PYC Offshore Sailing

Point Yacht Club

Offshore Sailing

The Easter weekend was a busy patch for the more competitive sailors of Durban with three major events concluding around the country.

Down in Port Elizabeth, brothers Thomas and Peter Funke achieved their intentions of finishing in the top ten at the SAP 505 World Championships. Funke squared came eighth overall after eight races. They were the top South African finishers on the leaderboard, behind legends Mike Holt and Carl Smit from America who cleaned up with five first places.

The Robinson brothers, Ricky and Brennan representing the Royal Natal Yacht Club had a fantastic series, showing their dexterity on any sailing craft, finishing 13^th. Amanzimtoti’s Jay D’Engle sailing with Cape Townian Dewet Nel ended his regatta in 18^th.

In Durban, oodles of Hobie sailors took to the warm waters to compete in the Hobie Nationals. The bright and colourful fleet enjoyed superb conditions over four days. Race officer from Cape Town, Doug Allison got in eleven races. After a tense start to the regatta with three false starts in the opening race and a black flag being raised for the remainder of the day, the adrenaline junkies managed to roll in the results.

Taking honours in the main class, William and Lucinda Edwards from Knysna Yacht Club wrapped up with six first places and three second places concluding the four days as deserved winners. Iconic Hobie sailor and World Champion, Blaine Dodds competing with his gorgeous daughter Roxanne, tallied up four firsts and six seconds, settling for silver just two points behind the Edwards. Top local PYC members, Ewald and Ali Erasmus were in the top ten, with their seventh place overall.

Special mention goes to Aldino Gorlei, who recently celebrated his 80^th birthday, finished an impressive fifth in the Hobie 14 class.

Up in Richards Bay an impressive fleet of 14 large keelboats are safely moored after fantastic downwind sailing, they set sail from Inhaca Island in Mozambique on Good Friday in the long distance race to Zululand. Most of the entries used the event as practice for the upcoming gruelling 400 nautical mile Vasco da Gama to Port Elizabeth.

Taking line honours in the 25^th edition of the Inhaca Yacht Race, local entry from Zululand Yacht Club Zeus skippered by Don Voysey in a pacey 23 hours 16 minutes and 48 seconds followed by the Rear Commodore of Point Yacht Club, Jon Marshall sailing on Majimoto just half an hour behind Zeus. Marshall, sailing with his daughters and crewman Edrich ‘Lucky Eddie’ de Lange, were crowned handicap winners. Another PYC member, Greg Donkin helming Alkistis finished third in both handicap and across the line.

April continues to be a busy sailing season with the start of the Vasco da Gama Ocean Race on Saturday 25 April and the SA Laser Nationals taking place from Wednesday 29 April with close to 100 boats taking part.

For more info go to www.pyc.co.za.

Bilene Mozambique

Whenever I chat to my older sister Tina she says she lives in Paradise.

Tina and her family have been living in Mozambique for a handful of years and they pure love it. They live a fair way up the coastline but my most recent adventure only took me a few hours north of Maputo.

After an exhilarating 70minute flight on a 30 seater Airlink Jetstream 41, we landed in the capital, Maputo. One thing that is evident is that the airports in Mozambique have all had a posh new makeover. After a quick queue in the customs and immigration, we grabbed our bags and made our way out into the bustling metropolis of Maputo.

Our airport transfer was keenly waiting in the arrivals hall and took us out to the car. We were greeted by the reality of being in Mozambique. An unwavering police officer was waiting patiently for us to award a ‘fine’ for parking in the hotel transfer parking. After an attempt at reasoning and negotiating, cash was handed over.

It took a while for our host Marriana and her husband Johan, who doubled as our transfer chauffeur, to brush off the welcome we encountered, but eventually they did and the trip began to lighten up. We were flying along impressive new wide roads that had recently been built by Chinese prisoners as we made our way north out of Maputo. Leaving the city behind, we made our way into a more rural setting. The trip lasted nearly three hours, with only two stops by the traffic authorities – we managed to escape without parting with any metical. Another stop was essential to pick up supplies as our destination was self-catering.

Arriving at San Martinho Beach Club, I have to admit I was extremely impressed with the setting. The accommodation that was home for the next four days was right on the water’s edge.  The two floor unit was clean, comfortable and kitted out with everything.

Our lounge and outdoor entertainment area spilled out onto the pearl white sands and into the inviting turquoise natural lagoon. The flat had four bedrooms, three upstairs and one downstairs with one of them having the luxury of an en-suite. I snaffled the main room that was closest to the sea and for the next three nights I fell blissfully asleep to the tranquil sounds of the water lapping onto the beach.

