So, Whose Line is it anyway?

Point Yacht Club

Whose Line is it Anyway

Harbour: Saturday 5 December

A small group of sailors ventured out in overcast conditions on Saturday to compete in the fun So, Whose Line is it Anyway? hosted by Point Yacht Club that took place in the bay.

Getting three races in, race officer Lucy de Freitas set a short windward / leeward course with the start and finish line midway down the sausage course. Four classes participated in the racing, with 6 Lasers and two Finns making up the first fleet, five Flying Fifteens and a 29er that swopped and shared crew made up the second fleet, and two multi-hulls and two Oppies completed the fleets on the water.

Having recently returned from work in Madagascar, Laser sailor Gregg Dobson dominated the Laser fleet, showing his prowess in the class with wins in all three races.  The long-time partners, Patrick Harris and Jeremy Kriek enjoyed topping the log in the Flying Fifteen class, with a tussle between husband and wife team, Michael and Heidi Kavanagh and Myles White and Estelle Buys for second place. One point separated them, with the Kavanaghs settling into second. Sneaking into fourth, only one point off of third place was Howick’s Anthony McMillan sailing with young Cameron Booth.

Getting in training ahead of the youth world champs, 29er sailors Benji Daniel and Chad Stevenson enjoyed themselves on the water, mixing it up with Daniel jumping onto Sam Lombaard’s Laser Radial and sailing single handed for a bit while Stevenson paired up with Lombaard on the 29er. The Michaelhouse school lad took the challenge of driving the fast dinghy and Stevenson taking up his usual role at the sharp end of the boat.

Having just returned from the NKA Hobie Tiger Spinnaker Provincials up at the Vaal Dam, Hillcrest’s Murray May teamed up with adrenaline junkie, Michael Dickenson to power their Hobie Tiger around the course. They snuck ahead of Bill Ellens sailing on his Halcat, having taken the win in the first race, Ellens retired after the second, giving the young Tiger team the edge to get ahead on the scoreboard.

The juniors of the fleets, the Optimists had two sailors heading around the course getting in training ahead of the Youth Nationals that will be taking place this weekend at Wiggleswade Dam. Callum Gaughran showed what he had learnt in Poland, taking the win ahead of versatile sailor, Iain Bowman.

This weekend, competitors can expect a long distance race with Race Officer, Lucy de Freitas sending all the sailors off on one start, with the boats stretching their legs adventuring around a bay. Then next week sailors will be heading offshore to compete in the much anticipated Flying Fifteen Nationals that Point Yacht Club will be jointly hosting with Royal Natal Yacht Club.

For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or join the Facebook group.

Fleet B

1 Gregg Dobson (Laser Standard) 3pts, 2= Richard Bates (Laser Standard) 8pts, 2= Denny Moffatt (Laser Standard) 8pts, 4 Sam Lombaard (Laser Radial) 17pts, 5 Keith Gregory (Finn) 18pts, 6= Denmar Nel (Laser Standard) 19pts, 6= Dave Booth (Finn) 19pts, 8 Benji Daniel (Laser Radial) 21pts

Fleet C

1 Patrick Harris / Jeremy Kriek (Flying Fifteen) 3pts, 2 Heidi Kavanagh / Michael Kavanagh (Flying Fifteen) 8pts, 3 Myles White / Estelle Buys (Flying Fifteen) 9pts, 4 Antony McMillan / Cameron Booth (Flying Fifteen) 10pts, 5 Clinton Hendrie / Patricia Kilburn (Flying Fifteen) 18pts, 6= Benji Daniel / Chad Stevenson (29er) 22pts, 6= Sam Lombaard / Chad Stevenson (29er) 22pts

Fleet D

1 Murray May / Michael Dickenson (Hobie Tiger) 3pts, 2 Bill Ellens (Halcat) 4pts

Fleet E

1 Callum Gaughran (Oppie) 4pts, 2 Iain Bowman (Oppie) 5pts

Flying Fifteen Nationals

Point Yacht Club

Flying Fifteen Nationals

Durban: 16 – 20 December

As the festive season approaches, a fleet of Flying Fifteen sailors will be heading offshore to compete in the Flying Fifteen Nationals hosted jointly by Point Yacht Club and Royal Natal Yacht Club.

