Inter-Varsity Match Racing Champs

Point Yacht Club

Inter-Varsity Match Racing Champs

Harbour: 1 – 3 July

Sailing into July, the Point Yacht Club will be hosting the inaugural Inter-Varsity Cup taking place in the harbour of Durban from 1 – 3 July.

Nine varsities will be taking to the water this weekend, with six of the teams entered shedding off their winter woollies and travelling from Western Province and Gauteng to compete in warm Durban waters.

Participating varsities are Rhodes University, University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, two teams from the University of Witwatersrand, Tuks with a combined team from the University of Johannesburg and University of Pretoria. The local teams comprise of University of Kwa-Zulu Natal Howard Campus and Durban University of Technology.

Match racing in sailing is when two teams go head-to-head against each other. The programme for events has been drawn with seven rounds of competition happening for the eight teams. Each round consists of four races. A famous example of match racing is the America’s Cup.

Competing on the same class of boat, each team consists of six sailors racing on an L26.  The course set by Race Officer, Kevin Bingham will be an upwind, downwind course with the possibility of either one or two laps. The start finish line will be set below the bottom turning mark, extending the first beat and final run to the line.

Team captains are Peter Marsh from UCT, Jonas Vijerberg from Rhodes, Alexander Ham from Stellenbosch, Kyle Boman for the combined team of UJ and Tuks, DUT will be led by Thokozani ‘DeaJay’ Latha, UKZN by Florence Marshall and Alison Bradfield and Ryan Robinson for the two Wits teams.

Officiating will be South African sailors, Ricky Robinson and Trent Bingham.

The Inter-Varsity Match Racing Champs is the precursor to the annual MSC Week, hosted by the Point Yacht Club, that takes place from 4 – 8 July offshore of Durban.

For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or contact the club on 031 301 4787.

For the love of the game - Passionate umpire teaches kindness and camaraderie through hockey.

Catching up with Wanri Venter ahead of the SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge

Words by Lachlan Nicholson

South Africa is a nation of sports lovers, where athletes who achieve success on the field are revered as heroes and legends. However, such glory would be impossible without the hard work and dedication of referees and umpires, who act as custodians of the games they love.

One such individual is Thomas More College sports coordinator, Wanri Venter. Now in her tenth year of service to the school, Venter has nurtured a love of hockey since her childhood in Stellenbosch, which grew as she became a student at the University of Stellenbosch. “I started umpiring during my first year at Maties (2000) because learning to do so was compulsory, but only really attended tournaments in 2004,” she explained.

As well as being an umpire and coach, Venter is still an active participant, “I enjoy hockey’s speed, fitness and physicality but most of all, the tactical aspect. The older you get, the more you rely on your experience.”

Officiating matches presents unique challenges because they are played at an ever-increasing pace. This makes the sport exciting for spectators, but requires umpires to be on top form at all times. “You strive to move constantly, so that you’re in the best possible position to make the right decision. When you umpire at a higher level, you need to trust your instincts because if you are unsure, you will miss the moment to step in.

“Often you’re like an actor on a stage; you need to sell your decisions using the tools at your disposal such as whistle tone, cards and body language. You need to earn the players’ trust by being calm, open to questions and confident.”   

Since earning her international badge in 2014, Venter has umpired 22 international matches, most of them locally between South Africa and Belgium, Scotland, Australia and India. She has twice travelled to Kenya; first to officiate for the Africa Cup of Nations then the World League Round One, she also was chosen to oversee several international indoor matches during December 2015 between South Africa, Australia, USA and Namibia.  

Venter believes that the lessons she’s learned from hockey have carried over into her personal life. “I have learned to never give up; the game is certainly not over until the final whistle. Friendships and other people's feelings are more important than winning the game.” 

Her next major event is the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile which takes place from the 23rd of November to the 4th of December. She will also be helping co-ordinate the upcoming SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge that takes place at St Mary’s next month.

For those interested in becoming umpires, Venter has these words of wisdom, “The best place to start umpiring is with the little ones, as they play for pure enjoyment. As you gain confidence, you can umpire older age groups.” 

