World Transplant Games - 5km Road Running

World Transplant Games

Durban

Monday 29 July

5km Road Running

The compact frame of Hungarian Gergo Mezei took line honours in the 5km Road Race at the World Transplant Games in Durban today running a time of 17.36

The 25 year old looked comfortable the entire race, running in the lead group of three athletes he made his calculated break just after going through the 3km mark. He powered his way to a comfortable lead ahead of Matthew Salkeld representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Salkeld worked hard in the last 1km to finish 10seconds behind the Hungarian.

Mezei had a kidney transplant in 2005. “The first 2km were hard, the gradual hills were tough. I ran through the first 1km in a time of 3minutes and 15 seconds, so I am happy with my time. My strides were long and strong on the flat which helped me break away from Matthew and Montague.”

The young athlete who claimed victory in both overall and age category competed in the 2011 games in Sweden and 2009 in Australia. “I won the category in both of those events so I am ecstatic with taking the overall win this year!” said a delighted Mezei.

Second placed Salkeld from Carlise in Cumbria had a liver transplant in 1997, “I have always wanted to come to South Africa and I am just loving my time here. I have my Mum and Dad here along with my sister so have my own supporters.” he said beaming.

The British running sensation is also competing in the 800m and 1,500m later this week in the track and field events. “This year I am just competing in the athletics. My favourite is the 400m and 800m, well that is what I choose to compete in for my club.”

Salkeld is off to a good start in Durban having received 3 Golds, 2 Bronzes and the Best Junior Award in Sweden. He competed in the Team 5km running event, the 4 x 400m relay and the squash last year. “Today’s run was very good and very tiring. The hills at the beginning were challenging but overall it was a great run.”

The leading lady, Orla Smyth from Belfast in Northern Ireland representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland said the race was tough, “It was a lovely course, but it was extremely hot. This is my second Games and I won the title there, so I am glad that I defended my title!”

“Every time I go out and run, I go out and do my best and if that gives me gold, then I am of course delighted with that.”

116 athletes took to the large circular race track that began at Kings Park Pool taking them towards the ocean; then turning towards Blue Lagoon, then back inland and then the long stretch alongside Durban Country Club finishing alongside Kings Park Pool. All 116 athletes finished with the youngest aged runner being Salkeld and the oldest aged runner, David Rozelle who is 75 years.

Race Organiser, Clyde Kinloch was happy with the overall running of the race, “The race went very well. It was a flat fast course and the weather was perfect. The wind did pick up a bit as most of the runners were finishing, so they had a bit of headwind slowing them down. Otherwise everything went well!”

Results

Overall Men:

1 Gergo Mezei (Hungary) 17.36, 2 Matthew Salkeld (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 17.46, 3 Montague Summers (Australia) 17.54, 4 Joaquin Lacon (Spain) 18.51, 5 Daniel Matsoso (South Africa) 19.13, 6

Overall Women

1 Orla Smyth (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 22.59, 2 AndrBsnU Jung (Hungary) 23.06, 3 Zanelle Britz (South Africa) 23.51, 4 Marie Debine (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 23.57, 5 Ulrika Svantesson (Sweden) 24.01

ENDS

World Transplant Games - Volleyball

World Transplant Games: Durban

Monday 29 July

Volleyball: University Of KwaZulu Natal Westville

Ten teams took to the courts competing in the World Transplant Games Volleyball Tournament with Hungary taking the title in a humdinger of a final.

Hungary who received silver in the previous World Transplant Games in Sweden arrived at the University of KwaZulu Natal Westville campus with one mission in mind:, to claim gold and they did this in a nail-biting final where they met Argentina.

The game lasted three extremely tight sets with the eight points being the difference in the final results. Argentina who dethroned defending champions, the Netherlands in the semi-finals took the first set 25-20.

Hungary then replied in the second set going on top by just one point, taking it 25-24 and levelling the score at one set a-piece. The game continued in dramatic style in the third set as both teams continued to perform out of their socks in the final set. In a clincher of a third set, Hungary just got the edge on Argentina taking the set 16-14 and claiming a sweet victory.

