RNYC Dinghy Bay Series and PYC Sigma Series

Royal Natal Yacht Club and Point Yacht Club

Durban Harbour: Dinghy Bay Series

Offshore: Sigma Series

November got off to an uneventful start for Durban’s sailors with two events taking place this weekend.

The first on Saturday afternoon was day one of the Royal Natal Yacht Club Dinghy Spring Series held in the bay. Overcast and drizzly conditions greeted the braver sailors that ventured out into the unpleasant conditions. A tiny fleet of five dinghies participated in a windward leeward short sprint in the bay.

Race officer, Derek Wilkes managed to get in three races before having to call it a day due to shipping movements right where the short course was laid. The intermittent rain together with winds of around 3-5knots made conditions slow going for the small boats.

The second event had 11 boats participate in the first race of the Sigma Series hosted by the Point Yacht Club.

The intended course was going to be the more challenging bunny ear course where the boats had to head along the coastline from Vetches Pier towards the Blue Waters Hotel and back to the start where they had to turn around and head offshore towards the fairway mark and then head back to the finish line.

The predicted light easterly breeze greeted sailors but the tranquil conditions deteriorated for sailing leaving the hefty boats with hardly any power in their sails.

Race Officer, Ron Pet announced to the fleet after as the time neared an hour that racing would be abandoned as most of the sails just fluffed around, not driving the boat anywhere.

Pet made a general announcement to all yachts racing that the race was abandoned, the leader of the race, Glenwood’s Sean Jones sailing on his fast flying multihull Bandit responded, “Correction Race Officer, the announcement should have stated ‘All yachts bobbing, racing is abandoned.’”

Round two of both events take place this coming weekend. For more info on both events visit www.rnyc.org.za for the Dinghy Spring Series, or visit www.pyc.co.za for the Sigma Series.

Results

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Dinghy Spring Series

Saturday 1 November

Day One

1 Trevor Gibb / Ian Bowman (Mirror) 4pts, 2 David Curtiss (Rebel) 7pts, 3 Cameron Parle (RS Tera) 10pts, 4 Chad Stevenson (Extra) 13pts, 5 Dylan Alberts (Hobie 14) 13pts

Point Yacht Club

Sigma Series

Sunday 2 November

Day One

Racing Abandoned

Bandit (Sean Jones), Bellatrix (Gregg Hurter), Bellissima (Vernon Goss), Caversham Caprice (Richard Crockett), Crazy Diamond (Wayne Smith), Container World (Eli Brophy-Tintinger), Flyer (Brad Rayson), Majimoto (Jon Marshall), Ray of Light (Heidi Kavanagh), Zap (Graham Rose), Zing (Gavin Smith)

Wrap up for Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race

Point Yacht Club

Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race

A zig-zag course in the bay had a fleet of 53 dinghies travelling to all corners of the harbour on Saturday with Jon Marshall from Westville claiming the honours in Point Yacht Club’s Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race.

Marshall, the Rear Commodore for Keelers at Point Yacht Club traded in his larger, more familiar chariot for a much smaller Laser. The race that got underway just beyond the Durban Marina saw the large mixed fleet head off in light conditions towards the harbour mouth.

“It was a bit of an obstacle course dodging the busy afternoon shipping movements. On our first beat up we encountered our first challenge, a massive container ship arriving with a bevy of tugs around her. We had a few more large vessels we had to quickly get out the way of.” Marshall said when back on land.

“It was a fantastic race, long and hard work but great to be out there with all the guys. I am delighted with the win and just managed to take Gregg (Dobson) as we made our way down to the finish.” an elated Marshall said.

Gregg Dobson who has recently returned to Durban couldn’t wait to participate. The experienced yachite led for most of the race on his Laser, with Marshall just off his shoulder as they tackled the winding course designed to last two hours. As the duo neared the finish, Dobson opted for the more sheltered inland approach as Marshall didn’t go so near to land.

The finish line was set off in the shadow of the Bluff which gave the fleet their final challenge as the light winds dropped and then filled in making the final push to the line somewhat agonising for most. Marshall managed to crawl across the line as his nearest competitor, Dobson stalled with the wind taking ages to give him a lift, and in those vital moments, the duo racing on a Flying Fifteen, Paul Changion and Tim Duiguid slipped across the line having taken the open water approach to the line catching the ocean breeze before it got to the stranded Dobson.

