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A sailing spectacle in the middle of Port Elizabeth

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The recent World First Interclub Dinghy Sailing Regatta which took place from 26 to 28 April 2014 and contested on Port Elizabeth’s North End Lake was won by the Algoa Bay Yacht Club.

Of the 38 competitors that sailed in the three day regatta ABYC fielded 26 sailors, Redhouse Yacht Club 9 and Rhodes Sailing Club 3. The deck at the EP Powerboat club was thronged with spectators enjoying the sunshine, Fanta Browns and other frothy stuff as the sailors sailed 7 races over the three days. Regular fisherman watched gape mouthed as sailors whizzed past their lines. Braai fires dotted the shores of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium’s lakeside parking as residents took in the holiday atmosphere generated by the sailors dancing across the lake.

The three days dished up some interesting and varied conditions ranging from 30 knots South West to 6 knot North West and a 8 knot South Easter on the kidney shaped inner city lake that witnessed it’s first organised regatta in the shadow of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium ever. The lake is surrounded by the stadium and the suburb of Sydenham to the east, industry to the west and north and presents some ideal sailing conditions with most races taking around forty minutes to complete.

The regatta headquarters were at the EP Powerboat Club who extended a most gracious hand of friendship and hospitality to the sailors, coaches and spectators for the three days of hard and tactical sailing on this ‘virgin’ venue.

Laying of the courses were not challenging at all for Race Officer, Ronnie Baer who had come prepared with lots of chain and even more anchor rope should unexpected deep holes be encountered.

Launching and retrieval were accomplished by using a temporary slipway built specifically for the regatta.

Three final races were sailed on Monday in light winds that clocked from North West to Northerly. The first race of the day was shortened for all three fleets. A 20 minute wait for the breeze to shift to the North and the course was quickly and efficiently relaid so that he last two races could be sailed.

The regatta favoured the lighter Laser, Sprog, Finn and Dolphin sailors with full rig who, managed to power along without much discomfort in the flat conditions.

In the Junior fleet, Chad Bilsbury (ABYC) performed the best out of all sailors with 6 bullets from the 7 races – his second in the first race spoiling and almost perfect score. The juniors had a blast and will surely benefit from a confidence boosting regatta sailed on flat water in direct contrast to sailing on the ‘big sea’.

Andrew Ward (ABYC), sailing with his daughter, Claudia had things his own way in Fleet One as he sailed his Hobie 16 to four first places to win Fleet One.

In Fleet Three, Time Jones (Redhouse Yacht Club) took advantage of the light conditions and sailed faultlessly and consistently to win on 18 points with a 4th, three 3rd’s, two 2nd’s and one 1st.

EP Powerboat Club President, Brendan Kelly invited the sailors back for the 2015 Interclub Regatta, saying; “The powerboat club and I have had a most enjoyable long weekend hosting the sailors and I look forward to becoming the fingerboard champion of 2015!” Apparently Brendan was challenged (and lost) to many games of fingerboard whilst the sailors spent their days in the sun.

ABYC Sailing Commodore, John Tudehope, presented the winners with their prizes and Floating Trophies and thanked the many people who assist at such regattas – shore and bridge crew, rescue and scorers.

Fleet 1 Results:

  1. Andrew and Claudia Ward – Hobie 16 (ABYC)
  2. Rob and Blaine Archibald – Hobie 16 (ABYC)

Fleet 2 (Seniors) Top Three:

  1. Tim Jones – Laser Full Rig (RYC)
  2. Georgeou Divaris – Laser 4.7 (ABYC)
  3. Sigi and Jenna Bailes – Sprog (ABYC)

Fleet 3 (Juniors) Top Three:

  1. Chad Bilsbury – Optimist (ABYC)
  2. Sophia Hynch – RS Tera Sport (RYC)
  3. Emma Lucas – Optimist (ABYC)

Link to full results: http://abyc.co.za/abyc-win-interclub/

Videos:

North End Lake Sailing Interclub
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium makes a dramatic backdrop to the recent ABYC Interclub sailed on the North End Lake.
ABYC Interclub 2014
ABYC Sailing Commodore John Tudehope (right) congratulates Tim Jones (left) from Redhouse Yacht Club on winning in Fleet Two of the ABYC Interclub. Photo: Alan Straton
ABYC Interclub 2014
Some of the ABYC Sailors that won the first Interclub Dinghy Regatta to be held on Port Elizabeth’s North End Lake. Back L-R: Mark Dawson, Mathew van Zyl, Michael Glenister, Jena Bailes, Charlie Hills, Sigi Bailes, David Hayes, Carel Hoogendoorn. Front Standing L-R: Chad Bilsbury, Johan Smit. Front Kneeling L-R: Jordan van Zyl, James Norman, Natashia van Wyngaardt, Carl van Wyngaardt. Photo: Alan Straton
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.