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.

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.

Durban Sailing Communities donate money to National Sea Rescue Institute Rescue 5

Point Yacht Club

NSRI Fundraiser

Donations from the Barrel Race 2014 were presented to the National Sea Rescue Institute Durban Station with the Durban sailing community raising a whopping R109,075 to the volunteer organisation.

The annual Barrel Race is an event hosted by Point Yacht Club and organised jointly with the Bluff Yacht Club, Island Sailing Club and Royal Natal Yacht Club.

Fundraising activities included a beach party at PYC’s Beach Site, a fine dining event at PYC, a party at Royal Natal Yacht Club and the main Barrel Day during which all clubs contributed and took part.

The fun-filled Barrel Day included a fun race in the harbour, where a number of the NSRI volunteers joined the sailors on their romp around the bay. After all the water based activities, the fun returned to the shore for the land-based festivities.

In addition to the events, the money raised was through various donations, including the generous contributions from Seaport Supply, Offshore Sailing Academy, Dockleveller Supplies, Decorland and Alexander, Cox Attorneys.

The Durban sailing community handed over a cheque to the value of R80,000 to the NSRI in 2013, growing their support by nearly R30,000. The money raised will go towards helping with their maintenance that is a constant drain on their finances as well as adding to their savings towards a new 12meter rescue boat that they are hoping to launch in Durban in 2015.

“Local support for Sea Rescue is critical. It is extremely expensive to run a NSRI station and having the support of local business, clubs and individuals helps us to afford to keep our equipment in tip top condition, make sure that we always have fuel, excellent Personal Protective equipment like wetsuits and lifejackets as well as carrying out general preventative maintenance.” affirmed Clifford Ireland, the Station Five Station Commander.

Ireland joined the NSRI in 1992 and soon became a Class 1 Coxswain, and then the Durban Station Commander in 2010. “Last year the NSRI nationally had 662 rescue responses, spent 3,992 hours on operations and 7,903 hours on training across all 35 stations. We rescued 1,131 people.” Ireland proudly explained.

The hard working Durban establishment is one of four in the KZN province and their team is constantly training for any instance that could happen in our coastal waters, “Training depends on the station, but a norm would be a crew meeting each week, often on Wednesdays and then training on one day of the weekend. Again this changes station to station. The smaller stations will have one crew who will be training each weekend and the bigger stations four crews who train one day a month on their weekend on duty.”

Looking ahead at the 2015 Barrel Race, Ireland commented, “Thank you to all who took part and to all who put so much time and effort into making the 2014 Barrel Race unforgettable. Monies raised in this year’s event will be used to replace wetsuits and life-jackets. And of course towards the big one, our new rescue boat that will cost in the region of R13 million!

This year the Barrel Race hosted by all of the Durban yacht clubs will be held on Sunday 28 June

For more info visit the yacht clubs websites.

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)

RNYC Dinghy Series and Umhloti Mayor's Race

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Dinghy Series and Umhloti Mayor’s Race

Harbour: Saturday 24 January

Offshore: Sunday 25 January

Two days of blue sky sailing hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club for a variety of Durban sailors took place offshore and in the harbour over the weekend.

The conclusion of the Dinghy Series hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club on Saturday saw Campbell Alexander and Chris Clark take the honours in the Flying Fifteens, Rob Samways and Jared Quinn on their Dart and Henri Frencken in the Laser class.

Race officer Jennifer Weyer only managed to get in two races for the 11 boats on Saturday. The conditions were near perfect with blue skies and 13 – 15 knots of wind powering the dinghies. Setting a long windward leeward course on the far side of the bay, the fleet took off punctually. Just as the boats neared the finish line, the first race was abandoned due to a large vessel being moved near the course. Racing eventually got under way.

There were two starts with the Flying Fifteens and Lasers sharing a start sequence and the two Darts and one Halcat going off in the second. Graham Weyer and Neil Wadsworth got off to a cracker of a start in both races, camping near the line and timing the start magnificently.

After the race, Neil Wadsworth stated, “My body is broken! But what a thrill being on the Dart, it carves through the water.”

Newcomers to the Flying Fifteen fleet, Struan Campbell and Richard Weddle worked hard and pushed the more experienced Flying Fifteens. The duo managed to take the second race after a fantastic race.

Offshore on Sunday 13 yachts started in the Umhloti Mayor’s Race in light winds and lumpy seas. The long distance race took the fleet north a nautical mile beyond the uMhlanga lighthouse. The Bill Piddington Trophy was won by Rick Parker, the trophy is awarded to the first over 60 year old helmsman. Rick Parker was at the wheel of second placed Bellatrix.

Ray of Light helmed by Heidi Kavanagh streaked ahead straight out of the starting blocks. The team seemed to have a comfortable lead as they neared the weather mark offshore of uMhlanga. Warren Clark skippering Pallucci had a cracker of a beat having opted to go offshore and out of sight while the rest of the fleet stayed inshore, Clark rounded the buoy moments after Ray of Light.

On the finish, Ray of Light showed her prowess crossing the line first with Bellatrix having a marvellous run, finishing six minutes behind of Kavanagh’s crew. There was a long wait until the third boat with the committee boating waiting just over an hour. Pallucci had a disappointing run claiming third in line honours with Jon Marshall at the wheel of Majimoto finishing five seconds behind Clark.

Another tussle took place in the multihulls between Bill Ellens on his trimaran Magic Dragon and Sean Jones on his catamaran Bandit. Ellens had a little more puff thad Jones, crossing the line two minutes ahead.

The Commodore of the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Graham Rose armed with his secret weapon, top hot shot sailor who is competing internationally, Jared Quinn; were unable to complete the race in the allocated 5hours and 15minutes for the race.

Of the 13 yachts that started only seven managed to finish, five retired from the race and Zap unfortunately not making the cut off time.

“I only have one word for that race,” Gavin Wadsworth, skipper of Therapy said back at the club house, “Frustration! There were loads of holes where we stalled. We had a decent beat, lying second at one stage but often lost boat speed in patches were there was no wind.”

This weekend sees the Point Yacht Club Class Champs on Saturday and the Royal Natal Yacht Club Waterfront Catamaran Series resumes.

For more info visit www.rnyc.org.za or like their Facebook page.

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.

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.