Marshall was in one of the larger fleets with 11 full rig Lasers on the water and a couple of smaller Lasers getting in some water time as well. The Flying Fifteens were the next best represented class with eight crafts taking up the challenge. There were a few larger ‘dinghies’ as well with a few youngsters getting in some training on the L26 Container World and two other keel boats participating.

The first junior to cross the line was Alex Thorpe helming a classic little Gypsey with his Dad, Ralph. The easy to sail Gypsey is a South African designed two person boat that is ideal for learning to sail in. The Thorpes finished 21^st overall.

The long hard slog for the 53 small boats ended with Jon Marshall crossing the line in just under two hours in Point Yacht Club’s Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race on Saturday.

Results

1 Jon Marshal (Laser), 2 Paul Changuion / Tim Duguid (FF15), 3 Gregg Dobson (Laser), 4 Martin Zimmerman / Carl Zimmerman (FF15), 5 Rudy McNeill (Laser), 6 Andrew Walford (Laser), 7 Campbell Alexander / Chris Clark (FF15), 8 Anthony MacMillan (Laser), 9 Patrick Harris / Jeremy Kriek (FF15), 10 Gregg Hurter / Nic Albert (FF15), 11 Myles White (FF15), 12 Henri Frencken (Laser), 13 Rob Goulden (Laser), 14 Trent Bingham (Laser), 15 Heidi Kavanagh, Michael Kavanagh (FF15), 16 Bill Evans (Dragonfly), 17 Ricky Robinson (Sprog), 18 Anthony Arbuthnot (Laser), 19 Alec Lanham-Love / Greg de Beyer (49er), 20 Rob Tarboton / Michael Dickinson (29er), 21 Alex Thorpe / Ralph Thorpe (Gypsey), 22 Denmar Nel (Laser), 23 Dylan Albert (Dabchick), 24 David Curtis (Rebel), 25 Tony Alison / Pam Zarnack (Rebel), 26 Jacky Barnard / Clynton de Finn (Mistral), 27 Jethro Brophy – Tintinger / Eli Brophy – Tintinger (420), 28 CJ Miln (Laser), 29 Peter Hall (Hobie 14), 30 Bart Fokkens / Hannah Fokkens (Halcat), 31 Paul Ridsdale (Hobie 16), 32 John Banfield / John Banfield Jnr (FF15), 33 Simon Musgrave (Laser), 34 Liam Fennessy / Tristan Hancock (Hobie 16), 35 Justin Butler / Murray May (Hobie 16), 36 Sean Hurter / Benji Daniels (29er), 37 Wayne Smith (Hobie 14), 38 Richard Potgieter (Halcat), 39 Nic Koekemoer (Halcat), 40 Bruce Edward (Paper Tiger), 41 Hannah Tiedt (Laser 4.7), 42 Colin Fleming (Hobie 14 Turbo), 43 Brendan Humphries (L26), 44 Cameron Parle (RS Tera Sport), 45 Sven Paton (RS Tera Pro) 46 Matthew Hall / Chad Stevenson (Hobie Dragon), DNF James Butler (RS Tera Pro), DNF Braeden Royal / Yashir Seetal (RS Feva), DNF Trevor Gibb / Jessica Fennesy (Mirror), DNF Straun Campbell / Janet Campbell (Argie 15), DNF Richard Bates (Laser), DNF Andrew Butler (Extra), DNS Ayanda Idube (Tera)

WOZA Friday Catamaran Series

Royal Natal Yacht Club

WOZA Friday Catamaran Series

In the Bay: Friday 7 November

The fourth episode in the Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Woza Friday Catamaran Series will be sailed on the sand bank adjacent to the club as the sun begins to set on Friday 7 November.

The interactive race sees the speedy catamaran’s sailing directly off the banks of the club once a month during the spring tide allowing spectators front row seats to watch the racing on dry land. A number of Halcats and Hobies take to the shallow water as they race around a windward leeward course.

The fleet of yachts is steadily increasing as the series grows in popularity. Keel boat sailors are adding to their stable the small versatile crafts that glide effortlessly on top of the water. With the absent keel, the catamarans are able to cut across the surface of the water.

“This series has proven to be a fantastic regatta. Families come down and support from the banks. More importantly, the amount of youngsters queuing up to sail is encouraging for our sport. Our youngest, nine year old Mitchel is the first one there donning his life jacket and going through the checks making sure Dad’s boat is good to sail.” a delighted Rear Commodore for the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Rob Samways said.

