MOSSEL BAY SPORT NEWS - The Mossel Bay Sailing Club participated in the Interclub competition in Knysna during the weekend of 8 and 9 February.

The Mossel Bay junior fleet, consisting of five boats, finished third overall. Mossel Bay juniors Jowayden Jacobus and Dovin Kannemeyer came second overall.

There were six clubs represented at the event and this made for extremely good, tight competition.

The wind turned up, but also the tide. Being close to full moon, Knysna waters were tricky, with the tide pulling strongly.

In the first two races of the day the Mossel Bay sailors had it tough and all the theory that had been taught, was tested. But as the day progressed it became easier as the tide slacked. After four races Mossel Bay were looking good, with third, seventh and eighth places in the junior fleet.

"With light winds and the strong tide predicted for the next day, we ended the day a bit concerned," Mossel Bay Sailing Club commodore and sailing coach Elfie Holden said.

"Sunday dawned with a lovely breeze to counter the incoming tide. With great excitement, the sailors, with their boats, took to the water and the first race was completed in a pleasant 12 to 15 knots and most of the course was set on a reach, making for good sailing.

"All the competitors came in with big smiles and high spirits. However, the wind did not maintain and with the second race on the day, the tide was king.

"Boats battled to get up to the windward mark and some sailors just gave up after many tries," Holden said.

The Mossel Bay Sailing Club will be hosting the next Interclub event in Mossel Bay over 7 and 8 March from Munro Beach.

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