I am experienced and build from there. “

Chatting about the upcoming Worlds, the successful sailor stated, “I have sailed in Kingston before, when I was 16 for the ISAF Youths so heading to Canada isn’t completely foreign; I remember the place well which will help a lot. This is all or nothing for me, my one and only chance to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. And what means a lot to me is that Mike will be joining me, pushing me every step of the way.”

Also hard at work in preparation for the Laser Worlds in Canada is experienced Alan Keen who finished seventh overall in the full rigs. 

“Unlike Rudy I just haven’t been able to find time to sail this year – there have simply been too many other things getting in the way – and it showed in my results. The KZN Provincials last weekend and the Nationals this week are forming the basis for my training over the next couple of months leading up to the Masters Worlds.”

“I started the event with a disaster – I had rigged my outhaul incorrectly and only noticed this minutes before the first start. A quick attempt to correct things resulted in a capsize which lead to further problems and consequently me missing the race altogether – not the way to start a Championships, but a good way to start a training programme as it emphasized just how costly lack of preparation and focus can be. Thereafter it was a case of playing catchup.”

“At times I was able to match some of the top runners for speed, strategy and tactics, with a couple of races where I managed to round the top mark first, but keeping that position amongst of fleet of competitive, and mostly much younger sailors, was always going to be tough. It was great to see the geographic diversity with Rudy from KZN, Rudolf from Gauteng, Alistair from Western Cape and Colin from Perth, Australia all up at the top of the fleet. The age range was equally impressive with the top 8 consisting of  three in their 20’s and two in their 60’s and everyone else spread out in between. It’s many years since we have last had that level of competition and diversity.”

Ten races were sailed over the four days for both the radials and full rigs and nine races in the 4.7 class, allowing two race discards. Race officer, Tony Cockerill set a lengthy triangle-sausage-triangle course for the radial and full rig fleets. The 4.7’s started the regatta sailing the full course but on the second day had their race track shortened to a triangle-sausage.

“The bridge needs to be commended on how efficient they were, they did really well!” said a delighted race organiser and competitor, Campbell Alexander. “The courses were difficult and quite technical.”

“I believe that everyone had a fun time, the feeling of camaraderie was evident both on and off the water. I know that Trent Bingham was one of the last guys to launch each day as he helped everyone get out first. At every level the sailors enjoyed themselves. If it was between the grand masters, the competition between Andrew Walford, Ken Holliday and Peter Clayton was fun to see, or the 4.7s with the very competitive Frances van Breda and Megan Robertson having a tussle. Off the water I saw them chatting, with Frances sharing her experiences with all the girls, encouraging them. It really was a joy to watch.”

Talking about the conditions, Alexander continued, “The weather was very unpredictable, conditions being very different to that anticipated from the weather sites with considerably more wind than expected. A South Westerly came through and stuck around for three days.”

“The first day blew hard, and the decision was taken to sail close inshore with the consequence of tricky oscillating shifts and gusts. One had to read the wind on the water for the beats and pick up the wind shifts. Rudy was a master tactician and read these conditions like a book”

“On the first reach, some boats were very quick, in particular Rudy and Rudolph who showed their skill at catching the waves and keeping their speed up. The second reach was even more difficult with the option of heading up and catching the waves or going slower but straight for the mark.  Again, there was a wide variation in speed between those who got it right and those who did not play the waves and the direction correct.  The compromise of surfing the waves but not going the most direct route meant you ended up sailing a lot further, the gamble between going fast but further or the slower but more direct route.”

“The run was particularly difficult because the current was sweeping the boats off the straight line course so a lot of the fleet sailed a longer course than they needed. The boats that managed to sail for the mark on the runs sailed impressively fast.”

“On the third day, a north easterly was predicted. The barometer moved up but - surprise, surprise - a south westerly came through at around 20 knots. An ominous black cloud in the south west promised even more wind and I was concerned that 30 knots may hit us so the 4.7s were sent home as a precaution. A week earlier, the Vasco Race sailors also found that the wind predictions of 15 knots were very different to the 60 knots that turned up so the race officer and I were mindful of this. But the big gust didn’t come through.”