The darling of the Hungarian team, Yvette Jasab,at  21 the youngest member of the team proudly said, “We won everything, it is a great feeling. We came second in Gothenburg in 2011 and came here to beat Netherlands. We knew the games would be tough but our opponent, Argentina made us work very hard for our gold.”

Defending champions, Netherlands who have dominated the last two Games were dramatically knocked out by Argentina in the semi-finals in a three set game. Netherlands who came second in the pool games faced first placed Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the third and fourth play-offs.

In a replay of the pool games, Great Britain went down to the Netherlands, thus allowing the defending champions to walk away with a medal, albeit bronze.

Ace referee Sihle Gumede who has just returned from Congo having participated in an International Referee Course was impressed with the level of competition at the games, “They are not professional but they certainly are making up for it with their commitment and passion. You can see that they love what they are doing! The supporters were fantastic cheering their teams on. The event was well organised with all the teams arriving on time.”

Event organiser, Lawrence Naidoo was overjoyed by the success of the day, “It is not every day we host a major international event. It was something else watching all of these games here today! What a privilege it was to be entertained by these phenomenal role models who have taken their second chance in life and are able to be so active. It truly has been an excellent tournament.”

Results:

1 Hungary, 2 Argentina, 3 Netherlands, 4 Great Britain and Northern Ireland

World Transplant Games - 20km Cycling Road Race

World Transplant Games: Durban

Wednesday 31 July

20km Cycling Road Race

It was a great day on the roads yet again for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team as they cleaned up in the World Transplant Games 20km Cycling Road Race in Durban with a haul of 11 medals.

Pedalling away with the overall line honours, defending champion Richard Smith shared the men’s title with Norwegian Erlend Gjerde in a time of 33.21 and Ottilie Quince powered her way to victory in the women’s race in a time of 39.18.

“I didn’t think for a minute I was going to win today. The quality of riders lining up was fantastic.” an elated Smith stated after the race. “I really thought Stefano from Italy or Erlend from Norway would take the race.”

“The pace was extremely quick on the route today. I tried to break away from the pack twice, once making my move heading out to La Lucia and then on the motorway returning back to the city. The pack just reeled me back in effortlessly.” explained the experienced man of seven World Transplant Games. “At one point Erlend and Stefano started to make their move and I had to fight to keep up with them.”

“Stefano is a really talented guy, we are best mates but the relationship is a unique one as I don’t speak a word of Italian and he doesn’t speak any English and yet we both know exactly what we are saying speaking the universal language of cycling. I have the utmost respect for him when he gets on the saddle, a talent to watch out for!” stated the complimentary Brit, who holds the title of a Level 3 British Cycling Coach.

“I knew that whoever got to the last island near the Suncoast Casino first would be the winner, and seeing as though I couldn’t outpace them, I relied on tactics to outrace the lads.” a relieved Smith said.

“This has got to be the best World Transplant Games road race I have ever competed in.” Smith said smiling.

Talking about organ donation, Smith nicknamed “Recycled Richard” echoed, “I am in awe of anyone that signs up to become a donor. You boost your status to hero in my books. But it is not a simple thing to do; I believe you really have to think about what becoming an organ donor is all about. But it truly is a good thing; you can save up to seven people’s lives.”

Double double World Champion, Ottilie Quince won both overall and age category in the 5km time trials and the 20km race today, “It hasn’t really sunk in yet but I am really happy. I got both the scratch and the age group; titles that I am incredibly proud of!”

Questioned about organ donation, she firmly states, “Heavens knows we need them. Back home three people a day die waiting for an organ. It costs nothing and could save so many! I am lucky that I have an amazing Mom, she gave me the gift of life twice.”

Quince is gearing up for a major op when she returns home, the spunky athlete had a kidney transplant when she was 25 years old, receiving her Mom’s kidney six years ago. In October last year on one of her regular check-ups the doctor found a tumour on her kidney and in March it was suspected of being malignant, “In a couple of weeks the docs are going to see what needs to be done with my only kidney. I am staying positive.” the inspirational lady commented.

