High (164 kilometre and hour) winds on Monday night 26 October 2009 dealt one more devastating blow to the Algoa Bay Yacht Club as the marina buckled under the onslaught of the wind and waves. A mere three years ago, on Sunday 21 May 2006, the Algoa
Bay Yacht Club was the victim of an extensive fire which neccesitated the rebuild of the entire club at a cost of R2.8 Million.

On Tuesday 27 October shaken yacht owners gathered to count the cost. With buckled walkways, sunken fingers, a 16 ton breakwater pushed 30 metres closer to shore, five yachts sunk and every single other boat in the marina having suffered some form of damage from being holed or extensively sctratched the marina and yacht owners considered their options.

The first order of business was to clear the water of floating debris and establish which yachts had sunk and where - as the marina had shifted shorewards and towards the fishing jetty breaking into 'islands' as the night progressed.

Trailer-able yachts and those in imminent danger of sinking were removed immediately and stored on land provided by the NPA in a magnanimous gesture of marine camaraderie.

Clearing and retrieving of broken marina sections took up until the third week in November. Divers swept the harbour floor daily, marking heavy equipment and sunken yachts with buoys.

Twenty three yachts were identified to be taken out of the water, by the ABYC Disaster Mangement Committee under the guidance of Vice Commodore, Sean Wiseman.

Cradles had to be sourced and built before this operation commenced and negotiations with crane hire companies began. Protec Crane Hire, acknowledging that the marina is an asset to Port Elizabeth and a valuable jewel in the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism crown, made their cranes and staff available.

Under the guidance of ace weather forecaster, Mike van Wyk, suitable days were chosen for commencement of this mammoth task.

Over a period of four days twenty two yachts have been lifted out of the water with Thursday 3 December the day that the heavier boats in excess of 10 tons could be lifted by the Protec 100 ton crane.

First out of the water was Timshell at 11 tons. Timshell is a wooden canoe stern boat and was lifted with little effort onto Stu Davidson's loadbed.

At 14 tons, Sereia, a Lavranos 43, was a little trickier to take out of the water. On the first attempt the forward slings slipped as the lift commenced, lurching Sereia back into the water. A heart stopping moment for owner Albert Dias and his R1 million investment. A small adjustment and the 100 ton Protec crane lifted Sereia clear onto a waiting loadbed.

The Marina Rebuilding Plan will now commence. All indications are that to rebuild an entire 125 berth Marina will cost approximately R4.2 Million. This cost will be divided between each Marina owner who, depending on the value of recovered marina parts, will have to pay between R24 250.00 and R33 750.00.

Looming on the horizon is the NPA's insistence on charging a 'market related' rental to all tenants on their land and water. The NPA proposed rental increase for the marina is a whopping 244% to R50 000.00 per month.

Coupled with unrealistic ' market related' increases yacht owners now also have to contend with repairs, insurance excesses and increased insurance premiums.

When Mother Nature shows her teeth everyone gets bitten!

This week's specials at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club Chartroom Restaurant:

TUESDAY: Quarter Chicken. Served with Chips & Veg

WEDNESDAY: Savoury Mince Pancakes. Served with Salad or Veg

THURSDAY: Liver & Onions. Served with Mash & Veg

FRIDAY: Hake & Prawn Combo. Served with Rice & Salad

All Specials only R39.95

Visitors and Non-Members Welcome

The first sailing regatta to be sailed out of ABYC after the disastrous break up of the Marina on 26 October was the ABYC Summer Dinghy Regatta from 21 to 22 November 2009.

Saturday, 21 November was blown out and Sailing started promptly at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday 22 November 2009. Race Officer Ronnie Baer elected to sail short course Triangle, Sausage, finish races in the harbour area.

A total of seven races were sailed in ideal Westerly flat conditions with the top mark close to the Chokka Boat Jetty.

The Top three finishers:

1. Jesse Martin - Optimist
2. Sarah Arnold - Laser 4.7
3. Wayne Watkins - Laser Radial

Click Here for ALL the Results.

