FIREBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 1980 Thanks to the generosity of the Committee and Members of the Durban Ski Boat Club, who granted the Club full use of their facilities, we had the perfect Regatta site and Headquarters. Preparation and planning for the two- week event took a full year, and due to this prior effort, everything fell smoothly into place aided by many willing helpers. The seaward side, always the most difficult area to control and plan, was magnificiently managed by Guy Reynolds, fully supported by the Rescue Team who acquitted themselves in a very professional and seamanlike manner.

South Africa's Oldest Yachting Trophy The Lipton Cup. "Jimmy Whittle in "Vanja" was the RNYC challenger with Hoien Hall in " Sea Swallow" representing the RCYC and Fred Meadows in " Avocet" sailing for the PYC. "Avocet" took the honours recording a seventh win for the Point Yacht Club. The following ear 1953 saw the RCYC put in a concerted effort in their Reimers designed "Tarpon". Their efforts were rewarded with their first win in 42 years. "Sonny" Thomas was the man to achieve this feat.

Visits of the Esmeralda The Senior Officer, was on both occasions presented with a Club Burgee, while on the first occasion the was presented with a magnificent brass plaque, and on the second, a most ornate piece of ropework with a Bosun's Whistle attached. Mounted, this is shaped as an anchor. Both these pieces of memorabilia are displayed outside Rupert's.

1958-1983 Gordon Neill's Thekwini won the first 100 mile "marathon" to Zululand and back in July. Another National Regatta was held in Durban 1967 but as it was a week of howling winds, dismastings, collisions, and due to the incredible congestion on the Bay, the Yachting authorities decided that there were to be no more National regattas on Durban Bay.