The 2016 edition of the MSC Week

Point Yacht Club

MSC Week

Offshore Durban: 4 – 8 July

South Africa’s premier winter regatta, the week-long annual MSC Regatta now in its 40^th year hosted by Point Yacht Club kicks off offshore of Durban on Monday 4 July.

On the back of the highly successful Hobie 16 and Flying Fifteen Provincials, the much-anticipated sailing event incorporates the L26, IRC and Hunter Provincials along with the Micro-Multihull Challenge, and the MSC Racing Class.

Race Officer, Dave Rushton will have a busy time offshore organising the various classes. A maximum of 12 races will be held for the IRC and Multihull fleets and a maximum of 15 races will be held for the L26, Hunter and Club racing classes and only five races for the MSC Racing fleet. A minimum of four races for all but the MSC Racing Fleet will need to take place to constitute a regatta.

Confirmed entries are Container World in the L26 class. Tony Cockerill from Henley-Midmar and Dave Martinson from Witbank will be competing in the Hunter class. In the IRC Class, the lightning quick Southern Storm will be dusting herself off to participate under her new owner, Warren Clark. In the sports boats class we have the Fluid 180, PhattAss entered, together with Cabriole, a Beneteau First Class 8 and a Pacer 27 with youngster, Michaela Robinson driving.

In the micro multihulls old rivals, Bandit skippered by Sean Jones and Ladybird skippered by Andrew Dolloway are entered. Representing the Bluff Yacht Club, Andrew Murray sailing on Liquid Blue will be taking to the water in the MSC Racing Fleet.

Regatta Convenor Ron Pet stated, “The regatta is always a hit, both on and off the water. Teams travel from around the country to participate. A number of the teams use this as a tune up race ahead of the prestigious Lipton Challenge Cup that will be taking place in Cape Town later this month.”

“Loads of sailors have indicated their intent to compete, so we are eagerly awaiting their entries. Just in the IRC alone, we have Gregg Hurter racing Vasco finisher, Bellatrix and also the brand newcomer to the Durban fleet, the majestic CFM owned by Stuart Ritchie promises to be on the water. Wayne Smith, helming the multihull Crazy Diamond has had her out of the water and been modifying her bows, so it will be good to see her go up against Bandit and Ladybird.”

Durban truly is the place to be this winter, with three back-to-back sailing events of national proportion, the MSC Week concludes ten days of winter-bliss on local waters.

For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or contact the club on 031 301 4787.

Beautiful Bourges

The second part to this whirlwind trip was in the heart of the Berry Province, a city called Bourges. The city dates back to about 50BC, with the main architectural attraction, the gothic cathedral of Saint Etienne, built in the twelfth century. Ranked as a World Heritage Site, it is considered as the earliest example of the high gothic style of the thirteenth century. Simply put, if I were to wed, this certainly would be the venue for the ceremony. It is utterly magnificent, the stained glass windows are heavenly and the intricate carved detail on the exterior façade is mesmerizingly beautiful.  The inside is just as glorious, the light coming through the windows, the massive airy space, you can climb up to the tower and get an angel’s eye view of the city or go down into the crypt.

As is tradition over the last decade, I had the privilege of catching one of the final pool games of the Euroleague basketball season for Tango Bourges in their recently unveiled shiny new stadium lovingly called The Prado. Led by the ‘tricolour’s’ captain, Celine Dumerc who was the game hero that evening firing 15 points, the home team playing to a capacity crowd were victorious against Polish visitors, Wisla Karkow with a 63-45 win.

A highlight for me in Bourges was reconnecting with a fabulously keen couple at the pristine stadium. My first time ever watching a live basketball game, an elderly man was the usher at the old Bourges Basketball Arena and quickly surmised that I didn’t speak a word of French and in a grand-fatherly way guided me to my seat. Our next meeting was in Montpellier, the French League game we were both attending was held on France’s Independence Day and locals were celebrating at the game with pancakes and red wine. This dear old man sought me out and proudly presented me with an offering of both.

In my basketball travels, I have met France’s number one supporters in Istanbul, Sopron, Ankara, Paris, and just last year in Timisoara, Romania. I read an article stating that this retired couple spend most of their winters travelling in their campervan to all of the games in Europe where Tango Bourges or France are playing.

