Son of Port Elizabeth, Michael Giles grew up sailing an Optimist Dinghy on the banks of the Swartkops River, Redhouse. Giles cut his teeth on the 7 foot 9 inch craft tacking back and forth and learning how brutal the tides could be to progress against them. Michael went on to represent South Africa at two Optimist National events and secure South African Sailing Colours twice in a Laser Dinghy. The highlight of his sailing career was representing South Africa as part of Team Shosholoza … [Read more...] about Michael Giles’ Journey from a 7 foot Dinghy to a 74 foot Yacht
cape2rio
The real tactical sailing starts for Ray of Light on #Cape2Rio
With the new direct route from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro (the original longer route took the racers up past Ille de Trinidade) sailors all try to avoid the South Atlantic High pressure whilst staying as true to the rhumb line straight to Rio de Janeiro as possible. Port Elizabeth's Bailes family from the Algoa Bay Yacht Club are presently on Ray of Light racing to Rio de Janeiro. As at 8:00 am this morning Ray of Light was lying in 4th position in the IRC 2 Division. There are 6 yachts … [Read more...] about The real tactical sailing starts for Ray of Light on #Cape2Rio
Bailes’ Progress amidst #Cape2Rio Tragedies
Port Elizabeth's Bailes family are onboard Ray of Light - a 44.7 foot Beneteau First design – skippered and owned by Mike Kavanagh and navigated by Siyanda Vato. Today marks their fourth day at sea and as at 6:45 am this morning they had 2 833 Nautical Miles to go to Rio De Janeiro. Their heading is 275 degrees and they are sailing at a comfortable 9.18 knots. Ray of Light is 289 nautical miles behind the leading yacht (of those that left on 1 January 2017) - Black Pearl which is a 47 foot … [Read more...] about Bailes’ Progress amidst #Cape2Rio Tragedies