Thanks to the bridge crew - Chad Jackson and Ronnie Baer, Mark Laying and Rescue - Kerry Bonnage and Darryl Garner.

Andrew Bosworth (Extra), Wayne Watkins (Laser), Dave Moorcroft and Jason Schaeffer (470) and Steve and Debbie Arnold (Dolphin)

Andrew Bosworth (Extra)

Jason Schaeffer and Dave Moorcroft (470)

More images on MyPE.

At 9:15 p.m. on Monday 26 October the gale force winds battering Port Elizabeth became too much for the Algoa Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) Moorings and they snapped around 30 metres from the shore ensnaring the Flamenca, Fandango, belonging to Chad Jackson, between High Spirt (Greg Ochabski) and Talisker (Ian Bancroft).

The image above is a BEFORE and AFTER aerial view of the ABYC Marina. More Images here.

Further movement of the moorings towards the fishing jetty rendered the walkway impassable, denying boat owners access to their yachts.

At the end of the first mooring leg Rob Butler, on his trimaran Scrimshaw, frantically tried to save his boat from sure destruction as the moorings shifted inexorably closed on his boat in a pincer movement. The high winds and rising waves surging down the channel ground the moorings closed around Scrimshaw and NSRI Rescue 6 Alpha plucked Rob and his son, Andrew, off of Scrimshaw to safety as the boat tilted at a 50 degree angle.

Boat owners scurried frantically back and forth retrieving valuables and inserting fenders in an attempt to stop further damage.

At 11:30 p.m. Patrick, from Port Control, reported wind speeds of 78 knots. Port Control is designed to yield to the wind and rock back and forth. Now, I have been there in 30 knots of wind and don't want to experience 78 knots!

Worried owners paced back and forth watching the howling wind and waves, forced to listen to their boats crying in agony as they scraped against one another and the mooring fingers.

With predictions from Port Control of the wind only abating at 6:00 a.m. weary owners set up a watch system and retired.

The destruction of the Marina has put a huge dent in the ABYC Sailing season and visiting yachts are having difficulty in finding mooring berths as they travel up and down the coast.

As at 12 November 2009 most of the yachts that occupied destroyed moorings have been taken out of the water, some are on trots and others occupy positions on the 'floating islands' that are left.

The Algoa Bay Yacht Club Pleasure Craft Marina directors estimate that they will be fully 'open for business' by June 2010 again.

ABYC Marina Destruction Images.

ABYC Summer Dinghy Regatta to be sailed on the weekend of the 21st, 22nd November 2009 out of the ABYC Yacht club

NOTICE OF RACE

1. ORGANISING AUTHORITY

The Algoa Bay Yacht Club

2. RULES

2.1 The regatta will be governed by the rules as defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 2009/2012.
2.2 Boats participating in this regatta shall conform to the Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS),their respective Class this Notice of Race, and the Sailing Instructions.

3. ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY

3.1 In accordance with the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Regulation 19 (Eligibility Code), all competitors (helmspersons and all
other crew) shall be members in good standing of a Yacht Club affiliated to and in good standing with SA Sailing or their Member National Authority in the case of non-South Africans. The Yacht Club name and membership details shall be stated on the entry form or crew list. Current valid South African Sailing Membership Cards or similar proof of MNA Membership in cases of non-South Africans shall be presented at Registration.
3.2 The regatta is open to all Classes
3.3 Eligible boats may enter on Saturday before racing from 9am until half an hour before the first race at ABYC.
3.4 Entry Fee; R10 per boat

4. CLASSIFICATION

The ISAF Sailor Classification Code, Regulation 22 shall apply.

5. SCHEDULE

Saturday: Registration from 9am up until 30min before first race. First race not before 2pm.
Sunday: 1st race not before 9am.
Results will be read out after last race at ABYC

6. NUMBER OF RACES

Saturday - push for 4, Sunday - no more than 3, 4 races will constitute a regatta.

7. MEASUREMENTS

Each boat shall produce a valid measurement / rating certificate. In addition the spot measurements may be taken at any stage during the regatta.

8. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS

Sailing Instructions will be available from the Regatta Secretary on completion of registration formalities.