Holding the SA flag high, Jan Fourie was the first South African home in the men finishing in fifteenth overall and fifth in his age category of 50 – 59 and the only lady racing in the green and gold, Nora Lobaard from Namibia finished in sixteenth overall and second in her age category 18 – 29.

The riders went off in four batches heading in a northerly direction from the Kings Park Swimming Pool on the beach road, getting onto the M4 North near Blue Lagoon, with a U-Turn at La Lucia sprinting back to the finish at Kings Park Pool.

Results

Men Overall

1 = Richard Smith (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 33.21, 1 = Erlend Gjerde (Norway) 33.21, 3 = Luc Laurent (Belgium) 33.22, 3 = Stefano Caredda (Italy) 33.22, 5 Antonio Ontoso (Spain) 33.23, 6 = Bas Hoven (Netherlands) 33.24, 6 = Alberto Signorini (Italy) 33.24, 8 Scott Miller (Australia) 33.26, 9 Luis Francisco Sanz Diaz (Spain) 35.05, 10 Blaj Signes (Spain) 35.05

Women Overall

1 Ottilie Quince (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 39.18, 2 Ulrika Svantesson (Sweden) 39.51, 3 Melissa Slaney (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 41.22, 4 Diana Higman (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 42.32, 5 Zoe Dixon (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 43.20, 6 Sarah Ferron (Canada) 43.21, 7 Hilde Dorman (Netherlands) 43.27, 8 Elizabeth Schick (Switzerland) 43.30, 9 Liliana Zelasqui (Argentina) 45.53, 10 Sheila Gregan (Ireland) 46.19

Men 18 – 29

1 Luis Francisco Sanz Diaz (Spain) 35.05, 2 Gideon Elve (Netherlands) 39.59, 3 Simon Ripley (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 44.45

Women 18 – 29

1 Hilde Dorman (Netherlands) 43.27, 2 Nora Lombaard (South Africa) 1.02.12

Men 30 – 39

1 Erlend Gjerde (Norway) 33.21, 2 Bas Hoven (Netherlands) 33.24, 3 Alberto Signorini (Italy) 33.24

Women 30 - 39

1 Ottilie Quince (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 39.18, 2 Sarah Ferron (Canada) 43.21, 3 Jorie Von Ohlen (United States of America) 1.09.19

Men 40 – 49

1 Richard Smith (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 33.21, 2 = Luc Laurent (Belgium) 33.22, 2 = Stefano Caredda (Italy) 33.22

Women 40 – 49

1 Ulrika Svantesson (Sweden) 39.51, 2 Melissa Slaney (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 41.22, 3 Zoe Dixon (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 43.20

Men 50 – 59

1 John Moran (Ireland) 36.27, 2 Randall Stafford (United States of America) 36.28, 3 Jean-Claude Schurig (Switzerland) 36.29

Women 50 – 59

1 Diana Higman (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 42.32, 2 Elizabeth Schick (Switzerland) 43.30, 3 Liliana Zelasqui (Argentina) 45.53

Men 60 – 69

1 Koos Moerkerk (Netherlands) 36.42, 2 Alain Fossard (France) 36.42, 3 Robert Jolliffe (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)

Women 60 – 69

1 Fidelma Hodkinson (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 52.37, 2 Gisele Ceppi – Lucas (Sweden) 52.38

Men 70 +

1 Thomas Jenkin (United States of America) 40.07, 2 Enrico Dell’Acqua (Italy) 44.08, 3 Jean-Claude Le Bourhis (France) 44.14

World Transplant Games - Petanque

World Transplant Games; Durban

Tuesday 30 July

Petanque

It was an all Thai affair in the World Transplant Games Petanque in Durban over the last two days, with the team from the Far East dominating the games claiming seven golds, six silvers and three bronzes in the singles and doubles.