Our first evening we stayed in and dined out with a magnificent spread, Adrian my travelling companion who can put Jamie Olivier to shame in the kitchen, whisked up a peri-peri chicken with some veggies we had acquired at one of the road side traders. The homemade peri-peri sauce was donated by our host Johan, the creator of the delicious marinade. The traditional dish was accompanied by an icy cold 2M beer or a ‘doshem’. 

The evening was quietly enjoyed gazing out over the water; there were only a few twinkling of lights across the way.

During the night the wind picked up unpleasantly, so our itinerary changed from water based activities to exploring the town. Durban could take a page out of Bilene’s tourism guide, we ventured to the southern side of the lake, around the main part of town and towards San Martinho Beach Club, I didn’t spot one piece of litter. There was such an aura of pride, even with the humble traders peddling a number of colourful items; their small domain was spotless and inviting.

Breakfast was at a quaint spot called Mar Azul. Run by a local lady and her Portuguese husband, the venue overlooked the main street so you could relax and refuel as you watched the world go by. The restaurant doubled up as the local butcher as well.

Our meals were both a local dish. Adrian braved the Mozambican Breakfast, an omelette that arrived with a bit of a surprise; a small bony fish graced the plate accompanied by fried chips and a simple garden salad. I ventured for the more English breakfast style, having the sausage, scrambled egg, salad and of course fried chips - the sausage turned out to be more of the Vienna variety. Chips made an appearance next to all of the items offered on the breakfast menu.

There after we spent our time visiting a handful of other resorts in Bilene. From the beautiful rustic Praia do Sol Chalets in the south, to their ultra-posh neighbours Humula Beach Resort. We ventured into the suburb discovering how the locals lived.

The next day, the wind had died down sufficiently that we could venture out onto the water. A small fishing boat came to collect us and took us across the huge lake to where the water escaped into the Indian Ocean. Our gentle skipper anchored the boat in a crystal clear still bay. The crystal clear water begged to be snorkelled in but we opted to hike up to Turtle Bay.

After about forty minutes we stood high above the sea, looking out. Our guide tried his best to tell us in Portuguese that in years gone by, the water below used to be home to hundreds of turtles. The beach used to be littered with evidence of eggs and the roaring waves used to have these magnificent creatures breaking through s they played and fished. We stood up there for ages imagining this time long ago how spectacular the sight must have been.

Eventually we made our way back to the boat and slowly motored to the northern most tip of the lagoon. Stopping off at a fairly rustic bar and restaurant, Villa N Banga. Lunch was a delicious Prego roll, served with the owners very own mango atchar. As a perfect lunchtime companion, a round of R&R’s was delivered.  A firm favourite amongst travellers and locals alike, the drink is made up of Tipo Tinto Rum and a Sparletta type of Raspberry juice.

Being so near the water, the breeze died down enough and we eventually got onto the lagoon, spending the late afternoon paddling out on a brightly coloured sturdy sea kayak. The lagoon looked a bit like an elongated, squashed outline of the United States tipping its cap and our efforts got us only half way across, not so sure Bridgitte Hartley would have been impressed.

Our trip to Bilene slowly wound down to a hurricane, a Saboroso hurricane at the trendy new bar and restaurant at the Tenda Tora Lodge.  The fabulous potent and utterly moreish cocktail designed by Tenda Tora’s owner was served in a jam jar. The food on offer was mighty tasty, fresh and recommended.

The next morning we departed San Martinho early making our way to Maputo. All too soon we were back in the sterile airport environment sitting in no-man’s land. Our time in Bilene was now a memory.

·         Malaria and mosquitoes are a major issue. Travellers to Mozambique are urged to take the necessary precautions.

·         Sea urchins were a slight challenge on the lagoon’s edge when we visited, suggest taking a pair of hardy diving bootys so you can swim and walk in the water.

·         Bilene is a small town but if you are not mobile, then it is quite a trek to head into town

·         San Martinho Beach Club is a self-catering resort. Eating out can become quite costly, so come prepared

·         If you are flying with Airlink, be sure to pack lightly – especially your hand luggage as it is a compact plane.

Elf's Adventures in black and white... and colour

Every day I wake up and realise how lucky I am to have lived the life I have. Continuing the theme of being blessed, these are a few of the articles I have that have been published... 

Walking the Camino in Spain...

Previously posted on my blog: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=999579515828153404#editor/target=post;postID=3042124779310839865;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=110;src=postname

A couple of days hanging out on Bazaruto Island...

