Sunday, November 30, 2014

The Captain's Challenge


Point Yacht Club
The Captain’s Challenge
Sunday 30 November

Point Yacht Club’s Aldino Gorlei celebrated a personal milestone, enjoying his 80th birthday doing what he enjoys most – sailing.

Close on 50 boats came out for the momentous occasion relishing not only the festivities but also the conditions offshore of Durban on Sunday.

The first boat out of the starting blocks was the birthday boy himself, he set off with a handful of junior sailors on a windward leeward course in a gentle 12knots South Easterly wind. Gorlei sailing on his Hobie 14 was second to finish, being overtaken by the extremely quick 49er helmed by former Olympic athlete Alec Lanham-Love.



Once concluding the fun race, Gorlei turned around and carried on sailing. He was joined by a number of Hobies all setting off for a second ‘unofficial’ run.



Over half the fleet was made up of Gorlei’s Hobie buddies, making for a wonderful, colourful display in front of Durban. Four starts set by Race Officer Ron Pet saw the youngest and oldest of the crowd set off first, followed by the monohull dinghies with the biggest class setting off third. Finally the bigger keelboats made their way on the short course, with the buoy set off Moses Mabhida Stadium.


Commodore for the Point Yacht Club, Trevor Donald sailing on an L26, Counter Point said afterwards, “What a way to celebrate such a significant day. I know that Al loved his time on the water and was overwhelmed by all who came to support him. I was really impressed with the turn out on a busy weekend. Thank you one and all who made the effort to celebrate Al’s day with him.”

This coming weekend, the Point Yacht Club will have the conclusion of the Club Class Championships in the bay on Saturday along with the Caney Offshore Series on Sunday. Off the water, the club also has its Christmas Lunch where the Durban City Orchestra will be performing.


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


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