Petanque, most commonly known as ‘boule’ took place at the picturesque setting of People’s Park with the iconic Moses Mabhida as the back drop. 134 competitors participated from 22 countries in the two day event. The biggest contingents from the participating countries were Thailand, France, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America and Australia.

First time petanque participant, former professional Rugby League player, Dave Clarke from Liverpool had a blast competing in the event, “It was very good,” he said. “Lady Luck was on my side, and I just got through my first round. She stuck with me for the remainder of the day and I am surprised even myself with getting a bronze.”

Clarke who has mucked around with petanque on the beach back home with his kids had a kidney transplant in 2001, and is participating in his sixth World Transplant Games. This is the first time that he has competed in a petanque competition.

 63 year old, Somyot Akapaiboon from Thailand has a busy week at the games, having competed in the singles and doubles in the petanque; he takes on the challenge of lawn bowls tomorrow (Wednesday), golf on Thursday and Table Tennis on Saturday.

He is off to a flying start with silver in the singles and he followed up his performance with a bronze in the doubles today, “It was very good. I enjoyed the event a lot. My partner, Tanawat Kowchalad, and I were very happy with our result today! He got gold yesterday, so we are both very happy.”

Akapaiboon had a kidney transplant in 1999, “I can remember the day like it was yesterday. The date was 30 September 1999, I had my transplant at Siriras Hospital and my life transformed. Here I am today competing in five events.”

History was made with the staging of this event in South Africa, “This is the biggest petanque event this country has ever hosted, not only for transplant recipients but abled bodies as well.” enthused event organiser Richard Siedle.

“We had eight South Africans participating and they did better than expected, we got two silver medals and our countrymen relished participating in the international event.” Siedle said. The local petanque enthusiast formed the only petanque club in Durban, the Club de Petanque de Durban, 12 years ago and claims that there are 20 active participants that participate. “I would love to see this game grow, it is perfect for any age, and it doesn’t’ cost a lot of money.”

The municipality created 40 courts especially for the games, which amounts to a space of a soccer field. “With such a number of participants we needed to accommodate them all and this required a large area. The courts were fantastic.” concluded Sielde.

World Transplant Games

Durban

Monday 29 July

Petanque Singles

Results

Men 18 – 29

1 Trevin Ray (United States of America), 2 Kurt Wiltcher (United States of America), 3 James Reynolds (Ireland), 4 Tomi Syvajarvi (Finland)

Men 30 – 39

1 Siam Sukchan (Thailand), 2 Craig Sweeny (New Zealand), 3 Phaiban Saengusuwin (Thailand), 4 Nithiroj Phunrum (Thailand)

Women 30 – 39

1 Paranee Sarttraprasert (Thailand), 2 Lan Zheng (China), 3 Irma Toth (Hungary), 4 Stephanie Kleusermans (Belgium)

Men 40 – 49

1 Kamron Kailas (Thailand), 2 Mario Skaffer (South Africa), 3 Dave Clarke (Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 4 Yupin Kaewhoengkha (Thailand)

Women 40 – 49

1 Suk Han Chang (Hong Kong), 2 Thanawee Pramounsakthana (Thailand), 3 Sara Ford (New Zealand), 4 Kum Ramsoot (Thailand)

Men 50 – 59

1 Istban Urban (Hungary), 2 Thongyoo Ngoensuk (Thailand), 3 SuiLang Lai (Hong Kong), 4 Serge Dubois (France)

Women 50 – 59

1 Kimberley Stahlbaum (Canada), 2 Anette Wiren (Sweden), 3 Sasitorm Thepsutha (Thailand), 4 Ilona Szekelyne (Hungary)

Men 60 – 69

1 Tanawat Kowchalad (Thailand), 2 Somyot Akapaiboon (Thailand), 3 Leif Eckerman (Sweden), 4 Thongchai Panchabuse (Thailand)

Women 60 – 69

1 Zdravka Zizic (Slovenia), 2 Marion Oldfield (South Africa), 3 Heather Brunalli (Australia), 4 Wai Ping Leung (Hong Kong)