9. VENUE

Racing will take place north of the harbour entrance at the oyster beds, weather dependant. A novice fleet will be run in the harbour close to the yacht club

10. COURSES

The Courses will be on the notice bored before the race.

11. PENALTY SYSTEM

For all catamaran classes Rule 44.1 is changed so that the Two-Turns Penalty is replaced by the One-Turn Penalty.

12. SCORING

12.1 The Low Point System of Appendix A4.1 will apply.
12.2 Four races are required to be completed to constitute a series.
12.3 (a) When fewer than 5 races have been completed, a boat's series score will be the total of her race scores.
(b) When from 5 to 9 races have been completed, a boat's series score will be the total of her race scores excluding her worst score.

13. DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Competitors participate in the regatta entirely at their own risk. See rule 4, Decision to Race. Neither the Organizing Authority nor it's officials or other persons associated with the organization of the event will accept any liability for material damage or personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the regatta

14. INSURANCE

Each participating boat is encouraged to be insured with a valid third party liability insurance recommended to have a minimum cover of R1,000,000-00 per event or the equivalent. Should insurance not be carried, the offending party must be prepared to pay for damages incurred

15. SAFETY

There will be support boats to assist the sailors. Life jackets must be worn at all times.

16. FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information please contact David Moorcroft on 0833710152 or Jason Schaefer on 0791806348

The Results from the Noordhoek Race that took place on Sunday 18 October 2009 in a fresh westerly:

1. Chinook; Bill Lee - 2:59:26
2. Tikalox II; Rob Smith - 3:03:06
3. Jouster; Richard Rath - 3:09:17
4. Proteus; Chris Cox - 3:14:18
5. Sea Mole; A. Hautman - 3:22:20
6. Wattoo; John - 3:24:55
7. Malgas; Petro Bocci - 3:43:00
8. Struan; Derek Bouwer - 3:29:45
9. Lady; Harry Lamprecht - 3:47:23
10. Umbaleki; Johan Herselman - 3:48:27
11. Take Six; Doug Stannard - DNF

There was one other entrant that didn't quite make it out of the harbour and elected to navigate the teak reef. I promised Sean that I wouldn't mention the boat's name, though.

As part of the maintenance on the ABYC site I monitor mentions of ABYC using a number of tools and have noticed a number of Port Elizabeth based web sites mentioning ABYC as a resource or asset to Port Elizabeth's bid to become the watersport capital.

Two such Port Elizabeth web sites that linked back to ABYC today, are:

Budget Accommodation and
Willow Cottage.

The Double handed St Croix Race took place from ABYC on 4 October. The course was a Harbour start taking St Croix to Starboard to a finish off the break water. A light South Westerly breeze saw 10 boats on the start line. Valiant got us away at 10:00 and in the light 9 knot wind the fleet doddled out of the harbour.

Once out both Chinook and Tikalox II stuck up their kites and disappeared towards St Croix, "Madgas" followed suit but suffered from halyard problems with the kite not going all the way up and was soon snuffed. Employing different tactics Struan and Wattoo headed straight for the Island wing on wing, while Malgas head towards the beach. Valliant with their orange and red reacher sailed up through the middle of the fleet. Unfortunately a 300 foot monster in the shape of "MSC Catalina", the first paying commercial vessel to enter Nqgura, played havoc with both Chinook and Tikalox II's tactics, with a few blasts and deviations in course for the leaders.

After 3 hours of down wind sailing Struan rounded St Croix behind Chinook, Tikalox II, Valiant and Wattoo. Just about everyone tacked inshore, only tacking across because a great big Harbour called Nqgura got in the way!

After another 4 hours of beating we crossed the finish line off the harbour entrance. Gringo got in amongst the whale and played a little, only finishing at 19:00. By which time some serious brown frothy things where being quaffed on the deck, a good days sailing and a good time had by all.

A Double handed race sees only two sailors per boat - the skipper and his mate.

Provisional Results: 1st - Tikalox II, 2nd - Chinook, 3rd - Wattoo, 4th - Malgas, 5th - Struan, 6th - Proteus, 7th Valiant, 8th - Skybird and 9th - Gringo.

