This has been an exciting week at the Point Yacht Club, with the running of the annual Bar Anniversary Mug pursuit race being held in the bay on last Saturday, the inaugural Mullet Masters angling competition and Raymond Ninow chatting to the Keelers about his experiences during Hurricane Irma last year.
Enthusiastic Laser sailor Denmar Nel took the win in the annual pursuit race. Nel, closely followed by two other Lasers took line honours, snatching victory from Peter and Matthew Hall. Second went to visiting sailor, Gregg Dobson from Madagascar, and third to multi talented Hannah Fokkens.
In a fleet of 36 boats, Nel, a regular feature on the water, was the victorious champion in the long meander around the bay. A number of the sailors unfortunately didn’t read the course card, including the competitive sailor, Struan Campbell who was the first to cross the line, but had missed the first mark so sportingly retired from the race.
While all the sailing activity was taking place on the bay, Gareth and Rachel Davies organised the first Mullet Masters. The angling rules required all anglers to cast off from the banks of the PYC grounds. 32 anglers entered, with the winner scooping the pot of entry fees. A number of fish were caught and then released but only four mullet were measured. The winning fish biing 28cm in length and the first crowned Mullet Master, Jason Beukmann will get to fly a decal to commemorate this title.
Local sailor Raymond Ninow a former pupil at Kingsway High School, took his ROD yacht, Schatzi across the Atlantic Ocean chatted to a crowded Charlie’s Bar about surviving Hurricane Irma. He chatted about the incidents leading up to the hurricane, his preparations, the actual experience and the aftermath. It was a hell of a year which culminated into an experience that utterly changed his life.
Ninow who was sailing around the British Virgin Islands when the hurricane hit, was forced to abandon Schatzi, and seek shelter onshore. Having put his life savings into the yacht that he purchased from his father, Ninow said that all his belongings were lost in the hurricane. He spoke passionately about his enthralling experience to a full room or yachties, including adventures Gilbert Goor and Sharon Jordan, who have both written books about following their dreams.
This weekend sees the first day of the Holburn Dinghy Series, with the second being held next week Saturday, followed by the final day of the Sigma Series being held offshore for the Keelers.
Eat Greek Caters have started running the Anchorage and relaunched the famous PYC pie last night at the members evening.
For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or like the club’s Facebook page.