“On the last day, a north easterly arrived. This was an exceptionally difficult north easter, not the usual head out to sea and tack on the lay-line. The light wind was shifting by between 15 and 20 degrees and those sailors who picked up the wind pressure and the shifts made huge gains. In the last race, the wind picked up and the reaches were really good fun. There was also a special technique needed to deal with the second reach, the back straight reach where it was a matter of balancing, catching the waves but avoid being blown over. As soon as one became overpowered, one had to free off with the wave - the reverse of the technique required for the south westerly.”

A really pumped and elated Dylan Long representing Theewater Sports Club, commented after the regatta, “I felt the competition was really good.  Anyone could have won; the regatta was still wide open on the last day. Over the four days there was some stellar wind throughout the regatta made it worthwhile and enjoyable.”

“The best moment of the regatta for me was winning the second last race as I worked as hard as I could to win that race. I pushed the boat and myself to the limits and was rewarded with the win. Every time I go out on the water, I learn a lot and I am really chuffed with how much I improved over the four days.”

Talking about what is next for this future sailing star, he said, “This was the last time sailing a Laser for a while as I am trying my hand at sailing the fast flying 29er. My next goal is to represent my country in this class at the ISAF Youth Worlds in Langkawi, Malaysia at the end of the year. I am looking forward to that challenge; it will be awesome as I will be sailing with my younger brother, Arin.”

The SA Laser Nationals moves to the Eastern Cape next year.

Rudy McNeill is crowned SA Laser National Champion

Point Yacht Club

SA Laser Nationals

Offshore Durban: 30 May – 3 April

Local lad, Rudy McNeill was in a class of his own when he was crowned the SA Laser Nationals champion on Sunday.

McNeill won seven out of the eight races that counted offshore of Durban, following up from dominating the KZN Open Provincials in Richards Bay the weekend before. McNeill is hard at work hoping to qualify for the Rio 2016 Olympics

After the regatta, a chuffed McNeill said, “I had good fun on the water. The conditions suited me perfectly. “

Continuing, he said, “From the moment I launched my boat off the beach on the first day, everything felt good. I got into my groove quickly and fortunately didn’t make too many mistakes over the four days and I am happy that everything fell perfectly into place. My fitness helped quiet a lot, but also with the local knowledge, with a typical south wester blowing most of the time, I could read the weather easier than a lot of the guys who were on the Durban water for the first time.”

“I went into the first race on the final day needing to keep other Rudy, Rudolph Holm from Pretoria behind me. The winds started off really light from the North East, but both Rudy and I prefer the big winds, so it was quite difficult. At one stage I was lying in eleventh. I can’t remember the last time I worked so hard, but I did it. I finished fifth but most importantly, ahead of Rudy. Once I had that nailed I knew I had won the title. I really was stoked!”

Vause Road sailor, Anthony Arbuthnot managed a 23^rd place in the four day regatta, competing against some of the best sailors in the world, including Colin Dibb who has a string of World Championship titles to his name. Arbuthnot top scored a fifteenth place in the ten races, he was racing in a highly competitive fleet including Australian Colin Dibb who has a fleet of World Champion titles to his name, Rudy McNeil who is hoping to compete in the Olympics and Thomas Baumgarti from Brazil.

Durban’s autumn served up a bit of everything for the Laser sailors, with a few races with winds exceeding 15knots, a bit of chop when the North Easter filled in, some light winds for the leaner sailors and perfect sunshine over the four days. Race officer, Tony Cockrell got in ten triangle sausage triangle races, with two races being discarded. On the third day the smaller 4.7 Lasers were sent home early as the breeze started to build nearing the 20knots, a bit too dangerous for the younger sailors.

Seasoned sailor and event organiser, Campbell Alexander who finished ninth in the main class said, “I think we can be very happy with the event. We had a variety of winds, the sailing was superb, and the setting was five stars. Everyone, from the highly competitive Olympic hopefuls to the more social sailors had a fantastic time on the water. Durban sailing is alive and well, and with all of the compliments we have been receiving from the Laser guys, our city is one of the best sailing venues in the world.”

In the Radial class, up-and-coming Dylan Long charged to the front. The impressive young sailor worked hard on the water, with each race the effort was evident as he pushed himself and his boat to the maximum. In the eight races sailed, he managed four firsts, two seconds, a third and a fourth.