After the game, standing at the top of their raked section, I waited for them to clamber up from their courtside seats. Halfway up, he glanced up, stopped and alerted his wife and promptly announced to me, and majority of the nearby crowd – Afrique du Sud waving cheerfully. We greeted each other like long lost friends in French, but conversation beyond a jovial greeting was limited as their English is non-existent, as is my French.  But the mutual love of the game for the identical teams has created a strong connection between the three of us and each time I am at a game, I look forward to meeting them.

No visit would be complete without a wander through the Old Town; here you can amble along cobbled-stoned lanes lined with half-timbered medieval houses that date back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that there are still 440 of these medieval masterpieces still standing to this day. Another must do is indulging in a draft on tap at the ancient Jacques Couer Pub a couple of blocks from the cathedral and palace. Situated in an old half-timber house, the inside of the pub takes you on a complete time warp to centuries before.  Stop in for something decadent at CakT, a petit slice of heaven where you can refuel on a delicious cup of tea and a mouth-watering array of desserts.

Of course visits to the Jacques Couer Palace, the Jardins near the Cathedral and the train station, or if you are in these parts in May, there is a hearty music festival that is well worth a stop. Bourges is magical, but I wouldn’t recommend a stay longer than two days.

Departing the centre of France, I made my way north west to the coastal area of Saint Michel! 

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

KZN U13 / U12 teams announched

SPAR KZN Rugby

Woodburn Stadium: Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 May 2015

Three days of superb rugby action at the SPAR KZN Inter-District Rugby Tournament concluded on a gorgeous winter’s day at Woodburn Stadium on Saturday, with three teams being announced to represent KZN.

The main game of the tournament was the finals in the U13A sides, the last game of the tournament between Durban Coastals and Southern KZN.

The surprise in the U13A category was the determined team from Southern KZN, their never-say-die attitude and relentless eagerness saw them win two games back to back, the first time in five years they have managed to win, and not only win but qualify for the finals.

An elated coach from Southern KZN, Warren Hitchings said, “I can’t explain how happy I am! The guys just clicked. The atmosphere in the team was fantastic; every single one of the guys backed each other on and off the field. It was an honour to be a part of!”

The coach that hails from Pennington Primary continued, “Each and every single one of them was, in my eyes, a quality player, the best from our region and they did us proud. We only had three training sessions in the build up to this tournament, guys travelled from Kokstad and Kuswag to Suid-Natal to come and train, their commitment evident from the very first session we had together.”

A delighted Durban Coastal’s coach, Brandon Hobbs from Glenwood Prep said after their teams win, “We had good team spirit in amongst our lads. They did really well, making it all the way. Some great talent! There were a few individuals who managed some game breakers in key plays. I was impressed how they all played well together as a team.”

KZN Midlands Primary Schools Rugby Chairman, Tiny Coetzee said, “I was delighted with how the tournament turned out. The weather was great, the games were hard and exciting and I believe every single one of the 330 boys enjoyed themselves.”

Talking about the selection process, Coetzee continued, “We have had a bit of a re-look at the selection structure. The guys who make the squads will have to go through another round to impress the selectors. Two U13 teams will travel to Bloemfontein to take part in the Bondedag, this will serve as their final trials as to who will be selected for the A or B side. The U13A team will head to the renowned Craven Week in Witrivier, Mpumalanga; meanwhile the U13B side will head to Sasolburg.”

“In the U12 division, will come back to Pietermaritzburg for their final round of trials. The successful guys will then head onto Vryheid to represent KZN towards the end of July.”

“We are really pleased with the tremendous spirit and camaraderie that is evident in this tournament.” says Rob Philipson, MD of SPAR KZN. “From our point of view, SPAR encourages people to lead healthy lifestyles, and this tournament not only helps to develop strong and healthy bodies on the field, but also helps to grow and nurture healthy attitudes and team spirit. Well done to all those who participated, they are all winners to have got this far. We wish those who have been selected for the next level, the very best of luck, and we look forward to their future success."