Back to defend their title, the industrious team of Paul Changuion from Ballito will be driving hard with team mate, Tim Duguid from Morningside on Ffoxxoff in the hopes of reclaiming the title. But the battle will be on as the kings of the class, Highway’s Patrick Harris and Jeremy Kriek will be keen to dethrone the Changuion / Duguid combo. 

The commanding team of Harris and Kriek launched their brand new boat Ffigjam at last year’s Nationals, after a delayed start to their regatta, the masters in the Flying Fifteen class also had to literally bail from the course during the regatta. Point’s Rear Commodore for Dinghies, Myles White recalls, “As I remember Patrick and Jeremy missed the first race whilst still rigging their new ff, and had to return to port on the heavy-weather day as they hadn’t had a chance to fit any self-bailers, and the boat was carrying a few hundred litres of water in the cockpit, which they had to hand-bail.”

“My prediction, Ffigjam and Ffoxxoff are going to be duking it out for first and second, and should be out in front for most races. My money is on Patrick & Jeremy to win.” White states.

Adding to the mix, brothers Thomas and Peter Funke, who have had a very successful year in the 505 class finishing eighth in the world in the World Championships earlier this year, will be swopping their 505 craft to compete in the more traditional styled yacht. 

Returning after a busy work year, Campbell Alexander teams up with David Curtiss. Alexander commented, “I am hoping for heavy weather because I have a great heavy weather crew in Dave. We both have been off the water a fair bit this year, so I know we both are looking forward to being back. Just in time, I guess as I am turning my focus to the Laser Worlds in Mexico next year, so needing to dust off the cobwebs.”

A maximum of ten races will test the competitors offshore of Durban with Race Officer Rob Bell from Hilton only needing four races needed to constitute a regatta. Bell has the option for racing to commence in the harbour if the weather gets to blustery.

Leading by example, White will be teaming up with sailing partner, Estelle Buys. The two Mikes join forces again, helmsman Mike Wright and Mike Surgeson aka Mango Pip both from Westville are looking forward to pushing the fleet. As will Midlands’s sailor, Anthony McMillan sailing with Lorna Daniel. Another possible podium candidate is Vince Tiedt who will be sailing with Jim Rushton and his daughter, Hannah who are going to be sharing the duties at the sharp end of the boat. Expected to make their first appearance in the class are husband and wife team, Rob and Tracey Bowman, who recently took ownership of their Flying Fifteen.

White reviews, “The bronze medal is a bit open, if the wind is strong all through the regatta, Campbell should have this all to himself. In lighter to moderate winds I believe that those featuring will be the Funkes, Mike Wright & Mango Pip; Anthony McMillan & Lorna, and of course Estelle and myself. If we can earn a fourth overall, I will be ecstatic.”

Joining the magnificent twenty foot dinghies will be a number of catamarans keen to get some racing in ahead of the down time over the holidays. Included in the catamaran fleet is father and son team, Martin and Carl Zimmerman who plan on joining the fleet on their Dart.

A competitive and colourful bunch of boats are anticipated to get a run in at the upcoming Flying Fifteen Nationals that starts on the Reconciliation Day and concludes next weekend.

For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or join the Facebook group.

A few questions with catamaran sailor, Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith is one of Durban’s most enthusiastic and accomplished Hobie sailors. He sails with his girlfriend, Kate Bains and the duo will be competing in the Hobie Nationals over the Easter weekend sailing offshore of Durban. He has competed in the Hobie 16 World championships in Port Elizabeth and the Hobie Tiger World Champs in Langebaan. He also sailed his Hobie 16 in the World Masters games in Sydney in 2009. He picked up his interest in sailing from his father who was a competitive sailor in the 60's and 70's.