14 year old Kai Leslie also dominated his class, the smaller 4.7 Lasers. The eager Cape Town tallied up an impressive log of six firsts and two seconds.

Results

Standard

1 Rudy McNeill (PYC), 2 Rudolph Holm (AYC), 3 Alistair Keytel (ZVYC), 4 Colin Dibb (FSC – Australia), 5 Thomas Baumgarti (YCI –Brazil), 6 Marcello Marcia (VLC), 7 Alan Keen (ZVYC), 8 Trent Bingham (PYC), 9 Campbell Alexander (PYC), 10 Michael McNeill (PYC), 11 Rowen Clark (PYC), 12 Lance Burger (ZVYC), 13 Anthony McMillan (PYC), 14 De-Wet Nel (DYC), 15 Byron Watt (PYC), 16 Ralph Thomas (ZVYC), 17 Andre Bestha (DYC), 18 Thomas Sutherland (ZIC), 19 Deon van der Walt (LDYC), 20 Clive Whitburn (VLC), 21 Myles White (PYC), 22 Nicholas Matter (HMYC), 23 Anthony Arbuthnot (PYC), 24 Andrew Russell (ZYC), 25 Rob Goulden (PYC), 26 David Curtiss (PYC) 27= Henri Frencken (PYC), 27= Brett Clark (VLC)

Radial

1 Dylan Long (TSC), 2 Calvin Gibbs (IYC), 3 Georgou Divaris (KYC), 4 Sam Lombaard (PYC), 5 Ruben Heard (ZYC), 6 James Hellstrom (GLYC), 7 Iliana Boura (VLC), 8 Dominic van der Walt (LDYC), 9 Jethro Brophy Tintinger (PYC), 10 Damian Muller (DAC), 11 Tyron-Lee De Jager (ZYC), 12 Andrew Walford (PYC), 13 Ken Holliday (ZVYC), 14 Megan Eccleston (WYC), 15 Peter Clayton (BSC), 16 Nicholas Forshaw (HMYC), 17 Emma Clark (VLC), 18 Mugammad Peters (DYC), 19 Ross Gaughran (PYC), 20 Tommy Madoda (DYC), 21 Alison Bradfield (ZLC), 22 Megan van der Walt (LDYC), 23 Nicola Burger (ZVYC), 24 Matthew Russell (ZYC), 25 Brendan Geraghty (BSC)

4.7

1 Kai Leslie (ZVYC), 2 Sarah-Jane Deary (ZVYC), 3 Elsje Dijkstra (ZVYC), 4 Megan Robertson (GLYC), 5 Frances Van Breda (PYC), 6 Hannah Fokkens (ISC), 7 Hannah Tiedt (PYC), 8 Kirsten Clark (VLC), 9 Gen Matter (HMYC)

ENDS

Cape Town sailors do well in the SA Laser Nationals

SA Laser Nationals

Offshore Durban: 30 April – 3 May

Three future stars from the southern suburbs of Cape Town sailed in the recent SA Laser Nationals over the May Day weekend in Durban.

The trio all had a sterling time on the water, raking in the medals, with Dylan Long being crowned Radial champion, Calvin Gibbs finishing only two points behind Long in second place and Sarah-Jane Deary finishing second in the 4.7 class, as the first girl in her class.

Long tallied up four firsts, two seconds, a third and fourth in the eight races that counted. A total of ten races were sailed in the Radial class, with two of them being discarded.

A really pumped and elated Dylan Long representing Theewater Sports Club, commented after the regatta, “I felt the competition was really good.  Anyone could have won; the regatta was still wide open on the last day. Over the four days there was some stellar wind throughout the regatta made it worthwhile and enjoyable.”

“The best moment of the regatta for me was winning the second last race as I worked as hard as I could to win that race. I pushed the boat and myself to the limits and was rewarded with the win. Every time I go out on the water, I learn a lot and I am really chuffed with how much I improved over the four days.”

Talking about what is next for this future sailing star, he said, “This was the last time sailing a Laser for a while as I am trying my hand at sailing the fast flying 29er. My next goal is to represent my country in this class at the ISAF Youth Worlds in Langkawi, Malaysia at the end of the year. I am looking forward to that challenge; it will be awesome as I will be sailing with my younger brother, Arin.”

