MOSSEL BAY NEWS - During the Easter weekend Mossel Bay's Khanya Mafuta and Oliver Holden participated in the 29er Western Cape Sailing Championships held at Theewaters dam, near Villiersdorp in the Western Cape.

The 29er is a type of boat.

Mossel Bay's Skipper Foundation chair Elfie Holden said: "The wind was a mixed bag. The regatta started off with gusty, direction-switching wind that made it difficult to decide what side of the racing course to sail.

"The first day, the team achieved a third, second and first place. This placed them second behind a team from Milnerton Aquatic Club.

"The next day brought some stronger winds with gusts hitting over 22 knots."

Khanya Mafuta explained: "This is our favourite wind strength." He was proved correct as the Mossel Bay sailors achieved three first places that day, placing them first overall. The weather forecast was correct and the next two days brought light, shifty conditions that were difficult for the two. In the end they got two thirds, three seconds and one first in these light wind conditions. 

"These positions were good enough for them to retain their first place, with a solid two points and gold medal in the open fleet. The lightweight crew of Ingrid and Lena Holm came second and Patrick Kessel and Max Celliers, third. These sailors are not from Mossel Bay.

Elfie Holden says: "These fast-sailing boats will be in our bay for the national championship from 28 April to 1 May. Three teams from Mossel Bay and the Skipper Foundation will be competing.

"Keep an eye on the bay: the boats are a beautiful sight with their colourful spinnakers."

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