Al takes the 2016 Vasco title in record time

Point Yacht Club

Vasco da Gama Ocean Race

Port Elizabeth: 25 April

Al Mount Gay Rum skippered by Rob van Rooyen goes one better this year, taking line honours in record time and claiming the handicap win in the 45^th edition of the Vasco da Gama Ocean Race hosted by Point Yacht Club.

The defending champ on handicap sailed a flawless race in a time of 2 days 6 hours 1min 22 sec, smashing the record by 56mintues and claiming the double when she arrived in Port Elizabeth yesterday (Monday) evening at 06:01pm. The team of eight from Cape Town were delighted with their victory, “We knew going into the race that getting the double was a possibility, we knew it would be a challenge but anything is possible. A double whammy, it really is wonderful.” an elated van Rooyen said as soon as he reached the moorings.

Continuing, he stated, “We were really disappointed when Yes Girl retired! They sailed a phenomenal race straight out of the starting blocks and into the lead. We were happy if they got line honours, we knew we could take them on the handicap, and our game plan was to beat them tactically. But once they retired, our tactics changed and we eyed out our next opposition, Bellatrix who at that stage were lying in third, behind us before Yes Girl made her way to East London.”

“We opted to sail using the currents, but once the sea state deteriorated, we came inshore. My team did fantastically, all things considering. One or two got seasick, but they dug deep and got over it. The more experienced guys handled the rough weather like champs.”

“Our average age, we worked out is 24 years on the boat. I just turned 30 and two of the other guys are 30. The youngest is 17. So, we are young, eager crew. We all have been sailing on and off together since I was about ten, so we know each other’s abilities, strengths and weaknesses.”

With the fleet getting dished all sorts of weather, being battered by lumpy seas, winds from all directions, van Rooyen commented, “Al was great. I think going into the race that is where we were better compared to the other guys. We have been prepping Al for the last six months and were extremely well prepared and managed to keep the boat in one piece throughout the heavy stuff. She was sailing like a dream. So I do believe we started at an advantage to the rest of the guys, no one else spent half a year readying their boat.”

With the upcoming Cape2 Rio race around the corner, van Rooyen highlighted, “We would consider doing a race like Rio but in all honesty, the Vasco is far more challenging. Yes, the race only last two days but the actual getting to Durban, and sailing along the SA coastline. This race is much more difficult that the Rio race, in my opinion. There is far more adrenaline in this short, burst down the coastline.”

The next boat to cross the line was Durban’s very own Bellatrix skippered by Gregg Hurter, who arrived just over three hours behind Al. The two pushed each other the entire race, down the coastline, both opting to stay relatively close to shore. As they neared the end, Al accelerated in the varying winds, expanding the gap between the two.

After 400NM, two boats diced it all the way towards finish line in the hopes of claiming third across the line. Only one nautical mile separated the two that were due in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday). Rocket, skippered by Herbie Karolius from Cape Town put in a fine display of sailing, having had to return back to sheltered waters, soon after their disastrous start. The Simonis 54 snagged the start buoy as they were heading through the line on the start on Saturday. After a battle to free it, they eventually cut the warp free and started their voyage only to realise that they in fact were dragging the start line’s anchor, which was slowing them down.

Hats off to the dark horse, Yes Girl from Cape Town, skippered by Gabriel Fernandes the L35 Mod looked to have the race wrapped up with a red ribbon, but as ocean racing goes, it isn’t over until you cross the line. In the proverbial all things happen in threes, Yes Girl certainly was dished a threesome. First, as they were heading to the start line, they got stuck on the ‘putty’, beaching themselves at low tide on the sandbank at the end of the marina. They then got themselves tangled around the start line when they got offshore, dragging it for some distance. And then the third and fatal blow to their race, their steering system packed up after the boat was pushed to the maximum late on Sunday, when they were forced to retire to East London.

Joining them in East London, the gorgeous Ray of Light also had to retire due to blowing out their head on their main sail in 40knots wind. Helmed by the husband and wife team, Heidi and Michael Kavanagh will be disappointed as they got brand new sails leading up to this race.

The remainder of the exhausted 16 strong fleet arrived in to Port Elizabeth with only one boat not being able to cross the lien in the allocated time, Izimoyo II skippered by Jasper van der Westhuizen just didn’t make the cut, as they battled with the challenging conditions the whole way from Durban to Port Elizabeth.

For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or like the Facebook page or follow it on YB Tacking

Q&A with awesome sailor, Mike Kavanagh from Ray of Light

I managed to catch up with Mike Kavanagh ahead of the upcoming Vasco da Gama to Port Elizabeth. 

This is what he had to say to the questions I three at him...

Family? 

Married to first mate Heidi and have been blessed with a wonderful son, able seaman Sean.

How many of them sail? 

