Locals 2nd, 3rd in Cape dinghy champs

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - During the Easter weekend seven sailors from Mossel Bay's Skipper Foundation participated in the Western Cape Dinghy Championships.

These were held at Theewaters Dam near Villiersdorp.

Ashley Leyland, Ruizaide Kannemeyer and Jowayden Jacobus sailed on their RS Tera Pros.

Jessie Bull sailed an RS Tera Sport and Oliver Holden and Bradon Kretzmann sailed a double-handed 420.

Skipper Foundation head Elfie Holden said: "With the autumn weather having begun there was great anticipation of strong winds. The organisers were correct and during the first day's racing a strong wind came through at 43 knots.

"Thankfully the Mossel Bay team managed to get to shore safely and with their boats intact. Many sailors had to abandon their boats and were taken ashore during the heavy winds and there was quite a bit of damage to boats.

"In the RS Tera Pro fleet an epic battle was fought for second place. Ruzaide and Jowayden were neck-and-neck, but then Jowayden got there first and walked away with the honours.

"He beat Ruzaide by only two points at the end of the regatta."

They finished second and third in the class. Ashley Layland finished fourth.

James Bull, on his Laser Radial, did extremely well in a highly competitive fleet and finished seventh overall. It was only the second regatta that he had completed in this class of boat.

Oliver Holden and Bradon Kretzmann also finished seventh, which was a good position in the heavier wind conditions. This team was also new to the boat. Although the season is drawing to a close these teams will have to continue working as some of them will be competing in the national championships and world championships.

Ruzaide Kannemeyer, on his RS Tera Pro, fought heavy winds and often became submerged under his bow wave.