I attended Athlone Primary School and Maritzburg College High School in Pietermaritzburg and went on to study a BSc in Building Science at the University of KZN-Durban. I have travelled and worked in the builders industry in several places around the world but always gravitate back to good ol' Durbs. Currently in a relationship with a fantastic lady, Kate Bain, who manages the care of orphans in Northern KZN and I try dedicate some of my time supporting her in her endeavour. I am currently involved in developing some residential units in Westville and spend much of my free time involved in sailing through Point Yacht Club. Either trying to promote it or participating in events.

  

What do you love about your town and province?

Mainly...it’s home. And what makes it home is the friends and family here. Of course the climate, landscape and sea just add the finishing touches. Durban is very multi-cultural which adds to the flavour, enchantment and excitement of the city.

What is your favourite destination in the province if you want to take some time out?

The Drakensburg. The backdrop of majestic mountains against the silent starry sky is soul-stuff. The tranquillity contrasts to the hustle and bustle of Durban city life.

Sports & Hobbies?

All through school and varsity I did gymnastics and carried on to do diving, mountain biking, white water kayaking, climbing, water skiing ... but now days anything with a sail is my preference. I began windsurfing at high school and still enjoy the sport although now days I sail Hobie catamarans and micro multi hulls more often. I even have a remote controlled yacht just to show my age!!!

Favourite food and drinks; any place(s) you want to recommend to people?

Almost everything my girlfriend cooks, not only cos she has cooked it GF but she is a damn good cook. I love a medium steak with lots of garlic, my favourite place for the best meat meal in the world is Joops' Place....mmmmmm. I am not impartial to tequila when the party's on but beer especially the growing number of craft beers available make for good after action socialising. Red wine has its place but I am not too up myself enough to think life can’t go on without a good (expensive) red.

Favourite vacation place outside KZN?

Langebaan in summer. A taste of Mediterranean Europe in Africa....lots of foreigners and of course the wind blows.

Any gems you found in the province?

Yes, the bum slide in the gorge near Wonder Cave in the Central Berg and Karlkloof canopy tours, it’s exciting and the location is beautiful.

How do you manage work and home life?

Awfully by all accounts but that depends on who you asking, currently its more squewed to 'life' than 'work'....

What is the best part of your job?

Self Employed so having work is always a good thing but also meeting a variety of people that the industry offers is exciting and challenging...also the boss is very reasonable at times and allows time off for good work / life balance.

What is the worst part of your job? 

Not having work and the boss can be difficult sometimes...

What is the one thing about your to town/province that you think everybody should know?

Its location for outdoor activities is one of the best in the world. Local government needs to understand this and support and develop this potential.

"If I had all the money in the world I would ...

Overthrow the government, ensure my girlfriend’s foundation, Izulu Orphan Projects, became financially secure and self-sustaining (as they get absolutely no Government assistance)....oh yes and of course buy a 60ft catamaran and cruise the Mediterranean."

Point Yacht Club Dinghy Class Champs and Royal Natal Yacht Club North South Race

Point Yacht Club / Royal Natal Yacht Club

Dinghy Class Champs Day Six

North South Race

Harbour: Saturday 28 February

Offshore: Sunday 1 March

Yachts big and small came out to participate in light winds for two events over the weekend.

The conclusion to the Point Yacht Club’s Dinghy Class Champs day six had a fleet of 25 yachts working hard to find the winds in the harbour on Saturday.

Overall winners were Dylan Alberts in the Hobie Fleet; Myles White and Charlotte Marshall in the Flying Fifteens; Trevor Gibb sailing on his Mirror in the Open Class; Richard Bates in the Laser class; Rob Samways and Jared Quinn in the Dart division and young Sven Paton racing on his RS Tera Pro.