Heidi and Sean are avid sailors, as are most of our family members. Heidi was born a von Bredow. Some of our family are sailing on the Fast 42, Nemesis in this race. My cousin Graham Cross just dropped anchor in Brazil on a lovely boat called Onyx that was built by my grandfather Harry Cross and finished by my uncle John Cross.

Which area do you live in? 

Oslo Beach, Port Shepstone in KZN

How did you get into sailing? 

I started sailing with my grandfather and uncle as a little boy, on a Flying Dutchman built by my Grandfather. Later, when I was 10 years old, we built a Dabchick during the school holidays, a boat I still own. The dabbie still has a scar from one of the steel marks on Emmarentia dam that I hit while staring at the girls on the windsurfers. In the good old days we used to sail for fun, very little racing. Maybe we should be doing more of that these days. I was privileged to crew on the family Stadt 23, Umoya on Vaal dam when not playing cricket, hockey or golf, which was seldom as a scholar.

What are your achievements in sailing? 

I like to think of myself a good seaman, thanks to the influence of Alex Cousins of Yachtmaster Ocean Sailing School. I have always been competitive in sports and have worked hard to improve as a racing sailor, being largely self taught by applying knowledge gained from a library of ‘go fast’ books, tested on Ray of Light and smaller Flying 15’s and J22’s. For me a notable achievement was being consistently competitive in the Cape Town club sailing scene with a fun loving mixed crew of old and young, men and women, physically and mentally challenged, novices, a couple of French girls and some elderly Hollanders was very rewarding. We enjoyed taking line honours in last year’s Vasco but were disappointed to miss out on handicap, so will be looking to improve this year. I was privileged to be part of Stuart Ritchie’s crew on the Beneteau First 40, BMA that took line honours and the handicap win in the 2011 Vasco. It was that experience that showed me what had to be done to Ray of Light and her crew to convert her to a club racer from a world cruiser. We have been improving our skills and the boat since then and now that we are Durban based, have wonderful close racing on the water and on handicap with Bellatrix (formerly BMA). One more achievement is to have survived a 360 degree roll on a Stadt 23 named Dejavu in a regatta offshore PE in the 1998 while we were debating whether or not to wear life jackets, we were struck by a breaking wave just outside PE harbour. I trust our arrival in PE this year will be less eventful. 

What other class of boats have you / do you sail? 

Apart from Ray of Light we have a lovely wooden decked classic Flying 15 called Femme Fatale that has a long history of sailing in Durban and Saldanha. We try to upset the carbon fibre speed machines in Durban from time to time. We also enjoy fishing on our little ski boat Sport’s Captain.

Best memory or moment that stands out for you so far in sailing? 

Sailing in the Southern Atlantic ocean was unforgettable, with spectacular bird life. Another highlight was watching a marlin chasing our lures while doing 15 knots downwind with the kite up when leaving the Canary Islands. Moments later we crash gybed as the helms person was distracted by the marlin and consequently had to head back to the Canaries for repairs. Returning Ray of Light to Cape Town from Luderitz, jury rigged after being dismasted (due to the failure of a rather light Sparcraft France factory fitting) in the 2012 Governors Cup, with my wife Heidi and 4 year old Sean was memorable. The week long slow motor beat with storm jib and a dabchick sized main into a building south easter while standing watch with my little boy was something to be cherished, as was the tuna we caught far offshore. Vasco 2014 was special as we had Heidi’s dad Pieter and sister Sigi on the crew with us. With Sean it was three generations. Vasco da pigeon joined us 25 miles offshore as we approached and entered to Durban harbour. Fancy a pigeon finding us way out at sea.

What do you most enjoy about sailing? 

I get great joy from being in God’s creation experiencing the freedom of the open ocean while being driven along by the power of the wind. The sea life is always amazing, it’s like an extended game drive! The concentration and focus needed to keep the boat sailing efficiently is a great way to get your mind off life’s other distractions and challenges. Most of all I enjoy sharing the experience with my wife and son.

What are you hoping to achieve in this year’s Vasco da Gama race? 

I would like to arrive safely in PE with the boat and crew in one piece. We have learned that despite rigorous and thorough preparation, unforeseen mishaps happen. I would like to sail the boat to its potential and perhaps catch a 20kg tuna on the way to PE or on the way back to Durban.

What has sailing taught you? 

So many things, including self sufficiency, innovation and problem solving. It has taught me practical skills like how to service a diesel engine, a marine toilet and to replace steering cables (remember to cross them!). Let’s not talk about black water holding tanks. Sailing has taught me the value of teamwork, clear communication, proper preparation and thinking ahead to anticipate what will happen next. It has made a weather man of me and taught me to work hard to fund the passion! Most of all it has allowed me to spend priceless moments with my family at sea and in the bay in a wide variety of circumstances. On a lighter note I have learned to avoid vomit flying from the weather rail and even tack naked as happened in last years Vasco when we got a little too close to the shore while I was down below trying to suit up for the night ahead and was called on deck in a hurry.