ABYC October's Sailing Regattas: 11th October - Open weekend (Public Welcome), 18th October - Medium distance race and 31 October - First of the round the cans racing for this sailing season.

Source: Derek Bouwer

Extract from Scuttlebutt from a letter written by Derek Wilkes:

The decline in sailing numbers seems to be world wide phenomena felt by all clubs. Here are a few personal insights into the reasons from a South African perspective:

1. The increasing number of new dinghies on the market dilutes the already dwindling numbers as the sailor spread themselves across all the differing classes.
2. The rock stars jump from class to class to win the different local class champs, which disheartens budding sailors within those classes.
3. The media concentrate on only the "Big Boat" which gives the impression of a very expensive sport.
4. We have too many boat owners and not enough yachties.
5. Prospective boat owners fall in love with the "mystique of sailing" and then buy boats beyond their experience.
6. The Boat owners, due to lack of experience, look for "qualified crew" to compliment their short comings, as they are not competent to show the new crew the ropes nor are they willing to learn together.
7. When qualified crew is hard to come by they lean back and say I cannot find crew.
8. Their expensive boats become floating status symbols at best or floating unkept caravans at worse.
9. Sailing is seen as recreational past time and not as a dedicated sport "so why bother reading the rules".
10. In racing boat owners look for a handicap that takes into account their short coming, rather than looking at the boat's handicap and sailing to that - win or lose.

On the positive side, it is extremely easy to sail, and to find crew is equally as easy. When you hear someone say, "I'd love to go sailing", invite them. We have a few rules on by boat:

1. If we (Owner, skipper and crew) like you we'll invite you again!
2. If you don't like us then don't say "yes" the second time we ask you!
3. The crew is involved in the running and maintenance of the boat, sailing is not only putting up sails and moving through the water, but everything else from motors to servicing ropes. This is the "mystique of sailing"
4. Then we sail, sail, sail, sail and sail some more, and the strange thing about sailing is, the more you sail the more you and your crew learn. Funny we have had the same crew for three years now

Kind Regards
Derek Wilkes

A slight correction to yesterday's report from the Flamenca Worlds - it appears that 'Brother' Dion could only join the crew from today (something about old age precluding him from celebrations and being very afraid of the famous Duette fines meetings!). On the bow yesterday was young Delyn Price.

From Sean:

We had the pursuit race to Cape Point and back yesterday. Our start time was 9:20 and the wind was +-10 knots west. We were 4th round the turn mark but then Cape Doctor turned on us and the wind started building to 20-25 knots, enabling the bigger boats to sail past us.

Spirits are high, for today's sailing which starts at 11h00 and if the predictions are right we will be sailing in 16 -21 knots NW.

Kind regards

Sean
Live from Flamenca Worlds FBYC

The intrepid ABYC Flamenca, Duette, is competing in the Spring Regatta out of False Bay Yacht Club this weekend.

The Spring Regatta is headlined as the Flamenca 'Worlds' and Sean, Dion and Kerry are flying ABYC's flag high - the following terse on the water report from Sean:

We got a 6th and 4th over line in division 3. However, we are 2nd in the Flamenca class. The Garmin Boat will be a challenge to beat with kevlar sails and Mike Clarke at the helm.

We did however have a 'T-Bone' at sea with an L26. However, a strongly built Flamenca with stainless steel toe chap was no match for the L.

Kind regards

Sean
Live at the Flamenca Worlds

Monday, 14th September 2009 is the official birthday of Algoa Bay Yacht Club.

To mark our Golden Jubilee we are inviting you to a cocktail party at the club 17:30 for 18:00.

We'll provide some snacks, champagne to toast our splendid little club and present our Jubilee edition of the annual Year Book and Sailing Calendar.

Let's mark this important day with good comradeship, treasured memories and share our hopes for the future.

With a 9th place in Race One of the Eden Island Lipton Cup on Day one, and an 8th place in Race Two we could be forgiven for thinking that a single digit placing in this year's Lipton Cup was in the bag. Sailing is a competitive and strategic sport and things can change.