Silver medallist, Calvin Gibbs sailing in the Imperial Yacht Club’s colours also had a fantastic time sailing on the warm waters in Durban. Gibbs narrowly missed out from gold by only two points. His score card ended with two firsts, four seconds, a third and a fourth.

Both boys attend Wynberg Boys’ High School. Adding to the long tradition of successful sailors from Wynberg, Old Boy Alistair Keytel had a brilliant time on the water, finishing third in the Laser Standard. He finished ahead of International sailors, Colin Dibb from Australia and Thomas Baumgarti from Brazil.

Damian Gibbs, father of Calvin and South African Sailing Western Cape Committee member enthused, “The 2015 Nationals was an excellent regatta, the kids enjoyed it immensely. Next time I hope to sail myself.”

Sarah-Jane Deary sailing under the Zeekoe Vlei Yacht Club burgee sailed superbly in the 4.7 class, finishing second overall behind fellow Western Province sailor, Kai Leslie. The Wynberg Girls’ pupil notched up five second places, two third places and a bronze.

Results

Standard

1 Rudy McNeill (PYC), 2 Rudolph Holm (AYC), 3 Alistair Keytel (ZVYC), 4 Colin Dibb (FSC – Australia), 5 Thomas Baumgarti (YCI –Brazil), 6 Marcello Marcia (VLC), 7 Alan Keen (ZVYC), 8 Trent Bingham (PYC), 9 Campbell Alexander (PYC), 10 Michael McNeill (PYC), 11 Rowen Clark (PYC), 12 Lance Burger (ZVYC), 13 Anthony McMillan (PYC), 14 De-Wet Nel (DYC), 15 Byron Watt (PYC), 16 Ralph Thomas (ZVYC), 17 Andre Bestha (DYC), 18 Thomas Sutherland (ZIC), 19 Deon van der Walt (LDYC), 20 Clive Whitburn (VLC), 21 Myles White (PYC), 22 Nicholas Matter (HMYC), 23 Anthony Arbuthnot (PYC), 24 Andrew Russell (ZYC), 25 Rob Goulden (PYC), 26 David Curtiss (PYC) 27= Henri Frencken (PYC), 27= Brett Clark (VLC)

Radial

1 Dylan Long (TSC), 2 Calvin Gibbs (IYC), 3 Georgou Divaris (KYC), 4 Sam Lombaard (PYC), 5 Ruben Heard (ZYC), 6 James Hellstrom (GLYC), 7 Iliana Boura (VLC), 8 Dominic van der Walt (LDYC), 9 Jethro Brophy Tintinger (PYC), 10 Damian Muller (DAC), 11 Tyron-Lee De Jager (ZYC), 12 Andrew Walford (PYC), 13 Ken Holliday (ZVYC), 14 Megan Eccleston (WYC), 15 Peter Clayton (BSC), 16 Nicholas Forshaw (HMYC), 17 Emma Clark (VLC), 18 Mugammad Peters (DYC), 19 Ross Gaughran (PYC), 20 Tommy Madoda (DYC), 21 Alison Bradfield (ZLC), 22 Megan van der Walt (LDYC), 23 Nicola Burger (ZVYC), 24 Matthew Russell (ZYC), 25 Brendan Geraghty (BSC)

4.7

1 Kai Leslie (ZVYC), 2 Sarah-Jane Deary (ZVYC), 3 Elsje Dijkstra (ZVYC), 4 Megan Robertson (GLYC), 5 Frances Van Breda (PYC), 6 Hannah Fokkens (ISC), 7 Hannah Tiedt (PYC), 8 Kirsten Clark (VLC), 9 Gen Matter (HMYC)

ENDS

Mossel Bay's Megan Robertson does well in SA Laser Nationals

SA Laser Nationals

Offshore Durban: 30 April – 3 May

Fifteen year old Megan Robertson from Mossel Bay has just returned after competing in the recent SA Laser Nationals offshore of Durban.

The hugely talented sailor competed in the 4,7 class finishing fourth overall and was the third lady in the highly competitive division. She finished ahead of highly experienced Frances van Breda who was competing on her home ground.