Role model in sailing? 

My Grandfather, Uncle and Father in Law who planted and nurtured the love of sailing in me.

Role model in life? 

Jesus Christ

What are you hobbies? 

Golf, fishing, garden cricket with my son

Besides sailing, any other sport you participate in / excel in? 

In the past cricket / hockey / golf, now days sailing and fishing take up most of the spare time with a little golf now and then.

Describe yourself in one word? 

Content

Where would you like to be in five years / what will you like to have achieved? 

I have no five year plan, never have. I try to live each day to the fullest and although difficult, try not to worry about tomorrow, as it will take care of itself.

Anything of interest that you would like to add:

My wife Heidi and son Sean who is now six, have done most of the 20,000 miles we have clocked up together on Ray of Light. The privilege to sail together has been immense; sailing is definitely a great family sport. It saddens me that there are not more families sailing together. I am hopeful that Heidi’s deteriorating physical condition will not prevent her from joining us for this race. We look forward to another voyage together and to sharing the experience with our good friends and crew in the Vasco 2015. We are especially looking forward to the duel with Nemesis, owned by Heidi’s sister Sigi and husband Anthony Bailes.

Royal Natal Yacht Club Vasco da Gama Day Two

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Vasco da Gama Race

Friday 20 June

After a difficult evening, the fleet of 11 yachts solidered on in the second day of the Vasco da Gama hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club.

The boats were due to arrive back in the early hours of this morning (Saturday) with Gregg Hurter leading the fleet on his yacht Bellatrix. The boats reported on Thursday night swells of over 7m high further out to sea pummelling the boats and winds in excess of 60kph winds making it extremely challenging.

Yesterday the conditions moderated to light south westerly but the residual sea-state was still a washing machine making sailing hard work. The yachts spent the entire trip down the coast towards Durban beating into the lumpy conditions.

Hot on Hurter’s heels, the newcomer to Durban’s sailing fraternity, the magnificent yacht Ray of Light skippered by Michael Kavanagh. Kavanagh and his family having moved up from Cape Town have made an immediate impact on Durban sailing having taken line honours in the most recent offshore race and finishing third on handicap in the Mohante Trophy race in Maputo.

Following the leaders are last year’s yacht that was first over the line, Skitzo helmed by Nigel Miln and then Sticky Fingers, the smallest boat in the fleet skippered by the Rear Commodore of the Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Rob Samways.

“We had a nervous morning when two boats hadn’t reported in and we weren’t getting any pings from their tracking devices. We sent out a precautionary alert to authorities and NSRI were on standby. By early yesterday (Friday) afternoon all the boats were accounted for, a couple of them just had electrical issues.” Said Race Committee Chairman Dave Claxton.

 “We have had one retirement from the race yesterday (Friday) afternoon, the yacht Alacrity skippered by Dave Taylor made his way to Richard’s Bay,” confirmed Claxton. “We are going to hear battle stories from all our bruised sailors who have been battered by this front that passed through!”

Cut off for the final boat is tomorrow (Sunday) at 09.00am. “Most of the fleet will continue to arrive throughout the day (Saturday) and I am sure they will enjoy the 24hour breakfast on arrival that is tradition to present to the sailors after a long race, and of course a hot shower!” Claxton continued.

All of the boats kept close to the coastline attempting to stay out of the channel where the conditions were far worse. Navigators had to keep their boats clear of Durnford and Tugela avoiding breaking waves. It is not often that you see a front extend that far up into the Mozambique Channel.

The prize giving will take place at the Royal Natal Yacht Club tomorrow (Sunday) at noon.

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

Chatting to Nqoba Mswazi before he joins the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Nqoba Mswazi

Durban’s yacht club, the Royal Natal Yacht Club bids a fond farewell to young Nqoba Mswazi as he heads off to Qingdao in China to compete in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

The accomplished sailor who grew up in Umgababa flies out to the port of Qingdao on the east coast of China to join the fleet of 12 Clippers that are currently sailing around the world. Mswazi will be racing on one leg in the tenth race of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race that will take about four or five weeks to sail to San Francisco.  He is one of the more experienced crew members on the yacht, Invest Africa.

Mswazi, a regular sailing personality nicknamed ‘The Machine’, competes in all of the local races offshore of Durban and has only sailed in two international races prior to his upcoming Pacific crossing. He competed in the Colorpress Vasco da Gama Race from Maputo to Durban last year and early on his sailing career he raced in the Round Creole Island Race in Reunion.

“My first international race I competed in Reunion, my mentor Sean Jones and I competed in a class that we knew little about but learnt a lot. It was the F18 class, a big hobie cat, we came third last but my passion for sailing ignited there.”

