Mossel Bay sailors fare well at interclub contest

MOSSEL BAY SPORT NEWS - Last Saturday the Mossel Bay Sailing Club (MBSC), with sailors from the Skipper Foundation, participated in the first leg of the season's triangular sailing event for Mossel Bay, Knysna and George.

Early on Saturday morning the Mossel Bay sailors, with their twelve boats on their trailers, set out for George Lakes Yacht Club (GLYC) near Wilderness.

On arrival the boats were unloaded and rigged, the tent set up. "It takes quite a bit of organisation to get all of the equipment and camping gear to the events, but the sailors love these away events and we make wonderful memories," Skipper Foundation head Elfie Holden commented.

The day was beautiful, with a lovely breeze. However, the lake is always tricky, with gusties and wind shifts occurring on a regular basis.

The fleet was divided according to the boat handicaps so the higher handicap boats (mostly junior boats) and the lower handicap (the faster, senior boats) competed against each other.

After the first day's racing Jaybes October from Mossel Bay was leading the higher handicapped fleet, with Tristan Boshoff hot on his heels. The lower handicap fleet was led by John Marc Olivier from George Lakes Yacht Club, which was sailing excellently.

The Mossel bay sailors were enjoying the waters from early Sunday morning, sailing around the lake in the light breeze. Revelling in the privilege to be able to take a sailing boat out in the quiet Cape morning with the sun peeping over the horizon.

Racing started at about 11:00 in very light, shifty winds. The race committee got two races in, with the second race being shortened. Unfortunately, the shortening of the race caused Jaybes to be placed sixth, as he did not hear the hooter or see the flag being waved, shortening the race.

The final results saw Mossel Bay Sailing Club walking away with the team event trophy in the higher handicap fleet. This is a great achievement with the difficulties these sailors have faced in the past year.

The Mossel Bay Sailing Club team, which won the interclub competition. Front Jaybes October, Christian Cilliers. From left: Khanya Mafuta, Jowayden Jacobus, Dovin Kannemeyer, Renier Delie Waydon Golaith, James Bull, Ruzaide Kannemeyer, Mohammed Farah, Likhona Kununu, Calvin Alexander, Collin Smith.