“The Laser Nationals was hosted at an amazing venue; the vibe was great and very welcoming. Going into the regatta I knew I was slightly overweight for the 4.7s but I took a chance because I got told there was a cold front moving up the coast. It never came.” The beaming, tanned lass stated.

“On the first day I did quite well, finishing the day lying second overall and still capable of getting into the top spot. Over the next few days my position dropped with the light winds causing me problems. The rest of the fleet was smaller and lighter than me and on the water, they moved quicker.” explained the young Curro pupil.

"Overall I didn’t do too badly, I finished fourth tied for third. Elsje had more first places than me, so she was awarded the bronze. But really, the best thing about the regatta has to be the venue, one of my favourites offshore of Durban.”

The previous week, Robertson competed in a warm up event in Richards Bay, the KZN Open Provincial Championships and came first there. “I absolutely loved Richards Bay. Again, the venue and vibe was memorable and the racing on the courses they set out was great fun. On the one day we got to sail offshore in heavy winds and big swells, I loved that as offshore sailing is my thing.”

Asked what she learnt from her week in KZN, she replied, “At Richards Bay I got taught the lesson of not thinking you are the best and learn from the more experienced guys sailing. That lesson helped me to win the regatta at the end of the day. And in Durban my upwind sailing improved tremendously through big swell and chop in light winds.”

The future star is now challenging herself, moving into the Radial class, “I'm now getting onto a radial and starting training towards qualifying for ISAF Youth Worlds. I have a few months to train as the big event is at the end of the year in Langkawi, an island off Malaysia.”

Results

Standard

1 Rudy McNeill (PYC), 2 Rudolph Holm (AYC), 3 Alistair Keytel (ZVYC), 4 Colin Dibb (FSC – Australia), 5 Thomas Baumgarti (YCI –Brazil), 6 Marcello Marcia (VLC), 7 Alan Keen (ZVYC), 8 Trent Bingham (PYC), 9 Campbell Alexander (PYC), 10 Michael McNeill (PYC), 11 Rowen Clark (PYC), 12 Lance Burger (ZVYC), 13 Anthony McMillan (PYC), 14 De-Wet Nel (DYC), 15 Byron Watt (PYC), 16 Ralph Thomas (ZVYC), 17 Andre Bestha (DYC), 18 Thomas Sutherland (ZIC), 19 Deon van der Walt (LDYC), 20 Clive Whitburn (VLC), 21 Myles White (PYC), 22 Nicholas Matter (HMYC), 23 Anthony Arbuthnot (PYC), 24 Andrew Russell (ZYC), 25 Rob Goulden (PYC), 26 David Curtiss (PYC) 27= Henri Frencken (PYC), 27= Brett Clark (VLC)

Radial

1 Dylan Long (TSC), 2 Calvin Gibbs (IYC), 3 Georgou Divaris (KYC), 4 Sam Lombaard (PYC), 5 Ruben Heard (ZYC), 6 James Hellstrom (GLYC), 7 Iliana Boura (VLC), 8 Dominic van der Walt (LDYC), 9 Jethro Brophy Tintinger (PYC), 10 Damian Muller (DAC), 11 Tyron-Lee De Jager (ZYC), 12 Andrew Walford (PYC), 13 Ken Holliday (ZVYC), 14 Megan Eccleston (WYC), 15 Peter Clayton (BSC), 16 Nicholas Forshaw (HMYC), 17 Emma Clark (VLC), 18 Mugammad Peters (DYC), 19 Ross Gaughran (PYC), 20 Tommy Madoda (DYC), 21 Alison Bradfield (ZLC), 22 Megan van der Walt (LDYC), 23 Nicola Burger (ZVYC), 24 Matthew Russell (ZYC), 25 Brendan Geraghty (BSC)

4.7

1 Kai Leslie (ZVYC), 2 Sarah-Jane Deary (ZVYC), 3 Elsje Dijkstra (ZVYC), 4 Megan Robertson (GLYC), 5 Frances Van Breda (PYC), 6 Hannah Fokkens (ISC), 7 Hannah Tiedt (PYC), 8 Kirsten Clark (VLC), 9 Gen Matter (HMYC)

ENDS