Asked what he is most nervous about his upcoming adventure, he quickly states, “The cold!”

Pic by Trevor Wilkins

Having just turned 21, he celebrated this milestone in Portsmouth when he was there for his Clipper Training. Mswazi certainly has a bright future ahead of him in the sport of sailing.

The Rear Commodore for the Royal Natal Yacht Club, Rob Samways said, “We wish Nqoba well, he will grow in leaps and bounds with this opportunity. I personally am looking forward to his return as he will be crewing on our yacht Sticky Fingers in this year’s Vasco da Gama Race. His fresh experience will work wonders for us.”

The tough 5,800 nautical mile race begins on Sunday 16 March and is a monster of a leg. Once leaving the safety of the port, the clippers will be weaving around local fishing boats offshore of China battling with the renowned fog that hovers off the coastline of China. The cold winter conditions will challenge the fleets in the first week at sea as snow will be a regular feature on the decks.

Mswazi and his team will have to read the weather carefully as they cross the largest ocean in the world. Will they sail close to the rhumb line, the shortest route that you can sail and run the risk of light winds or head north for a colder but stronger ride east.

Invest Africa’s estimated arrival is around 15 April, “I am looking forward to the privilege of sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. The sailors that I have spoken to have talked highly about the feeling that you get gliding underneath it, the magical sight of San Francisco coming into focus after weeks at sea.” Mswazi concluded.

Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Nqoba Mswazi is going places as he tackles the upcoming Clipper Round the World Yacht Race leg from Qingdao to San Francisco.

For more info on the race, visit http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/ or visit the Royal Natal Yacht Club site www.rnyc.org.za

Sailing from Mauritius to Durban - Part One Mauritius

Let me begin by saying that I am not a sailor; I have just had the absolute privilege to odyssey across oceans by form of yacht.

My latest adventure began in the picturesque setting of Mauritius with the final destination of my hometown, Durban. The beauty of travelling by yacht is the opportunity to stop off at some truly magnificent hidden gems on our planet.

I met the vessel Topaz in Grand Baie, a popular tourist destination for obvious reasons, the turquoise glistening ocean lapping on to golden sands, exquisite palm trees framing the beaches and the kind locals habituating in the quaint village surrounding the bay.

Topaz had been anchored in Grand Baie for ten days and I joined the crew for another two nights floating in tropical paradise. During the steamy hot days, I walked around Grand Baie, cruising along the shoreline admiring a variety of boats anchored in the bay; a number of beautiful Hindu deities had the eternal setting of Grand Baie, along with a very Nordic-looking church built right on the water’s edge. In contrast to the pristine area, just beyond a jetty in dire disrepair, the remains of a tall ship jutted out of the water adding some mystery to the bay. Returning back to the boat, I meandered past a variety of architecture, along with some quirky tourist arcades.

The perfect setting was interrupted by the roar of fast flying speed boats zipping dare-devilish through the anchorage, carving wakes for their skiers that they were dragging behind them. The evenings however were blissful, with postcard sunsets rewarding our stay as we sipped on exotic colourful cocktails from the resort bars.

We enjoyed a tranquil slow sail from Grand Baie to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Safely tied up in the small marina, Topaz, a 51ft Australian built Adams monohull, was dwarfed by the tail-end of the lavish Oyster fleet that were circumnavigating the globe. Added to the mix of circumnavigators were three yachts, a German couple on their yacht Wigwam. Sailing in convoy were two ketches that had been cruising for three years, an American couple and their two teenage children sailing on Azimuth and a Canadian couple with their three children on Viatrix.

In the capital, I had one day to explore the bustling town, admiring the waterfront that was a smaller, carbon copy of our V@A Waterfront. The main promenade had the funkiest shade, with an array of multi-coloured umbrellas casting shadows below creating a rainbow awning above the busy walkway. The neat, well-kempt town was a joy to wander around. Discovering the local hangouts set on the outskirts of town, the massive horse track, modern day office blocks standing tall next to ancient buildings housing retailers, urban parks adding some greenery to the concrete terrain and a number of places of worship dotted around.

Our departure time was moved forward as our skipper, Rob Ferenczi had been warned that our next port of call had a tricky entrance and with the tides, we needed to get there before 07:00am. Our departure time was now at sunset with the weather looking very favourable for a gentle sail to Saint Pierre, Reunion.

Enroute back to the marina, a number of people were gazing heavenwards, cameras and cellphones all snapping at something in the sky. Curious, looking up I saw a perfect halo circling the sun, I took this sentiment as a blessing for our upcoming passage.

Our last adventure on land was acquiring a bit of fresh food from the charming fruit, veg and traditional medicine market. The traders all enticed us with their wares but only a handful spoke English, so our trading and bartering was done with good old hand signals.

As the sun began to set on Mauritius, we departed in convoy with Viatrix. Next stop the French island of Reunion.