After three races the provisional eighth place, in Race Two, for Aon Challenger has now become a DSQ. But, a fine sail to sixth place in Race Number Three was still not enough to compensate, leaving ABYC in 12th place.

The Lipton Cup is a hard and unforgiving regatta - one mistake over the regatta will drop you completely out of the running.

Top 10 Positions After 3 Races:

1. ROYAL CAPE YACHT CLUB - DALY'S INSURANCE, GREG DAVIS - 1, 1, 1
2. ROYAL NATAL YACHT CLUB - ORION CHALLENGER, MARK SADLER - 2, 2, 4
3. FISH HOEK BEACH SAILING CLUB - INTASURE INSURANCE BROKERS - ANDREA GIOVANNI, 3, 3, 3
4. POINT YACHT CLUB, PYC/ EIKOS - CRAIG MILLAR - 7, 5, 2
5. THEEWATER SPORTS CLUB, DALYS - JAMES LARGIER - 4, 8, 5
6. LAKE DENYS YACHT CLUB - LA DIQUE, BRANDOM SMITH - 8, 4, 7
7. IMPERIAL YACHT CLUB - DYNAMIC ID SYSTEMS - DALE KUSHNER, 5, 7, 12
8. TRANSVAAL YACHT CLUB - BUMBO, EWALD STERNAGEL - 6, 11, 11
9. KNYSNA YACHT CLUB - PARASAILOR/WARLOCK - IAN SLATEM, 12, 12, 10
10. HERMANUS YACHT CLUB - JML 3/AUDI - THEO YON, 20, 6, 13

A bad start for Royal Natal Yacht Club' Orion Challenger allowed Greg Davis to extend his lead in the 2009 Eden Island Lipton Cup with a third successive win.

Defending champion Davis also suffered a poor start and at the and first mark, the Royal Cape Yacht Club's Daly's Insurance was in eighth place, but eventually clawed back into the lead and took a five point advantage at the top.

Sadler, onboard the Royal Natal Yacht Club entry Orion Challenger, hit another boat at the start, and was sent to the back of the fleet.

"We had a bit of a disastrous start. We hit a boat and were penalised," said Sadler.

"Anything can still happen though. We have to beat a boat that has won all three races so far, so we are going to have to find something special."

The result is enough to keep RNYC in second place overall with eight points, while Fish Hoek Beach Sailing Club's Intasure are breathing down their neck in third place with nine points.

"We can still win it. We just hope Mark and Greg go at it hammer and tongs tomorrow and just mess each other up, so we can slip in," said Intasure skipper Andrea Giovannini."

It appears that the ABYC team are slightly technologically challenged as after numerous requests for them to communicate with me at a time convenient to them they are still struggling to find the on button on their phones or the send button on their computers.

No matter - the official Eden Island Lipton Cup PR guys do send out a newsletter every day and the following is the latest report:

After an abandoned second race, Tuesday finally saw some more action in the 2009 Eden Island Lipton Cup Tuesday, with favourite and defending champion Greg Davis continuing his charge for a fourth consecutive title.

Mark Sadler, onboard the Royal Natal entry Orion Challenger, finished second but will have three more chances to get ahead of the host club, while the young crew aboard Fish Hoek Beach Sailing Club's Intasure continued to be the surprise package as they snatched third place for the second time to repeated the results of day one.

The Cape Radio Yacht Club entry Slaley, has provided a nice change with it being the only all women team in the event this year. Slaley is skippered by Judy Provoyeur, with daughter and Olympic sailor Dominique onboard and at one point in the second race they held fourth place, but eventually slipped to 12th.

"We sailed well today, but it was quite tricky. There were lines of pressure in the water and if you fell out of the line you were dead in the water, but if you stayed in the breeze you looked like a hero," said Dominique

"The L class is an extremely physical boat to sail, strength is hugely important, so if we can get more combination teams it would help women in sailing a lot.