Previously posted on my blog: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=999579515828153404#editor/target=post;postID=4552161581911188102;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=43;src=postname

A Meander In Memphis

Previously posted on my blog: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=999579515828153404#editor/target=post;postID=6687092960123801326;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=18;src=postname

Wandering around 'The Capitol'... 

Previously posted on my blog: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=999579515828153404#editor/target=post;postID=7468336055441847551;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=14;src=postname 

Previous posted on my blog: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=999579515828153404#editor/target=post;postID=1558472504709916543;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=5;src=postname 

Royal Natal Yacht Club Vasco da Gama Day One

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Vasco da Gama Race

The 2014 edition of the Vasco da Gama yacht race hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club started this morning (Thursday 19 June) with weather predictions looking like it is going to be tough slog for the 11 boats competing.

The race that started in the bay of Maputo had the sailors racing around Inhaca Island and tackle the elements offshore. The conditions predicted are a thumping South Wester nearing 40knots with big swells.

The navigators will more than likely opt for keeping close to the shore and not heading out towards the strong Aghulas current as the sea conditions will be upside down.

Sailing on the smallest boat, the Rear Commodore of the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Rob Samways helming Sticky Fingers said before his departure, “If the weather does come through we are contemplating three options. Either we are going to take shelter in the Maputo Bay or beat up to Inhaca Island and ride the weather out. The third option that we are talking about is using our tri-sail which will be able to handle the conditions and ride through the nasty stuff.”

Accomplished South African sailor, Brennan Robinson who participated in the epic Cape2Rio at the beginning of the race commented, “We are all going to have to put our heads down and ride out the bad weather. Safety is the main thing out on the water and knowing your boats limits and not pushing them.”

The fleet are due back in Durban in the late hours tomorrow night (Friday) or the early hours of Saturday morning but if the front doesn’t dissipate the fleet may have a later ETA, as late as the early hours of Sunday. This will be scraping it fine as the race has a cut off time of 09:00am on Sunday morning.

The prize giving for the International Blue Water Race will take place at the Royal Natal Yacht Club on Sunday afternoon once all the boats are back in safely in Durban.

All of the fleet participated in the annual Mohante Race yesterday (Wednesday) in a short bay race on a windward leeward race jointly organised by Maputo’s Clube Naval Yacht Club and Royal Natal Yacht Club. Local Mozambican VIP’s joined the Durban sailors on board the 11 boats in the fun inbay race.  A local boat named Cymru also participated in the race.

For more info like the Facebook page Vasco da Gama Ocean Race 2014 hosted by Royal Natal Yacht Club.

Royal Natal Yacht Club - Vasco da Gama

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Vasco da Gama

Gregg Hurter retained his handicap honours in this year’s Vasco da Gama Yacht Race after a long hard slog from Maputo.

The well-established highlight on the South African yachting calendar that started on Thursday and ended late on Saturday evening lived up to is name of being a gruelling race. On Thursday night, the fleet were hit by a front moving up the coast and then were left with light winds and rolling swells.

Less than one hour separated the top three positions as they finished offshore Durban late Saturday evening (21 June). First across the line was the ‘family’ boat, Ray of Light skippered by Michael Kavanagh from Port Shepstone. They finished in just under two and a half days. The crew comprised of the extended Kavanagh / von Bredow family: father Pieter; daughters Heidi and Sigi; son-in-law Michael ;and Heidi and Michael’s five year old son, Sean together with Sophie Pages; Jacobus Langner and the Rear Commodore Sailing of the Royal Cape Yacht Club, Luke Scott.

Sailing in his second Vasco, Kavanagh stated, “The race was good and hard with more emphasis on hard,” a tired Kavanagh said after the prize giving on Sunday (yesterday) afternoon, “We raced to our strengths which got us through. The crew’s support was phenomenal; even if they were down below battling with the conditions they were still supporting the guys on deck. The bad weather was extremely challenging for us on Thursday night but we .”

“On Saturday we were becalmed about 20miles from the finish so we dropped our sails and jumped in the water. A bit of a breeze came through so we got back to racing, just in time as we spotted a few sails on the horizon.” said a smiling Kavanagh.

The course record holder, Chris Frost on the helm of Southern Storm came second across the line with Hurter on Bellatrix hot on his heels finishing only two minutes later.

Southern Storm’s captain Chris Frost explained, “We were doing well in the heavy weather. The rest of the race the winds were light and fluky and we were a bit too far offshore. At one stage the land breeze picked up and Ray of Light and Bellatrix were rewarded for staying inshore and gained three hours on us. We managed to claw our way back, hauling in Bellatrix but just ran out of runway to reel in Ray of Light.”