Continuing, Samways commented, “Since the inception of this series, we have had three different monthly winners, a good indication of how competitive, and fun the sailing is.”

 

The most recent recipient to have his name engraved on the ‘Woza Mug’ is Queenburgh’s Graham Weyer, “He really had ‘wings’ and showed us all how it is done, with two bullets, to take the overall first result on handicap as well.” an envious Samways said after he placed second and fifth in the two races.

Most of the boats are sailed one up with two boats sailing two up, Gavin Wadsworth sailing with his son Mitchel and Neil Wadsworth sailing with his wife Linda.

 “In the third series we had nine Halcats but new comer, James Goss sailing on his recently acquired Halcat broke his rudder launching and never got to compete. So hopefully his boat will be repaired in time for the next round.” concluded Samways.

For more info visit www.rnyc.org.za or contact Kearin on 031 301 5425.

Results for the third Catamaran Series held in October

Race one

1 Graham Weyer (One Up), 2 Rob Samways (One Up), 3 Gavin Wadsworth (Two Up), 4 Neil Wadsworth (Two Up), 5 Coert Grobbelaar (One Up), 6 Brad Rayson (One Up), 7 Phil Downing (One Up), 8 Jeff Rose (One Up), 9 James Goss (One Up)

Race two

1 Graham Weyer (One Up), 2 Gavin Wadsworth (Two Up), 3 Coert Grobbelaar (One Up), 4 Neil Wadsworth (Two Up), 5 Rob Samways (One Up), 6 Brad Rayson (One Up), 7 Phil Downing (One Up), 8 Jeff Rose (One Up), 9 James Goss (One Up)

Istanbul, kiwi tea, frescoes and earthcakes

I looked Medusa in the eye and miraculously didn’t turn to stone!

When I think of Istanbul, I think of a few things. My first thought would be sipping kiwi tea at my favourite restaurant overlooking the Blue Mosque. The second is the icons and frescoes. And the third is the word Earthcakes.

Over 14 million people live in Istanbul. It is huge! But don’t let the size of the city scare you, it is vibrant, fabulous and easy to navigate and get around!

Istanbul is unique in that it is the only natural occurring transcontinental city; it traverses over Europe and Asia. As the hub of Turkish tourism, most travellers move through this bustling metropolis.  Istanbul is a must see before venturing off to the coast or further inland.

There are loads of inns, hotels, B&B’s and hostels to rest your wary head but I tend to always stay at the quaint Hotel Sultan’s Inn, a stone throw away from The Blue Mosque in the Old City which is in Europe. Being a solo traveller by choice, I have met the most wonderful people staying at this hotel. 

The Old City is the focus for most of the A-list sights and usually it is the first stop on the sight-seeing itinerary. Take your time when visiting The Blue Mosque, the intricate detail to the building is breath-taking. From the minarets on the perimeter of the Blue Mosque; to the Mihrab, a classical niche indicating the direction of the kaaba in Mecca; the domes and the prayer hall with the magnificent low hanging lightening illuminating the interior.

The Aya Sofya or the Hagia Sophia on the opposite side to The Blue Mosque on the Sultanahmet Square has a fascinating history and nowadays serves as a museum. At every turn the icons and frescoes mosaicked and painted on walls and ceiling are worth every cent you pay to get in. It is a Roman masterpiece built in the sixth century as a church but then became a mosque when the Ottoman Empire conquered the city in the 15^th century but the glistening icons remain mostly intact to this day.

On the other side of the Aya Sofya is the Basilica Cistern, a cathedral-sized underground cistern also dating back to the sixth century. Once forgotten, the cistern was accidently rediscovered by a Frenchman who was researching the Byzantine antiques in the 16^th century.  Inside the temperature is quite chilly, colourful koi swim tranquilly in the water and you are invited to feed them. You wind along wooden boardwalks that weave in-between forest of Roman marble pillars with lights shining up from their bases. The walkway winds to a cul-de-sac where two impressive statues of Medusa lie in wait. According to the myth, if you look into the eyes of Medusa, you will turn to stone.

In the same area, another must-stop is the Topkapi Palace. The lavish Ottoman lifestyle that covers over four centuries is displayed here and well worth the entrance fee. The view overlooking the Bosphorus from the grounds is also impressive. For an afternoon stroll, the Gülhane Park which used to be the hunting grounds of the Topkapi Palace is fantastic to amble through. The immaculate botanical garden also takes you down towards the Bosphorus and the Galata Bridge that spans the Golden Horn.