The Top Ten Places (After Two Races):

1. ROYAL CAPE YACHT CLUB - DALY'S INSURANCE - GREG DAVIS - 1, 1
2. ROYAL NATAL YACHT CLUB - ORION CHALLENGER - MARK SADLER - 2, 2
3. FISH HOEK BEACH SAILING CLUB - INTASURE INSURANCE BROKERS - ANDREA GIOVANNI - 3, 3
4. LAKE DENUS YACHT CLUB - LA DIQUE - BRANDOM SMITH - 8, 4
5. POINT YACHT CLUB - PYC/EIKOS - CRAIG MILLAR 7, 5
6. THEEWATER SPORTS CLUB - DALYS - JAMES LARGIER - 4, 10
7. IMPERIAL YACHT CLUB - DYNAMIC ID SYSTEMS - DALE KUSHNER - 5, 9
8. ALGOA BAY YACHT CLUB - AON CHALLENGER - KERRY BONNAGE - 9, 8
9. TRANSVAAL YACHT CLUB - BUMBO - EWALD STERNAGEL - 6, 13
10. ZEEKOEVLEI YACHT CLUB - RACE AHEAD - LEO DAVIS - 10, 11

The first in the Frostbite series for the 2009/10 Sailing Season was sailed yesterday 23 August. The Port Elizabeth Windguru unfortunately got it wrong with a prediction of a South South West of around 11 knots for the 11:00 a.m. start.

The format for the day's race was a pursuit and the South South West prediction would have suited the Pacer's for the chosen course - Harbour Start, sail towards and pastthe Bell Buoy for an hour then turn back and race to the finish.

As the weather gods would have it the wind was a westerly and rising.

The boats got off the start at 11:34 a.m. and proceeded to charge (some were seen to be sedately meandering rather than charging, though) for the Bell Buoy. On Wild Thing the decision was made to take advantage of the inshore 'protected zone' before charging for the Bell Buoy with spinnaker flying, sails flapping and various sailors holding on for dear life as we wrestled with the beast.

As we flew past the Bell Buoy just before 12:00 noon and with 35 minutes in hand before being able to turn back and beat, we decided to change direction towards Noordhoek, lest we run away from ourselves and bump an iceberg or two in a headlong charge away from the land.

With Cape Receife looming we did a smart about turn (way before the hour was up) and headed back towards the finish line. Good thing we did too, as we noticed that a number of boats had broken stop watches and with the loss of this 'vital piece of safety equipment' they had also decided to turn tail and race for the finish line.

No matter - we had great fun playing in the large swell off of Boilers and sailed on a tight fetch back to the finish.

Final Results:

1. Le Chevalier
2. Shady Lady
3. Duette
4. Jouster
5. Bonita
6. Umbaleki
7. Wild Thing
8. Seralon
9. High Spirit

Greg on High Spirit was having such fun that he decided to sail there for longer than hour - much to the dismay of Phil and Ashleigh on the finish boat as they had to wait in heaving seas and high winds for Greg to return.

The ABYC Lipton Cup team secured a ninth place on 23 August in the first race of the Eden Island Lipton Cup taking place in Cape Town.

Greg Davis sailing for the Royal Cape Yacht Club, stormed to victory on the first day of the 2009 Eden Island Lipton Cup, with his main challenger Mark Saddler battling into second on a leaking boat at the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC).

"The conditions were beautiful and I was very happy with the result", said Davis, who was aboard the RCYC entry Daly's Insurance.

Mark Sadler on the Royal Natal Yacht Club entry Orion Challenger made a late charge into second after battling with a damage hatch which allowed water on to the boat.

"It wasn't really even a race, Greg was miles ahead, but considering all of the problems I'm happy with where we finished," said Sadler.

The event has seen a rise of young talent breaking through, and Andrea Giovanni of Fish Hoek Beach Sailing Club was the star of the day among the youth teams after finishing third.

"We broke something on the jib which set us back a bit but we caught up at the end. It was just an incredible day of racing," he said

Defending club Theewater Sports Club came in fourth place, but skipper James Largier was disappointed that they could not hold on to the second place they held during the race.