List of KZN teams:

KZN U13A

1 KH Thomas (SKZN – Izothso Primary), 2 U Botha (DBN Coastals – Umhlali Prep), 3 T Trollip (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 4 H Gouws (Zululand – Richards Bay Primary), 5 C R De Bruyn (Southern KZN – Scottburgh Primary), 6 M Khuzwayo (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 7 M Mkhize (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 8 K Khumalo (Midlands – Pelham), 9 P Elliot (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 10 M Halstead (DBN Coastals – Clifton), 11 S Nkomo (Southern KZN – King Edward), 12 S Ngcobo (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 13 K Mbongwa (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 14 M vd Merwe (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 15 E Matkovich (Pinetown and Districts – Westville Senior Primary), 16 N Mdabe (Zululand – Mtubatuba), 17 B Nortje (Southern KZN – Kuswag Skool), 18 M Xego (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 19 J Dobson (Pinetown and Districts – Kloof Senior Primary), 20 M Khalishwayo (Northern KZN – Paul Pietersburg), 21 E Potgieter (Northern KZN – Lucas Meyer), 22 J Murray (Midlands – Cowan House), Coach M Dick (DBN Coastals – DPHS), Asst Coach M Jali (DBN Coastals – DPHS), Manager H Muller (Zululand – Richardia), Chaperone K Barkley (Midlands – Pelham)

KZN U13B

1 M Fierro (Pinetown and Districts – Highbury Prep), 2 J McCabe (Midlands – Merchiston), 3 M Immelman (Pinetown and Districts – Westville Senior Primary), 4 C Van Heerden (Midlands – Pelham), 5 M Madela (Northern KZN – Hutton Park), 6 L Grobler (Southern KZN – Kuswag), 7 L Stubbs (Midlands – Merchiston), 8 N Zikalala (Northern KZN – Monument), 9 B Oellerman (Midlands – Merchiston), 10 H Trodd (Midlands – Merchiston), 11 M Maphisa (Zululand – Mtubatuba), 12 N Dludla (Northern KZN – Nuwe Republiek), 13 K Morsink (Southern KZN – Izotsho), 14 Y Gosai (Pinetown and Districts- Atholl Heights), 15 J Roets (Southern KZN – Amanzimtoti), 16 J Bessick (DBN Coastals – Northlands Primary), 17 N Mndaweni (DBN Coastals – DPHS), 18 M King (Midlands – Merchiston), 19 M De Klerk (Midlands – Cordwalles), 20 T Tomsett (DBN Coastal – Virginia Prep), 21 M Grant (Midlands – Corwalles), 22 T Nkosi (Northern KZN – Piet Retief), Coach S Carroll (DBN Coastals – Northlands Primary), Asst Coach B Hobbs (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), Manager Archie Bhengu (Pinetown and Districts – KwaManzini Primary), Chaperone R Robbertze (Zululand – Richardia)

KZN U12

1 A Mfiki (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 2 Q Pitout (Midlands – Merchiston), 3 A Zondi (Midlands – Cordwalles), 4 S Mkhize (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), 5 J Venter (Northern KZN – Pongola), 6 K Manukuza (Zululand – MtMathuba Primary), 7 L Mtshali (Zululand – Veldenvlei) 8 G Mbatha (Northern KZN – Paul Pietersburg), 9 C Oellerman (Midlands – Merchiston), 10 C Davis (DBN Coastals – Virginia), 11 S Kok (Midlands – Merchiston), 12 A Zakwe (Midlands – Merchiston), 13 C Maree (Northern KZN – Piet Retief), 14 L Mpongose (Northern KZN – Paul Pietersberg), 15 D Pretorius (Northern KZN – Piet Retief), 16 M Khuzwayo (Midlands – Merchiston), 17 R Swift (Midlands – Merchiston), 18 S Mngomezulu (DBN Coastals- Penzance) 19 J vd Merwe (Midlands – Merchiston), 20 A Nkuma (Zululand – Grantham P), 21 R Viviers (Northern KZN – Hutten Park), 22 L vd Walt (Northern KZN – Piet Retief), Coach S Accerman (DBN Coastals St Henry’s), Asst Coach Tinus Laatz (DBN Coastals – Glenwood Prep), Manager David Malaki (Southern KZN), Chaperone R Robbertze (Zululand - Richardia)

Chatting to seasoned Laser sailor, Anthony Arbuthnot

Point Yacht Club

SA Laser Nationals

Interview with Anthony Arbuthnot

A regular face on the water most Saturdays, the quietly keen Anthony Arbuthnot is gearing up for the upcoming SA Laser Nationals at the end of the month.