Taking time out from sightseeing, I love to people watch and there are a number of places you can spend ages watching people while enjoying some street food. The Hippodrome alongside The Blue Mosque has plenty of park benches where you can sit and enjoy a freshly baked Simit, Istanbul’s delicious answer to the American bagel or some recently roasted Chestnuts. Around the Galata Bridge and The New Valide Mosque you can pick up a Doner Kebab for 5TYL then after that enjoy shopping in the Spice Bazaar.

Istanbul is renowned for its shopping districts and markets. If you are in ‘the market’ to purchase a carpet, spices, clothes or a leather jacket then look no further. The Grand Bazaar attracts close on 400 thousand people annually and is great to explore. Just be aware that quite a few pick-pockets roam in these parts as well. The shopping district of Taksim, a short taxi, tram or bus ride away is also great to pick up deals.

Evenings for me are usually spent relishing a sweet cup of kiwi tea at the splendid Doy Doy that overlooks The Blue Mosque or watching my favourite basketball team participate in the FIBA EuroLeague, Tango Bourges from France playing the local Turkish teams, Fenerbache and Galasaray.  Between games, the nightlife in the Old City is grand.

The Doy Doy features on the wiki travel suggested places to eat and recommended by Hotel Sultans Inn. Their service and food fills you up, and the charm and location certainly makes it spectacular. They offer a number of different style of kebabs and in the last two years have also expanded their vegetarian menu extensively. My favourite off their menu is the kiwi tea, in all of my travels through Istanbul a highlight for me is stopping at the family owned spot and sipping my green juice as night descends on The Blue Mosque.

A wonderful cultural event is appreciating the Whirling Dervishes or Mevlevi Order, a mesmerising spiritual dance that is centuries old. The male dancers descend into a trance as they gently whirl around to traditional music performed quietly in the background. If you are lucky you may stumble upon a few free Whirling Dervish shows in a couple of the open air restaurants or Hookah Lounges. The night air in Sultanahmet becomes hugely aromatic as the stars come out; patrons participate in an unhurried and sociable Turkish tradition of a Shisha, the smoking of a waterpipe or Hookah.

An absolute must is a cruise along the Bosphorus. Overhearing two gorgeous Aussie chefs when I was in Gallipoli, they keenly stated that there are three places in the world that if you find yourself, you have to go on the water. The first was the mighty Hudson River in New York City, the second suggested by these two Aussie blokes - a romantic cruise around Venice. The third was on the Bosphorus. There are loads of cruise options around the Galata Bridge area; a cheaper option - you can even catch a ferry across the way if you so desire. 

If you have time, then visit the Chora Church, the chapel outside the city walls. It is quite a lengthy walk from Sultanahmet but you get to pass the Valens Aqueduct, the Roman aqueduct that still stands and pass more bridal dress shops than at a Bridal Fair. The church was destroyed during the Latin invasion but lovingly restored over the next few centuries. Following a similar tale as the Aya Sofya, the church was converted into a mosque then later into a museum. The picturesque frescoes date back to the 14th century.

A walking tour that is either free or consider a guided tour, but a beautiful exploration around the Old City walls is worth putting a couple of hours aside for. I went on a City Walls tour and the young guide had a colourful explanation about most things. He was extremely passionate about Turkish tiles. He made reference a few times to the recent disaster in 1999 that flattened buildings, leaving half a million homeless and killed close on 50,000 people, dear Mohammed kept referring to the natural disaster as an earthcake. The endearing term stuck and tickled me pink.

After you have walked the length and breadth of the Old City and the walls, why not treat yourself to an age old ritual of a Hamam or a Turkish Bath? I visited the Çağaloğlu Hamamı Hamamı, a three century old Hamam. I wasn’t brave enough for the full treatment by a Turkish lady but slowly spent time relaxing in all of the steam rooms.

For South African’s Istanbul is a completely affordable destination and also a cheap gateway into Europe. There is something magical about the city that keeps a number of travellers returning, including myself. Will I return, most definitely!

·         For people visiting places of worship, be respectful in these magnificent sacred spaces. Ladies please remember to pack a scarf that can double up as a head scarf. Keep quiet and be aware of prayer times.

·         The Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya and Bascilica Cistern have an entrance fee. I would suggest doing this first thing in the morning when they open up as the queues during the ‘in-season’ can be quite long.