A delighted Hurter enthused, “The race was very long! My team manned up on the first night and held together. We had a very wet first night with the guys getting drenched on the rail. On the last day we had Frostie and Ray of Light in sight. We worked so hard and pulled up on Southern Storm but we didn’t manage to pip them on the finish line!”

Congratulating his team, Hurter said, “From the start we had a very structured watch which made things easier. The whole team can be so proud of themselves. Brennan (Robinson) and Struan (Campbell) kept our morale up high throughout the race and Malcolm (Tiley) and Lianne (Tiley) did a fabulous job with the boat admin and keeping us watered and fed.”

The Commodore of the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Graham Rose skippering the L34 Zap was unable to make it before the cut off time, and ended his ninth Vasco attempt with a DNF (Did Not Finish). More than half the fleet didn’t manage to complete the gruelling 300NM with five boats out of the fleet of 11 which started.

In his prize giving speech, Rose said, “The Vasco 2014 lived up to its reputation: all or nothing! The Maputo to Durban International Yacht Race should feature on the Rolex Spirit of Yachting as it encompasses all the drama and prestige.”

Hosts for the regatta, Royal Natal Yacht Club, received the Transvaal Yacht Club award for the Inter-Club Trophy with a second position and a third position.

Bellatrix’s Drew Amoretti received the Choose Life Youth Trophy for the first U25 sailor on IRC handicap. Mike Surgeson navigating on Bellatrix was awarded the Bentley Nuttal Trophy for navigator on the first boat across the line.

Results

Line honours: 1 Ray of Light (Beneteau First 44.5, RNYC) Michael Kavanagh 59 hours 11 minutes 54 seconds, 2 Southern Storm (RNYC) Chris Frost (Pacer 395, RNYC) 60: 00:18, 3 Bellatrix (Beneteau First 40, PYC) Gregg Hurter 60:02:36, 4 Sticky Fingers (Whitbread 30, RNYC) Rob Samways 63:37:06, 5 Pallucci (Simonis 35, RNYC) Warren Clark

On handicap: 1 Bellatrix (PYC) Gregg Hurter, 2 Sticky Fingers (RNYC) Rob Samways, 3 Ray of Light (RNYC) Michael Kavanagh, 4 Southern Storm (RNYC) Chris Frost, 5 Pallucchi (RNYC) Warren Clark

Vasco da Gama Tune-Up Race

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Vasco da Gama Tune Up Race

Saturday 5 April

In the build up to the upcoming International blue water event, the Vasco da Gama Yacht Race the Royal Natal Yacht Club will be hosting a tune-up race on Saturday 5 April.

The Commodores Cup will be a ‘long’ distance race to Ballito and back. The race is vital for skippers and crews to be able to get some night hours ahead of the race that starts in June in Maputo.

Rear Commodore for the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Rob Samways said, “The idea is to have a later afternoon start, with the race progressing into the night. This format of distance racing into the night will be invaluable training for anyone wishing to master night navigation and port entry ahead of the Vasco. Sailing at night is completely different to sailing during the day; you depend heavily on the lights for navigation.”

The start is scheduled for 04.00pm on Saturday afternoon, with a start line being set off Vetchies. The finish line will be a virtual line between the lights of the north and south breakwater piers at the entrance to Durban Harbour. There will be a cut off time with yachts needing to finish at midnight.

Westville resident, Samways continued’ “The guys will have two virtual GPS marks set that they will need to round off Ballito. We have taken into consideration light conditions, so the first GPS mark will be a good 5nm closer to Durban than the second. So, if the leading yacht has not progressed as far as expected by a ‘given time’, the closer mark will then be deemed the turning mark.”

 Hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club, the Vasco da Gama that starts in Maputo on 19 June and finishes in Durban is a gruelling 300 NM race. It originated in 1967 running from Maputo to Durban and then from Durban to East London during the Mozambique Civil War and then again early in the millennium, returned to Mozambique.

The race is open to both racing yachts and cruisers with the record being held by former Commodore of the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Chris Frost. Frost will be lining up to compete in his tenth Vasco this year; the accomplished skipper set the course record in 2006.

Durban sailors will have the opportunity to get in some night hours ahead of the premier blue water race, the Vasco da Gama with the first tune up race, the Commodore’s Cup on Saturday 5 April.

For more info visit the Royal Natal Yacht Club’s website www.rnyc.org.za or like the Facebook page Vasco da Gama 2014