It was contradicting weather for the racing of day six, two weeks ago racing was abandoned on the day due to heavy winds. The postponed racing got underway with a slight breeze but as the afternoon drew on, the winds completely disappeared at times.

Shifty winds made it relatively tough for the race officer and sailors. During the three races, Kevin Bingham adjusted the course three times to accommodate the change in wind direction.

On Sunday 9 big keelers made their way offshore to compete in the Royal Natal Yacht Club’s North South Race with Gregg Hurter helming Bellatrix took the line and handicap honours.

Race Officer, Rob Samways got the boats underway directly off of Addington Beach, the small fleet had a short beat up to a buoy set off the north breakwater of the harbour. The boats had a port rounding before heading out to the fairway marker on the horizon. Here the yachts had a starboard rounding and made their way to another buoy set off the old Whaling Station on the Bluff before returning back to the finish line.

Bellatrix finished the 11 Nautical Mile race in just under two hours, finishing ten minutes ahead of second placed Majimoto skippered by Jon Marshall. Having rounded first, Bellatrix turned on the gas and opened the gap between themselves and Majimoto as they made their way out to the Fairway Mark. Majimoto made the mistake of not flying their spinnaker directly but waited till they were clear of the wind shadow caused by the Bluff. Hurter and his crew continued to build on their lead all the way to the finish.

In third place, Gavin Wadsworth on Therapy managed to stay in front of Brad Rayson on Flyer the entire race. The tail end of the fleet had a momentous tussle between the only two L26s racing. Brendan Humphries on the stick of Container World managed to edge out Denmar Nel helming PYC Challenger. One second separated the two as Container World surged forward on a swell pipping Nel at the post.

Results

Point Yacht Club

Dinghy Class Champs Day Six

Harbour: Saturday 28 February

Hobie Class

1 Dylan Alberts (Hobie 14), 2 Justin Butler (Hobie 14), 3 Wayne Smith / Kate Bains (Hobie 16), 4 Peter Hall (Hobie 14) 5 Michael Dickinson (Hobie 16), 6 Justin Butler (Hobie 16), 7 Murray May (Hobie 16), 8 CJ Miln (Hobie 16), 9 Chad Stevenson (Hobie 16), 10 Nathan Constant (Hobie 14), 11 Sean Fennessy (Hobie 14), 12 Matthew Hall (Hobie Dragoon), 13 David van Niekerk (Hobie 14)

Flying Fifteens

1 Myles White / Charlotte Marshall, 2 Patrick Harris / Jeremy Kriek, 3 Campbell Alexander / Chris Clark, 4 Gregg Hurter / Nik Albert, 5 Paul Changuion / Tim Duguid, 6 Simon Musgrove, 7 Craig Campbell / Ian Hogg, 8 Rick Parker, 9 Florence Marshall / Edrich de Lange, 10 Vincent Tiedt, 11 Heidi Kavanagh / Michael Kavanagh, 12 Carl Zimmerman / Simone Yelland

Open Class

1 Trevor Gibb (Mirror), 2 Benji Daniels / Euan Hurter (29er), 3 Denmar Nel (L26 PYC Challenger), 4 Rob Tarboton / Michael Dickinson (29er), 5 My Way (Clynton de Fyn), 6 Sean Hurter (Dabchick), 7 Euan Hurter (Dabchick), 8 Chad Stevenson (Dabchick), 9 Rudi Fokkens (RS Feva), 10 Thokozani Latha (L26 Lindiwe), 11 Jethro Brophy Tintinger / Eli Brophy Tintinger (420), 12 David Curtis (Rebel)

Laser

1 Richard Bates, 2 Frances van Breda, 3 Henri Frencken, 4 Anthony Arbuthnot, 5 Denny Moffatt, 6 Andrew Walford, 7 Rob Goulden, 8 Gregg Dobson, 9 Anthony MacMillan, 10 Campbell Alexander, 11 Rowen Clark, 12 Trent Bingham, 13 Murray May, 14 Jethro Brophy Tintinger (Radial), 15 Chad Stevenson (Radial), 16 Simon Musgrove