Arbuthnot has been a regular competitor in the Durban sailing community over a number of years, “I’ve loved sailing from a young age, sailing Dabchicks at PYC. I wore my Dad down nagging, who eventually bought me a Tack. I designed and built an 8ft catamaran, at aged 11, called the Titchcat, which I sailed extensively in the Midlands, on Punch Barlow’s farm which is now Boschhoek. The scene of some spectacular capsizes.” he admits with a chuckle.

“I have also had the honour to cruise a bit of the world. A fond memory was when we sailed to America from Durban in 1982, and arrived at night in Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. The first time we hoisted our spinnaker on our Leopard 40 in the Caribbean with my whole family on board, to the sounds of Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack; that was a pretty surreal, fun moment.”

“Sailing is truly magical. The people involved make it so. The Laser sailors come from all walks of life and a huge spread of ages, and there is huge camaraderie amongst the men and women.”

“Besides being magical, it also teaches you valuable life lessons! Laser sailing especially teaches you great humility and that it’s no one’s fault but your own when you’re upside down, at the back of the fleet.”

Asked how he would describe himself in one word, he laughs stating, “Old!”

  

The Vause Road resident is completely entrenched in his neighbourhood, “I grew up in Vause Road, spending 20 years in our family home until I was 22years old. The last 20 years I have been happily married living in the house next door to my family home.”

“My beautiful wife of 27 years, Nicole understands and encourages my passion for the sea. I have three kids, oldest son James is 25, my daughter Alexandra is 19 and youngest, Guy has just turned 18. All of them sail on our Catamaran but none sail dinghies with me. Nicole used to crew for me on a Sprog, in the 80’s.”

Off the water, the seasoned sailor has a diverse range of activities, “Flying, I am lucky enough to have two aeroplanes and fly whenever I get the chance. And diving and the odd mountain and road bike ride. Oh yes, and cooking. I can cook up a storm.” he admits enthusiastically.

Chatting about his aquatic achievements, the eager yachtsmen said, “I have dabbled on Dabchicks, Mirrors, Tacks, Sprogs, Paper Tigers, Hobie 14 & 16s, Lasers and Flying Fifteens. Raced extensively on L26s then L 34s! Participated in a few RCOD speed attempts in the Vasco and from Richards Bay. Closest we came was on an Adrenalin, 43 Foot Cat, sailing 3 up at 28 knots average till we were hit by a Westerly off the Northern Breakwater.”

His role model in sailing is respected Henri Hiddes, “The most revered bowman in the Whitbread fleet, and the most fun guy I’ve ever has the privilege of sailing with! But in everyday life, I look up to my Dad.”

  

“I can proudly say my greatest achievement is that I am content. I am eternally blessed to have such a wonderful wife and kids, and I have the best friends a man could ask for. Hope the future years is as much fun as the last 50.”

Over the May Day weekend, let’s hope that the content Arbuthnot’s experience holds him in good stead as he takes on top national and international sailors offshore of Durban.

Chatting to up-and coming umpire Ansie Joubert

SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament

Interview with Ansie Joubert

Newcastle has a rising star in hockey umpire, Ansie Joubert.

The motivated and driven sports star was recently crowned as the Most Promising Umpire at the annual Northern KZN Regional of the SPAR KZN Regional Hockey Tournament.

“I thrive on the energy that you always feel at a hockey field, there is always something happening.  I love the team spirit in hockey as well as the competitiveness.  I really enjoy the action.” the gentle Joubert states.

“I started playing hockey in Grade 1, all my friends and my sister played, so I joined them.  I have never regretted this choice.

Asked what a memorable moment on the pitch was, she claims, “For some reason the ones I remember most is playing through injuries.  One that especially stands out is playing evening league in Bloemfontein in winter, with legs cramping and ice chips hitting you as you ran, with no-one on the bench because they were all down with flu, we had to play through it.  Luckily we won that game, so it’s a good memory.”