Women 70+

1 Esther Scott (Australia)

Tuesday 30 July

Petanque Doubles

Men Under 30

1 Benjamin Pacey / Joey Matthew (Great Britain and Northern Ireland), 2 Jean Azeman / Marvin Krukoff (France), 3 Lamond Chu / Tai Chi Yan (Hong Kong)

Men 30 – 49

1 Nitiroj Punrum / Nirandr Ouiswa (Thailand), 2 Kamron Kailas / Siam Sukchan (Thailand), 3 Fabian Toutlemonde / Christopher Raimbault (France), 4 Kosaseng Suphadis / Phaiboon Saensuwun (Thailand)

Women 30 – 49

1 Thanawee Pramounsakthana / Pranee Suttroprasat (Thailand), 2 Kimberley Stahlbaum / Kelly Kleinschmidt (Canada), 3 Pui Jee So / Sukhan Chang (Hong Kong)

Men 50 +

1 Yoochaun Vitshayo / Thonavoo Noensulk (Thailand), 2 Supphakorn Kriangkraivanit / Paisal Chartpitak (Thailand), 3 = Laszlo Katona / Istvan Urban (Hungary), 3 = Tanawat Kowchalad / Somyot Akapaiboon (Thailand)

Women 50 +

1 Catherine Murphy / Bridie Nicholson (Ireland), 2 Yoonuch Jiraporn / Sasitorn Thepsutha (Thailand), 3 Janet Brady / Heather Fisher (Canada)

Chatting to skipper, Andrea Giovanni

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Interview with Andrea Giovanni

Saltwater flows through the veins of this super-sailor, Andrea Giovanni from Hout Bay. Giovanni is in Durban on a quest to claim the 2013 Ola Lipton Challenge Cup that begins offshore on 7^th July.

Nautical tactians will be taking to the waters to outsmart and outsail their opponents in the biggest sailing event in the country, and Giovanni along with his team will be lining up with the competition with one intention, to get their hands on the historic cup.

The young sailing legend is co-helming the L26 yacht False Bay Intasure with renowned competitor Markus Progli. The two have featured on the podium several times in recent years, and they entered the history books when they held the magnificent century old trophy aloft in 2011. “Winning Lipton was a big one for us and we are hoping to repeat the performance this month. The guys we sail with are pretty talented and we all sail together on a variety of boats so I am hoping things come to us quickly.”

“It was a last minute campaign and with shipping boats we didn't have enough time to do a massive crusade. This is a break from work for all of us, so we are looking forward to the time in Durban. We only did three weeks of training and it was all for an hour in the evenings or over the weekends.”

The Italian blooded helmsman loves the challenge of a one design class where the competition has a level playing field as all the yachts are identical, “I suppose the best boat I could be sailing on is the GP42 which we are doing a lot of at the moment,  but to be honest Fast boats don't get me that excited. I prefer one design racing so the SB20 or Melges 32 something along those lines.”

The modest chap has an array of sailing achievements from his amazing career that spans nearly two decades, “Winning the J22 Nationals last year was really special because we did it with a team who had never sailed together, not even once. I was sailing on a boat that I have little to no experience in. I have sailed a J maybe five times in my life.” said a bemused Giovanni.

“I began sailing when I was 12 years old, I think….” The tanned frame ponders for a bit, “For me I am a complete amateur club sailor so I have really achieved what I wanted to in this sport. So all my sailing is now just with my mates, which I am doing to the full!”

“I don’t race across oceans, I really don’t venture to far offshore to race, so I suppose Robin Island is the furthest I have sailed to,” interjecting, he remembers, “Nah, I have done the Vasco once so that is easily the furthest.”

“After Lipton I leave for Palma in Spain to do the 32^nd Copa del Ray Mapfre, so that's definitely a bucket list event that I am ticking off.  A couple of weeks ago I raced a D35 cat in Switzerland which is like an Extreme 40, that got me super interested in cat sailing. But I think the chances of me racing the D35's or Extreme 40's or even in the AC45's is less than 1 in a million, so it will probably never happen again. That is saved for enthralling fun with my mates in Europe.”