Open Class Cats

1 Rob Samways (Dart), 2 Bill Ellens (Paper Tiger), 3 Coert Grobbelaar (Halcat), 4 Clynton de Fyn / Jackie Barnard (Halcat), 5 Jethro Brophy Tintinger / Eli Brophy Tintinger (Halcat), 6 Neil Wadsworth (Halcat), 7 Richard Potgieter (Halcat), 8 Andile Zulu (Halcat)

RS Tera

1 Sven Paton (Pro), 2 Cameron Paarle (Sport), 3 James Butler (Pro), 4 Liam Fennessy (Sport), 5 Chad Stevenson (Pro)

Royal Natal Yacht Club

North South Race

Offshore: Sunday 1 March

1 Bellatrix (Gregg Hurter), 2 Majimoto (Jon Marshall), 3 Therapy (Gavin Wadsworth), 4 Flyer (Brad Rayson), 5 Container World (Brendan Humphries), 6 PYC Challenger (Denmar Nel), 7 Bellissima (Vernon Goss), 8 Candi (Theuns Nel), RTD Thermopylae (Frank Edwards)

Point Yacht Club Caney Series Day Two

11 boats ventured out for a gentle sail for race two of Point Yacht Club’s Caney Series held offshore of Durban on Sunday.

Andrew Dolloway sailing on his trimaran, Ladybird was the first boat to finish the long figure of 8 course sneaking across the line in under two and a half hours. He started towards the back of the fleet but made the early break with a starboard tack which paid off well for the pacey trimaran. 

 

Rounding the fairway marker with a comfortable lead, he confidently flew his kite down to the first mark set off Moses Mabhida Stadium, but had to gybe twice losing a bit of time as he neared land. Having a better line to the bottom mark, Crazy Diamond’s Wayne Smith managed to gain some ground on Ladybird as he went around the second mark but wasn’t able to keep up with Dolloway on the remaining beat to Virginia Beach and run to the finish near the harbour mouth. Smith and his crew crossed the line seven minutes behind Dolloway.

Bandit with Sean Jones on the stick had a quiet day on the water finishing in third place, quite a way behind his rival Crazy Diamond. Adrenaline junkie, Sean Jones usually ventures out when the breeze  blows more than 10knots decided to enjoy the tranquil conditions.

Rear Commodore for Keelers, Jon Marshall helming Majimoto, who topped the leader board after the first race of the series in December, was again the first monohull across the line. He was followed by Stuart Ritchie sailing the sleek So Basic with the Commodore of the Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Graham Rose on Zap coming across in third.

Point Yacht Club’s Honorary Commodore, Vernon Goss skippering Bellissima had a disappointing day on the water taking the wrong line to the first mark which cost him dearly, and Goss and his crew found themselves right at the back of the fleet. After the scenic beat up to the fairway mark, the crew opted to call it a day, not finishing the race. At the start of the race, Zap were in third place overall on the leader board behind Bellissima but now with Bellissima not finishing, Zap will climb the board into second place behind Marshall.

The much smaller Hobies joined the race to get in some much needed water time leading up to their Nationals taking place in April. Recent birthday boy, 80 year old Al Gorlei trekked out to the fairway mark but called it a day after rounding the mark on the horizon slowly making his way back to the beach site. Two of the Hobies opted to only sail the first triangle, cutting their race short in the calm conditions.

The only sailors on their Hobie to determinedly finish the full figure of 8 were Justin and James Butler, gliding across the line shortly after Majimoto.

Light easterly winds of about 3knots greeted the seven keel boats and four Hobies as they made their way through the start line. Gradually the consistent easterly built to 7knots giving the boats a bit more umph as they completed the long winding course.