“I am not playing hockey at the moment, but my main positions have always been left striker or left link.  However I was always happy to play where our coach needed me. I even played one game as goalie.” Joubert says smiling.

“Currently I coach Mini hockey as well as our schools under 13A team.  I have also been privileged to coach our under 13 district side for the past 3 years, this year will be the fourth.  I am lucky that I can live out my passion for hockey in a variety of ways, with umpiring now also added in the mix.”

“On the umpiring front, I have been umpiring informally since 2012, only umpiring for my hockey team while coaching. I have always been delighted to accept when other umpires offered to umpire for me.” 

Thinking back, Joubert recalls, “If I remember correctly the first time officially with the whistle, it went okay! Luckily it was not a big game.  Last year I umpired once, for our first team where I was rather a nervous wreck as I did not have a lot of confidence.  Luckily I umpired with a friend, who was willing to help me a lot.”

“This was my second SPAR tournament, last year I enjoyed supporting our team from the side lines.  At the regional this year, I was honoured to officiate in the final at Pionier High, where Ferrum beat Dundee. That would have to be the biggest game I have blown so far.”

Away from the hockey field, the motivated and driven sports start relishes aqua-activities, “Swimming is another favourite for me, I swim the Midmar Mile every year, and then I also take part in triathlons. I occasionally play tennis, scuba dive and have even tried surfing before.”

“I enjoy any kind of adventure, going out and doing new things. I also enjoy reading, drawing and travelling. I would still love to travel to Greece, hike the Inca trail in South America and then go sky-diving!”

“I had the privilege to summit Mt Kilimanjaro with my mom and a group of students, parents and colleagues from school in 2012, an achievement and experience that no one can ever take away from me. I am a farm girl, who enjoys being outdoors, being active and learning new things, whether it is surfing, skiing in Switzerland, rowing down the Orange River or hiking the Otter Trail. These experiences affirm the feeling that I have lived and hope to continue to do so.”

Continuing, the passionate teacher said, “After three years of living in London, I really enjoy the slower pace of life in Newcastle.  We have most things that we need here, it is a big town, yet everyone works well together and one can still have good relationships with people.”

Originally from Dundee, the young whistle blower works in Newcastle, and lives at the school she teaches grade 2s, “I am also head of St Dominic’s Academy’s Boarding Establishment which has its challenges but is rewarding.”

Her eyes light up as she concludes the chat, stating, “I still visit on my parents’ farm during the holidays, this is where I recharge and find my peace.”

Day Five for Point Yacht Club's Dinghy Class Champs

Point Yacht Club

Dinghy Class Champs Day Five

Harbour: Saturday 7 February

A splendid fleet of 24 dinghies participated in the fifth day of the Point Yacht Club’s Dinghy Class Champs held in the harbour on Saturday.

Returning after a long absence, Patrick Harris and Jeremy Kriek returned to the water in their brand new, glisteningly beautiful, carbon hull Flying Fifteen, Ffigjam. The highly decorated sailors showed their class as they powered to the front in their division, with a comfortable lead in all three races. 

In the Laser class, Gregg Dobson returning home from work in Madagascar loved being back on the water. He took the line honours in the first race, but got jammed up at the start in the second race, finishing in seventh and then a fifth in the final race. Trent Bingham also returned from a long absence from sailing, claiming the honours in the second race, but was forced to retire from the third race due to his kicker breaking. Another long-time absent sailor made his welcome return. Rowen Clark from Pennington took to the water after a number of years. It didn’t take him long to get back into the swing of things, finishing in seventh in his first race. He managed to up a gear and finished in fourth in the second race, then improved some more in the final race finishing third.

The only lady in the fleet, Frances Van Breda showed up a number of the blokes with a fine tally of a fourth, a sixth and a third in her three races.

A colourful fleet of Hobies also came out to compete to get in some water time ahead of their Nationals, the upcoming Hobie Epic to Richards Bay and the 9 Hour at Midmar. The entire fleet opted to retire from the first race, all camping out on the sand bank in the middle of the bay due to the winds dropping off.