Giovanni, who is representing the False Bay Yacht Club, beams with pride as he talks about his aquatic passion, “Wow there are so many things that make sailing great! I really think it is the most beautiful game in the world. From the skills it teaches you, tactics, engineering, team work, and the comradarie. There are so many fantastic people in sailing. It is just part of my life and I am looking forward to winning the over 60 event at RCYC.” Laughing he continues, “The problem is I will still have to beat Markus which, if it is hard now, it is going to be impossible when I am 60 as I age faster than him!”

His next love in life is surfing, “I am living the dream. Surfing is my biggest passion. I have travelled around the world a few times and got to surf some seriously sick swells. I spent time in some crazy places like Hawaii, Ireland, Fiji, Canaries, and Spain. I drove across Australia. Stopped off in New Zealand, Indonesia, and wow there a whole lot more but I lived the dream for a couple of years. I surfed some amazing waves, sailed in some fantastic events and had the privilege of coaching a lot of sailing.  

Questioned what he is most looking forward to about the Ola Lipton Challenge Cup, “Just sailing with really talented guys who are all my close mates, so just achieving a goal with my buddies. I personally think Lipton is like ‘the best of the best regatta’, you take the top dinghy sailors, keel boat sailors, hobie sailors and you put them all in this one design class so it’s a champions of champion's event. This year alone there are some professional sailors sailing,  and some future Olympians as well as some of the great's from the heyday mixed in, so just the level of competition is the biggest pulling point to travel 2,000km's for this event.”

Cheekily, he concludes, “A perfect day sailing? It is happening on the 12^th of July; I will let you know how it turns out!”

ENDS

Chatting to Skipper, Patrick Harris

Royal Natal Yacht Club

Interview with Patrick Harris

“Lipton is the most prestigious regatta in the country with South Africa’s best sailors competing! Just to be part of it is an honour but to win would be fantastic.” these are the determined words of Patrick Harris who hails from Kloof ahead of the Ola Lipton Challenge Cup that begins on Sunday.

Harris has the responsibility of being the helmsman of the Royal Natal Yacht Club’s entry Orion B2G2, “We are a new team on deck but we are getting better every single time we go out on the water. It is great sharing this experience with some seriously talented young sailors who are eager to do well!”

Harris, who started sailing at the age of seven in Pretoria on the Rietvlei Dam, is no stranger to big events, “I have done some long distance sailing, Mauritius and Gibraltar come to mind. I have competed in regattas in Europe, the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and also New York which was particularly fascinating but the best racing conditions are in Durban with a sunny southwester, warm seas, great swells you can’t beat it.”

Harris, a well-respected Flying Fifteen sailor, was recently crowned provincial champion along with his partner Jeremy Kriek, “I love sailing on most boats but probably my favourite is the Flying Fifteen which is a small two man boat. Jeremy and I have a fantastic understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses out on the water. It feels like I know what he is thinking when racing, we enjoy being out on the water and the results show this.” the sailor states proudly.

Chatting about life off the water, Harris spends his days working in short term insurance, “As with the rest of the economy, things are difficult and our business is no different. After school, I did all the usual things, bummed around the UK and Europe, then had to work, got married and now have a wonderful wife and two incredibly special children.” the dotting father says.

Hobbies outside of sailing, “I am an avid reader, enjoy watching cricket otherwise I can be a professional relaxer but haven’t had much chance recently to perfect these skills as training has been taking up most of my free time.”

The skipper is highly decorated, with some highly awe-inspiring awards, “I was selected to sail for SA twice as a youth, winning both the respective Youth Nationals and got a 2^nd at the Laser Nationals out of about 80 boats, all a long time ago. Since then I have won a few Flying Fifteen Nationals and getting a 10^th in the World Champs here in Durban was pretty special.”