This Sunday will be the third race in the Caney Series held offshore. For more info visit www.pyc.org.za or like their Facebook page.

Overall Results

A Division

1 Majimoto (Jon Marshall) 2points, 2 Zap (Graham Rose) 5pts, 3 Vernon Goss (Bellissima) 9pts, 4 So Basic (Stuart Ritchie) 10ts, 5 Container World (Brendan Humphries) 11pts, 6 Bellatrix (Gregg Hurter) 14pts

Multihulls

1 Crazy Diamond (Wayne Smith) 2pts, 2 Bandit (Sean Jones) 4pts, 3 Ladybird (Andrew Dolloway) 7pts

Race Two Results

A Division

1 Majimoto (Jon Marshall), 2 So Basic (Stuart Ritchie), 3 Zap (Graham Rose), DNF Bellissima (Vernon Goss)

Multihulls

1 Ladybird (Andrew Dolloway), 2 Crazy Diamond (Wayne Smtih), 3 Bandit (Sean Jones)

Royal Natal Yacht Club's Go Fly a Kite

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Kite Flying Competition and Christmas Eve Lunch

Wednesday 24 December

Celebrating Christmas in a colourful fashion, sailors from the Royal Natal Yacht Club invite members of the public to come and fly high with them at their second Kite Flying Competition on Christmas Eve.

Back by popular demand, the second kite flying competition commences at low tide on the sandbank in front of the yacht club lawns. At the inaugural event, over twenty kites were sent up with the experienced sailors having to negotiate winds in a different fashion to keep their kite a drift.

There were a number of fun competitions, including the person who could send their kite up the highest, the person who was able to keep their kite up the longest and also who could land their kite in target accuracy into a few hula hoops laid out in various spots.

Low tide will allow interested kite flyers to start flying kites from 09:30 and when the tide starts coming in, should conclude by 12.30. This will then flow into everyone being able to enjoy a hearty Christmas Eve lunch.

Rear Commodore for the yacht club, Rob Samways grinned, “The first session we had was so well received, we had kids in gum boats coming and flying kites, seasoned sailors all enjoying the gentle breeze. It turned out to be such a fantastic, colourful family event that we have brought it back because of all the requests we have been getting.”

Continuing, he said, “What better way to bring in the festive season than spending time outdoors.  Kite flying will commence early and then the club will be putting on a Christmas Eve lunch.”

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

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)

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 Amateur Golfer, Lizzie Currie

Cell C SA Women’s Open

Lizzie Currie

On the last day of last week’s Golf Inter-Provincials in Cape Town, Port Shepstone’s young Lizzie Currie got a fantastic surprise, a phone call inviting her to participate in this week’s Cell C SA Women’s Open.

Catching up with the amateur golfer as she frantically fills in registration forms, she admits, “I am feeling super excited but on the same hand extremely nervous. It is such a wonderful opportunity; I would have been crazy to turn it down. I am going into the tournament to learn as much as possible.”

Continuing, the upbeat golfer says, “I am lucky that I have played the course a few times. My first time playing a round was actually at San Lameer.” She says with a chuckle. “I owned a set of golf clubs by my choice of sport at school was cricket. My cricket coach, Anthony Mulligan from Creston College came up to me and asked if I could help out the golf team as they were a player down. I agreed to it and the next day was playing my first round at San Lameer.”

“It was only after school when a friend of mine, David Rush suggested I have a session with Nicola Eaton who had returned from America and had started coaching. Let’s just say I was a natural. I still have so much to learn, at the moment I am working hard on my mental game and learning to build my confidence.”

Nearing the end of her second gap year after matriculating from Southcity, the determined sport star is planning on studying via correspondence. “I am going to be doing studying Business Management next year while helping my Mom out at her work.  The flexibility of correspondence allows me to focus both on working with Mom and getting hands on experience but also gives me the freedom to continue my dream of turning pro.”