·         Public transport is completely affordable. Taxis are inexpensive and hailing a cab is easy. Getting across the country also has a number of options, including the low flight airline Pegasus. Take into account that most of their flights leave from the Asian side, so factor in the cost of getting to the airport.

·         Most hotels offer airport transfers. For the extra 25 Euros (Atatürk) /50 Euros (Sabiha Gokcen) one way ride per trip, it is well worth it. Most airport transfers are chauffeur driven mini-buses direct to your hotel’s doorstep.

Battle of Trafalgar Pursuit Race

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Battle of Trafalgar

Offshore of Durban: Sunday 16 November

The second attempt to chase the French Flag will take place offshore of Durban on Sunday 16 November after inclement weather forced the postponement of the Battle of Trafalgar Pursuit Race hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club.

The Battle of Trafalgar was raced in big seas last year with Morningside’s Gregg Hurter sailing Bellatrix taking honours. Hurter and his crew have entered and are hoping to defend their title as they hunt down the French Flag.

The Trafalgar race is a pursuit race; the slowest boat will head through the start line first and usually flies a French Flag at the back. The rest of the fleet heads off through the start line at intervals at a specific time depending on their handicap and the fastest boat heads off last. They then chase after the slowest boat, in the hopes of capturing the flag and the title.

“If the conditions play along, then the finish is really exciting with all the boats converging on the line on-mass.” the Rear Commodore of the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Rob Samways explained. “The start is quite technical with the boats heading off in batches at a specific time. It is like racing an everyday car versus a Formula One beast, you of course are going to give the slower car a head start.”

10 yachts headed off on Sunday 19 October to compete in the age old annual event, including defending champion, Hurter. As the small fleet exited the harbour, they were greeted by huge running swells with a few rogue waves breaking off in the distance.

Race Officer for the day, Rob Samways tried valiantly to get the race underway dropping a start line off of Addington Beach but conditions was too hazardous for the yachts. Light winds would not have been able to power the yachts over the rising swell with the tail end of the set having white horses on them.

“We watched as a heavily laden ship departed Durban and saw how the conditions were knocking it about. It was tilting at about 40degrees as it got hammered by the waves.” Samways stated when he was safely back on land.

“About 70 guys are really looking forward to the race, we have a competitive fleet entered, including newcomers to Durban sailing, Ray of Light skippered by Heidi Kavanagh from Port Shepstone, formerly from Cape Town.” The Rear Commodore concluded.

The hunt for the blue, white and red flag is on as the Durban sailors head offshore to compete in the Battle of Trafalgar on Sunday 16 November.

For more info visit www.rnyc.org.za or contact Kearin on 031 301 5425.

Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race

Point Yacht Club

Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race

Historically, the Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race is a huge highlight on the dinghy sailing calendar; the event opens up a busy summer sailing season for the Point Yacht Club’s on Saturday 25 October.

After the global success of the Bart’s Bash World Record Attempt that started the season for the keelers, the smaller boats get their opportunity on the water. The iconic dinghy race, the Jonsson Cup is the oldest dinghy race in Durban. Sailors will take to the bay to challenge each other for the magnificent trophy.

A pursuit race is extremely exciting: the race starts off with a technical start. The start time for all the boats were staggered according to their boat handicap or boat rating, this is scientifically worked out according to the boat weight, sail area, boat design and many other factors.

The slower boats go off first with the faster boats chasing them down. “We are hoping to get a number of entries on the water for this event,” an eager event Co-ordinator, Lucy De Freitas stated. “The finish is the best part. If things go according to plan, most of the fleet dash for the line, making it quite tight as we all converges on the finish.”

Defending champion, young Sean Hurter will be back to defend his title He won the race last year on a Dabchick, a proudly South African designed one-man dinghy. The up-and-coming sailor has just returned from competing in the ISAF Youth World Championships in Tavira, Portugal. He was racing, together with his older brother Euan in the 29er class.

Continuing, De Freitas added, “The idea is to bring young and old together and for the speed merchants like Hobies and 49ers to chase the slower Mirrors and Dabchicks. Over the years the middle speed boats like Flying Fifteens and Lasers have often won. It is a fun event with Boat Park abuzz with music and vibe with the spring upon us.”

The pursuit race has a clock on it, once racing gets underway, the sailors have two hours to complete racing until the race officer stops the chase. If no boat has crossed the line, then whichever boat is in the lead is awarded first place.

