SAILING MATTERS
by the Rear Commodore, Gregg Dobson

~Simply Sailing RegattaReport
by Sailing Committee member Lucy de Freitas

RNYC hosted the Simply Sailing Regatta which formed part of the Durban International Boat Show, the regatta which showcased sailing in Durban harbour was held on Saturday and Sunday which turned out to be two glorious Durban days.
Saturday's weather conditions were clear skies with an 8-15knot SSW wind which saw a fair sized fleet take to the water ranging from Catamarans and Monohull Dinghies, Keel Boats and a Trimaran.
Two races were sailed lasting about 90 minutes each, with some exciting downwind sailing.
Sunday dawned with a softer SE breeze blowing, which enabled the race officer to lay a course from the container terminals around E2 and down the main channel to a turning mark at Wilson's Wharf enabling the general public to watch the boats fly their colourful spinnakers.
The camera crew shot plenty of footage over the two days, filming from the rescue boat and Leo Kroone's Fast 42, PheZulu.
Many thanks to race officer Derek Wilkes and his team of Rob Bell and Lucy de Freitas and the rescue team of Alan Fabian, Richard Potgieter and commentator Greg Challis.

Results

1 Cabriole F 8
2 Container World L26
3 PGMT L26
4 Scoundrel L26
5 Cartoon Deckwork J22
6 Realty 1 L26
7 Panache L26
8 Phezulu Fast 42Multihulls
1 BanditCruising
1 Legionaire Impact 30
2 Aquila Trapper
3 Spirt of Blue Jacket Spirit 28

Whilst the main regatta was happening on the bay, in between the walk-ons at the Boat Show was the Radio Controlled Lasers racing. First and second place was taken by Anthony McMillan and Euan Hurter.
A huge thank you goes to all the regatta's sponsors and to the organisers of the Durban International Boat show, Creative Events.


~Western Cape Champs in Saldhana Bay

Steve Hegerstrom and Gregg Dobson represented the Royal Natal Yacht Club at the 2010 Champs Regatta held at Saldhana Bay on the West Coast on the 25 - 28 April.
12 Classes of dinghies comprising of a total of 250 boats, sailed a well run regatta, admirably organised by a small army of volunteers.
An inner course was sailed by Oppies, Terras, Dabchicks, Mirrors, Lasers, Finns, 420s and 505s.
The Hobie 16s, Mosquitoes, Flying 15s and 29ers sailed on a separate outer course whilst all the dinghy's launched from the Hoedjies Baai beach, the Flying 15s launched from the SBYC - which entailed a 45 to 60 minute sail to get to the starting area on the opposite side of the bay.
Racing started at 14h00 on Saturday in an 8 to 10 knot south easterly breeze, Steve and Gregg got off to a cautious start to the event with a second and third position in the first two races, some boat tuning and rig adjustments ensued. A light southerly breeze enabled a cold bunch of Flying 15 sailors to eventually start the third race after 5 hobie cat general recalls which eventually saw them starting under the black flag.
The breeze dropped away prompting the race officer to shorten the course for the hobie 16s and designate another finishing boat to finish the Flying 15s. Unfortunately this boat did not fly the right flags and the Royal Natal Yacht Club team finished with a seventh.
Upon requesting redress the team was reinstated to first place, the position it was in at the final weather mark, only one race was sailed on the day.
A ten to twelve knot south easterly breeze filled in early on Monday morning and four races were held with Steve and Gregg gaining four firsts. Some interesting manoeuvring was had with the Flying 15s and 29ers on their down wind leg, having to sail through the start line with 50 hobies all stacked up on starboard ready to start.
The last day saw three races being held before the 14h00 cut off time with the Royal Natal Yacht Club team gaining another two firsts and a second, to leave them as Western Province Flying Fifteen Champions.
Peter Von Bredow finished in second and Alastair Peadon in third position. Many thanks to the organisers of the regatta and the friendly folk at SBYC for the loan of a boat.


~Trio Interclub Regatta. 12; 13 & 16 June

The Trio Interclub Regatta incorporates the IRC Provincials and the Flying Fifteen nationals.
Crew Service Struan Campbell has created a crew mix and match group on facebook for skippers who need crew and crew who need boats.
It is open to anyone so if you need a person or a boat then put a wall post up advertising yourself. Hopefully we can start building fleets by making it easy for skippers and crew to connect.
Put videos, photos - whatever you want - up there for all to see.

See the link at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112468105452262

Let's enjoy our sport safely!
See you on the water.

~Vasco da Gama Race

The race finished last weekend during the Boat Show, and culminated with a prize giving dinner at the PYC on Saturday.
Two RNYC members yachts competed. Doughty, skippered by new member Ryan Lotter, took line
honours on Doughty, and was second on handicap.
Stalwart member Solly Heyns took third spot in the SASKZN handicap division aboard Leyna.

Results

IRC Fleet1 Skitzo Fast 42 Nigel Milln
2 Doughty Simonis 72 Ryan LotterSASKRS Cruising Fleet
1 Bellisima Hanse 40 Vernon Goss and Luke Wagner
2 Majimoto Farr 38 Jon Marshall
3 Leyna Elan 434 Solly Heyns

F&B NEWS

~Sunday 9 May - Mother's Day - BOOKING ESSENTIAL

A Decadent Lunch in the Royal Natal Yacht Club's Britannia Room - Booking Essential
Arrive from 11h30 for Canapes and a complimentary glass of Champagne & Orange Juice on the Deck (weather permitting).

~Starters

A Platter of Country Ham and Salami
Prawns, Calamari, Line Fish, Pickled Fish & Mussels
New Baby Potato Salad
A selection of salad greens
Coleslaw
3 Bean Salad
Beetroot Salad

From the Carving Station

Roast Beef with Yorkshire Puddings
Roast Pork with Apple Sauce
Roasted Potatoes
Glazed Sesame Carrots
Sweet Potatoes and Butternut
String Beans with Sautee Onions

GravyIn the Bain Maries

Savoury Rice
Beef Curry
Chicken Curry
Vegetable Lasagne
Oriental Vegetables & Noodle Stir Fry

Desserts

A trio of chocolate mousse
Sherry Trifle
Strawberry & lemon Cheesecakes

Cheese & Biscuits.
Tea and Coffee

Gift for all the Mothers

Please note that due to the popularity of this lunch, booking is essential. ‘No Shows' will be charged.

~Sunday on the Foredeck

Live music with Gettysburg along with Braai Packs available and Lower Deck Specials Roast Pork

Sunday Lunch

Curry of the Day
Tiger Prawns served with Rice and a dipping sauce

Durban's weather is at its best right now - so come along and enjoy the sun on our lawns and have a good meal too.


~Supper Theatre Evening in the Trafalgar Room - Saturday 5 June

The Royal Natal Yacht Club Presents "Elvis Has Left The Building"
The RNYC are proud to launch their first Supper Theatre Show on Saturday 5 June.
Although Elvis may have left the building, the talented trio who will perform an eclectic mix of songs spanning four decades are guaranteed to deliver a great show.
Join us for an evening of song and dance with the extremely talented and highly acclaimed Belinda Dolphin, Lorraine McVean and Junaid Cassimjee at:

The Royal Natal Yacht Club-Trafalgar Room
Dinner at 19h00
Show starts at 20h30
R150 Members/R185 Non Members
Price includes a 3 course meal!
Menu available at Club Reception
Booking Essential. Contact Bronwyn or Andrea. 031-301 5425 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it