“I remember watching my golfing hero, Lee-Anne Pace taking part in the SA Women’s Open in 2012. She fluffed a shot but her attitude and reaction remains with me to this day. She wasn’t ruffled; she smiled and was so positive that nothing was going to get her down, a lesson that we all can learn when curve balls are tossed at us. Her attitude was awesome.”

“I got to meet her and she autographed my book. When I was watching the tournament, she even remembered who I was and acknowledged me on the side lines. A true legend!”

Chatting to the South Coast legend in the making, she has the support of her entire family, “Everyone except my Mom plays golf, even my two nephews’ play – they are actually pretty good for their age. My older brother, Donovan is going to be on my bag which will be great having his support.”

On concluding, her advice that she lives by, “Never, never give up.”

We watch keenly as our local player takes on the worlds best this week and hope that she persists and does Port Shepstone proud!

Pix by Justin Klusener

Chatting to Golfing Guru and Tournament Promoter Lesley Copeman

Cell C SA Women's Open
Somerset West

Lesley Copeman

Having the opportunity to chat with golfing guru, Lesley Copeman, it feels like you are surfing Wikipedia researching Women’s Golf, but her descriptions are far more colourful and entertaining than looking at a computer screen.

Copeman is hard at work making this year’s Cell C SA Women’s Open tournament a huge success. With the title of Tournament Promoter, she is at the helm helping organise South Africa’s oldest women’s professional golf tournament that tees off at the recently refurbished San Lameer Country Club.

“I wouldn’t like to tip one favourite in particular; we have such a strong field at this year’s tournament. But it is going to be exciting watching the top ladies which is perhaps a pool of 15 to 20 players. The in-form ladies like Lee-Anne (Pace); Paula (Reto) or Connie Chen who is really performing at the moment, they are all South Africa stars and could be the ones to watch. Along with American Cheyenne Woods, British players Charley Hull and Trish Johnson who is of course the oldest lady competing but she is playing great golf.”

Smiling, she continues, “It is impossible to choose because one round, or one mistake and it can all go to pot and a complete outside who is playing consistently can take the lead. It could really go to anybody”

Talking about how she got into playing golf, she states, “I used to participate in field hockey and play a bit of tennis but honestly, I was a golfing orphan. Both my parents and my brother played so it was either being home alone or go and join them. The first course I played was in Swartkop up in Pretoria.”

“Comparing the modern day game to when I played, the courses have gotten longer but the equipment has gotten better. There are more girls trying to get onto the circuit but when I was starting out, you still had to qualify! There are of course differences but it is still the same obstacles.”

Continuing she says, “Back in the day, our equipment wasn’t advanced as it is nowadays, so playing was a bit more difficult. Training for us was a little bit of gym and quite a lot of mental training. My game changed when I read a book called ‘The Power of Positive Thinking’ by John C Maxwell; I was able to move to a different level.”

“All of the techniques used today have gotten a lot better. Nowadays, it is gym, the way you eat, the way you think. We were at the beginning of that era. I was still playing when Sweden’s Annika Sörenstam first hit the scene and she started the changes towards the modern day game.”

Asked which her favourite courses are, she claims, “Shew, it’s like music, it all depends on my mood. I would have to say East London would feature, as well as the Wild Coast, Suncity and of course San Lameer. They suit my game and have beautiful scenery around them.”

San Lameer is said to be a tight course where you have to place your shot very carefully and if the wind comes up it is going to be a huge challenge. “I was very good on Iron play and was accurate. Anything from 150yards in, I was very good with it. That was my strength.”

With a handicap of 5, she still enjoys a social round, “I still play a little but I would say my hobbies are more leisure orientated. Pottering in the garden or cooking. I occasionally get to play a round with my brother.”

The Somerset West resident is gearing up to watch 124 top international and national players take to the greens in the game that is close to her heart.

For more info visit www.sawomensopen.co.za

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