“It is a testing race, two hours on the water on a dinghy is hard work. You can’t rely on crew members to make it easier as there are only one or two people on a boat. Sailing dinghies is highly physical and I am sure that all of the guys will have a great work out.”

Point Yacht Club is hoping not only for glorious warm weather for the event, but for all dinghy and cat sailors to join them on the water inviting hobies and darts form the beach site and the Halcats from the Royal Natal Yacht Club camp to join them on the day.

The Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race gets under way early afternoon on Saturday 25 October as Point Yacht Club summer sailing season gets underway.

For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or like their Facebook page Point Yacht Club.

ENDS

Chatting to Pro Golfer, Welsh lady Sahra Hassan

Cell C SA Women’s Open

Sahra Hassan

The upbeat Welsh golfer, Sahra Hassan from Newport was back in the country to tee-off for the Cell C SA Women’s Open.

“This is my third time taking part in the SA Women’s Open,” the cheerful individual stated. “I love it but San Lameer is going to be testing! This is my first time I am playing here and it looks like a good challenge.”

“I managed to hit a few balls at the range but got drenched in the downpour; my clubs and bag are off drying at the mo. I did a bit of putting earlier as well so I am feeling good ahead of the tournament tomorrow (Thursday).”

During the build-up to the London Olympics, Hassan was awarded the 2012 United Kingdom Sportswoman of the Year by the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation at Wembley Stadium, “It was perhaps the proudest moment of my career. I didn’t even know that I had been nominated to be honest.”

“I was up against a pro soccer player and a basketball player. I really hadn’t expected to be recognised with the award. I hadn’t even prepared a speech!” she says with a grin.

The 26year old golfer will be playing with in-form South African Nicole Garcia and French player Ariane Provot. “I was in the South of France in Biarittz two weeks ago playing in the Lacoste Ladies Open de France. I almost got a hole-in-one! It was so close, it teasingly hit the pin and frustratingly bounced out!” an animated Hassan claims.

Continuing, the relaxed player states, “I don’t have any real favourite moments that stand out for me, I have a terrible memory but had I landed that hole-in-one in France, that moment would have stood out for me!”

“I love the game because it is relaxing and yet so frustrating, it’s difficult to describe. I was a fairly decent tennis player back in the day. I got to warm-up with Serena and Venus Williams; that was really cool! When I was 13years old my tennis coach recommended I take a month off which I did. My dad was a keen golfer, so I started playing with him and have never looked back. I still play a bit of tennis with my mates when I get the time.”

Chatting about any difficulties she has had to overcome, she gently responds, “The first time I was ever challenged, I was too young to really understand what was going on. I was playing girls almost double my age. When I was about ten, I was taking on 18year olds - and I was beating them. In one instance, my opponent did take the defeat to well and resorted to a few racial remarks.”

“I didn’t retaliate, didn’t know how but those words had an impact on me!”

Coming from a very supportive close family, the optimistic sports star encourages, “What advice would I give if I were standing up in front of group of people I would tell them....RUN!” she breaks into a beaming smile and continues,  “No, just kidding. The advice is simple. Take a deep breath and try and relax. And smile!”

“I think if you really wanted to overcome adversity, the first step would be making up your mind to make a change. Like in golf, you have to be mentally strong to overcome life’s challenges. I have the support of my extended family and close friends and I am extremely fortunate to have this. Together with their support and hard work, I am able to live out my dream. How lucky am I?”

Asked what is next for her, after the Cell C SA Women’s Open, she concludes, “I head home for three weeks to rejuvenate before three more big events to end off the year. I am off to play in China in mid-November, then head to New Delhi in India at the beginning of December with my last stop for the year in Dubai.

For more info visit www.sawomensopen.co.za or www.ladieseuropeantour.com

To follow Sahra Hassan, find her on twitter: @sahra_hassan13

All pix by Justin Klusener

Chatting to her after the event, Sahra said a moment that stood out for her was the opening function - a traditional braai or BBQ. "The braai was great fun, loved the traditional food!"
In regards to her score of +4 (72, 76 & 72) she said, "I am happy with where I finished, hit the ball great all week, just couldn't buy a putt! Very frustrating as I could of finished well up there if I'd holed a few, but just didn't happen for me."
And speaking about San Lameer, the wonderful welsh lady said, "The course was great, loved it, considering the bad weather we had it was still in great condition. I just found the greens tricky!"