Peter Hall sailing one up on his Hobie 14 came first in the second and third race with a tussle for second place occurring between Michael Dickinson and Hannah Fokkens on their Hobie 16 and 14 year old Dylan Alberts racing on his Hobie 14. Dickinson helming the Hobie 16 took second place in the second race, meanwhile Alberts snuck in ahead of the larger Hobie in the final race, much to his verbal elation at beating the older and more accomplished Dickinson.

The multi-coloured and multi-class fleet of 24 dinghies consisted of a Mirror, a Dabchick, Hobies, Lasers, Flying Fifteens, RS Teras, a 29er and an RS Feva.

After the first race, the breeze shifted from an Easterly, moving around to a South Easterly, causing the Race Officer, Kevin Bingham to make a course adjustment. Bingham managed to get in three windward leeward races in near the T-Jetty. As the afternoon drew on, the 8knot breeze dropped to a gentle 5knots, forcing Bingham to shorten the final race.

This weekend sees two events hosted by Point Yacht Club, the conclusion to the Dinghy Class Champs and the first in the Jockey Series offshore of Durban. Race Officer Ron Pet has organised a tactical sausage course for the keelboats, ensuring lots of action as the bigger boats are required to carve through a set of ‘gates’ in the centre of the course and will have two options to round at the bottom mark.

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

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.

South African Sailing Youth Nationals Championships

Point Yacht Club / Royal Natal Yacht Club

SAS Youth Nationals

Aeolians Yacht Club Vaal Dam – 13 – 19 December

The start to school holidays will be exciting as 13 of Durban’s promising youth sailors head to Gauteng to compete in the South African Sailing Youth Nationals from 13 – 19 December.

 The event hosted at Aeolians Yacht Club on the Vaal Dam promises to be highly competitive with a number of classes being sailed over the six days. The 031 representatives will be participating in five classes, Point Yacht Club has 11 sailors flying their burgee, and two will be representing Royal Natal Yacht Club.

Brothers in ‘class’, Jethro and Eli Brophy Tintinger (Glenwood High School) will be taking to the water in the 420 class while Euan and Sean Hurter (Clifton College) will be competing on their hardy Dabchicks.

The Fennessy siblings Liam and Jessica (Chelsea Prep) will be racing in the Optimist class. Another young lady to be taking on the boys is highly decorated upcountry sailor Michaela Robinson representing Royal Natal Yacht Club. Coming from a highly successful sailing family, Robinson has taken part in two Cape to Rios and a number of international events. She will be sailing with Benji Daniel (Thomas More College) in the 420 class.

Another family with a keen interest in sailing is the Gaughrans. The eldest brother Matthew (Kearsney College) is taking on the fleet on his full rig Laser while his younger brother Ross (Kearsney College) will be sailing on a Laser 4.7. Youngest Gaughran, Calum (Highbury) will be competing in the Oppie Class. 

The only sailor to be racing in an RSTera Sport is Cameron Parle (Durban Preparatory High School). Sven Paton (Durban Preparatory High School) and Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Chad Stevenson (Umhlanga College) will both be racing in the sturdy RSTera Pros.

Thalia Naidoo (Eden College) will be back on the water having been concentrating on horse riding, she will be participating on her Tera Pro after having done extremely well in the Tera Worlds. She finished fourth overall and was the second lady in the recent World Championships. 

Dylan Albert (Umhlanga College) who has been getting loads of water time on his preferred Hobie 14 will be racing in the Dabchick class along with the Hurter brothers.

One disappointment is that Sam Lombard (Michael House) who was due to race in the Dabchick class will be unable to make the trip due to breaking his shoulder blade. Lombard has had the honour of being a part of the Lipton Challenge Cup for Point Yacht Club.

The Rear Commodore for Youth at the Point Yacht Club, Nik Albert stated, “We have a strong contingent of youth coming through our ranks and it is great to see that they are heading to major competitions. Every Saturday the guys have been getting training in, taking on the more experienced sailors and their hard work is showing.”

Soon-to-be-top-notch sailors, Durban’s up-and-coming water rats will be taking on the crème de la crème at the South African Sailing Youth Nationals up at the Vaal Dam this holiday.

For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or www.rnyc.org.za or like their Facebook pages.