Harbour: Saturday 21 October
A competitive fleet will be lining up for today’s (Saturday 21 October) historic pursuit race, the Jonsson Cup hosted by Point Yacht Club.
In recent years, the Flying Fifteens have been boasting a strong hold on the trophy, with Gregg Hurter being the last name engraved on the trophy. This year, the race is wide open as Hurter is out of town and won’t be defending his title.
With this news, the Laser fleet appear to be in with a chance of claiming honours this year. Returning to Durban, Olympic sailor, Dave Hibberd is stopping off during his circumnavigation with his family on their catamaran, Cool Runnings. Double Olympian Hibberd, a former hot shot in the Laser class, has found a smaller boat and keen to dust off his Laser cobwebs. He participated in both the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games, and is a multiple Laser National Champion.
A number of inform Lasers who competed last weekend up at Henley Midmar Yacht Club’s regatta will be firing and focused on the line and will be keen to keep Hibberd behind them. Back on local waters, Campbell Alexander and Henri Frencken have just returned from sailing in Spit, Croatia at the Laser World Championships. Another international name that is expected on the water is visiting Danish sailor, Lauritz Walsøe.
The start area during a pursuit race is a colourful area and always a traffic jam, with the different classes all being set off at specific, handicapped times. Race Officer for the day is the cool, calm and collected Kevin Bingham. The slowest boats get the start gun first, proceeding to the faster formula one style racing crafts. The intention is to have an impressive dash to the finish with all the dinghies finishing en masse.
Undoubtedly the last one to start, Struan Campbell and Murray May will have to work hard to leapfrog their way through the mixed fleet on their super-quick Hobie Tiger. The Hobie guys will also be bringing their boats to the bay, Peter Hall and his daughter Sarah are looking to be threatening with a superb performance last weekend at the Northern Region Catamaran Provincials.
The predicted weather is looking magnificent starting off with a moderate South Easter clocking around to a North Easter, making things interesting for the handicapper.
Following the activity on the water, the club will be hosting a festive OktoberFest with live music by Don Seagreen and a variety of craft refreshments available, including Robson’s Beer, Distillery 031 and KWV Wines.
Adding to the festivities and not neglecting the land loving sports fans, Charlies Bar will be screening both Currie Cup semi-finals.
Entry is R30 per person, payable at the door. Drinks and food will be for your own account. If beer, Gin or German sausages are not your all time favourite, the Anchorage Restaurant and Charlies Bar will be operating.
Parking is available at the Point Yacht Club’s parking, secure parking fee of R15.00 will apply for non-members. The festivities kick off at 2.00pm and continue past sunset.
For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or contact Amanda on 031 301 4787.