“I still have a number of races that I would like to participate in, Cowes Week in the UK would be great, and so would Antigua Sailing Week in the Caribbean. Any international regatta wherever it is, still attracts me, sailors are an interesting bunch all over the world. Regarding long distance sailing, I must admit nowadays, I prefer aeroplanes.” he says smiling.

With the entire world all praying for our phenomenal icon, Nelson Mandela, Harris tells us with pride, “In life he has to be every ones role model, he certainly is mine! What an extraordinary person. He has taught us so much.”

“My nautical hero is South African Dave Hudson. When I was young, he seemed to win every national championship in every class and now he is still sailing internationally, having just returned from competing in Palma in Spain last week. He is nearing 60 and still is a force to be reckoned with on the water.”

“What I most enjoy about sailing is the different places you go to and the variety of people, most of them are passionate about their sport!”

Asked what a perfect day sailing would entail, the passionate sailor smiles, pauses and then concludes, “Winning the Ola Lipton Challenge Cup would be one, on the final day, crossing the finish line.”

On the Couch with Durban's top sailor Jeremy Kriek

Catching up with top Durban Sailor, Jeremy Kriek who is a member of the Royal Natal Yacht Club’s Orion B2G2 L26 Lipton team. Kriek and his team are busy preparing for the biggest sailing event in South Africa, the Ola Lipton Challenge Cup that is being held offshore of Durban from the 7 – 12 July.

1 I am a sailor because…..?

I love the challenge of outperforming  other sailors by being more skilled, have a better prepared boat, have good understanding of the sailing rules , the technology of the boats rig and being able to constantly adjust to the ever challenging wind and water conditions. Sailing is not only a physical challenge but also an intellectual challenge. One has to constantly plan ahead and anticipate the next manoeuvre to stay ahead.

2 First time you went out sailing… (tell us how it went)

I was probably about 13 years old, it was on Sterkfontein Dam, it was in the winter and it was very cold. I enjoyed it all the same, and sailing is the reason I find myself living in Durban.

3 If I could have a drink with anyone, it would be with…

Old slow hand, Eric Clapton 

4 Role model / who do you admire

Ellen Mac Arthur

5 A moment that stands out for you while sailing?

While participating in the flying fifteen world championships in 2011 at Hayling island in the UK we were reaching to the leeward mark fighting off the then current world champions for 3rd out of 129, previous world champions were just ahead of us and the new world champions were leading the pack, we were good enough to fight it out with the best.

6 If you were invisible for a day, what would you get up to?

I would enjoy driving around in an blue light convoy with the minister of transport and some other high profile government officials and observe their reactions to the calamities they cause and maybe pull some tokalosh tricks.

7 If you were on a speed date, and had a minute to convince someone to take up sailing, what would you say?

Sailing makes you feel alive, even if there is only a light breeze blowing and only one other boat, there will still be a race, and all ones intentions are focused on winning.

8 Funniest or clumsiest moment sailing?

During a race in Spain Patrick and I collided with the president of our world body, seriously damaging his boat.

9 Lipton Challenge Cup, why is the event such a big deal?

The Lipton cup regatta is probably the most prestigious sailing event in South Africa and it draws the best local sailors to compete for the honour of winning the title of Lipton champions.

10 When you wake up in the morning on a weekend, what is your first thought?

I seemed to have earned a reputation of being the boat fixer, so often I lie in bed thinking of solutions to rigging problems or dreaming up new designs to improve our performance on the water. Sailing on the weekend is a way of life fore and does not require a second thought.

11 Durban has the best sailing conditions because….

The warm Mozambique current that flows down our coast keeps Durban warm all year round, the prevailing winds hardly ever relent and the sailing buddies are all great to hang out with.

12 Dinghy or yacht?

Yachts and dinghy but only real boats, not cats.

13 Dam or Ocean?

Ocean of course otherwise I would be living in joburg!

14 Rock or pop?

Rock

15 Bar-One Ice Cream or Rocky Road Ice Cream?

Rocky road

16 Swell or flat waters?

Swells with wind, there's nothing better than surfing down huge swells on a sailing boat.