"Our main halyard slipped and we lost a lot in the last beat, but we finished two seconds off third," said the 20-year-old skipper.

Top 10 Boats after the First Race

1. ROYAL CAPE YACHT CLUB, DALY'S INSURANCE, GREG DAVIS
2. ROYAL NATAL YACHT CLUB, ORION CHALLENGER, MARK SADLER
3. FISH HOEK BEACH SAILING CLUB, INTASURE INSURANCE BROKERS, ANDREA GIOVANNI
4. THEEWATER SPORTS CLUB, DALYS, JAMES LARGIER
5. IMPERIAL YACHT CLUB, DYNAMIC ID SYSTEMS, DALE KUSHNER
6. TRANSVAAL YACHT CLUB, BUMBO, EWALD STERNAGEL
7. POINT YACHT CLUB, PYC/ EIKOS, CRAIG MILLAR
8. LAKE DENUS YACHT CLUB, LA DIQUE, BRANDOM SMITH
9. ALGOA BAY YACHT CLUB, AON CHALLENGER, KERRY BONNAGE
10. ZEEKOEVLEI YACHT CLUB, RACE AHEAD, LEO DAVIS

Now here is a handy tool that we all wish was available when it was compulsory to study Morse Code as part of the Yacht Skipper syllabus.

The new(ish) 'computational' search engine Wolfram Alpha presents answers to questions that you pose and one of the questions I asked was to translate "ABYC 50th Anniversary" into Morse Code and the result is as you see below:

Have a look at other WolframAlpha queries and results that I asked when WolframAlpha was launched.

The time has come said the captains to the crew to sell the boat from under you.

After 9 years of great sailing young Gavin Stephens and Russel Morgan, co-owners of Ladd 27, Cooking have decided to put Cooking on the market.

Direct any enquiries to Russel - pabtrad[at]iafrica.com.

Inventory of the Sailing Vessel Cooking as at 16 July 2009:

Designer: Rob Ladd
Design: Ladd 27
Year of Construction: 1990

Overall Length: 8.2m; LWL 7.4m
Beam: 2.9m
Draft: 1.6m
Displacement: 2580kg

Registration No: 005

Hull: Solid Fibreglass
Deck: Plywood / GRP sandwich
Hull Number: 5

Tankage:
Water: Flexible tank - 25l
Petrol: 10l plastic cannister

Sea-cocks: N/A below water line, 1 for sink, 1 for manual bilge pump

Rudder: Fibreglass with S/S shaft, S/S sleeve, steel tiller and aluminium tiller extension

Mast: Aluminium, double spreader with Windex, Nav lights, VHF Antenna.

Standing rigging: Forestay 8mm, Caps, 8mm, Intermediates: 6mm, Lowers 8mm, backstay Spectra + multiple purchase

Running Rigging: 1 main halyard, wire/rope; 1 jib halyard, wire/rope; 1 jib halyard, rope, 1x main topping lift, rope; 2 spinnaker halyards, rope; 1 spinnaker pole topping lift; 1 spinnaker pole downhaul; 2 jib-sheets; 2 spinnaker sheets; mainsheet with blocks; main traveller with ropes; adjustable jib sheet cars with ropes;

Deck hardware: 2 Jib tracks with blocks and cars, jib turning blocks, jammers for all halyards and sheets; spinnaker barberhaulers and blocks; 3 mooring cleats; guardrails and stanchions.

Winches: 2 x cockpit (selftailing), 2 coach roof, 2 winch handles

Boom: Aluminium with three reef lines, outhaul block system, kicker

Spinnaker Pole: Aluminium with cast aluminium end fittings

Sails:
1 x Spectra mainsail with battens used only for racing (good condition)
1 x #1 Genoa (good condition)
1 x #2 Genoa (poor condition)
2 x #3 Genoas (both poor condition)
1 x Storm jib.
1 x 1.5oz Spinnaker (poor condition)
1 x 0.75oz Spinnaker (poor condition)

Electronics:
VHF radio: Uniden
Log: New in box, to be fitted on next haul out.

Battery Charger.

Mooring Lines: 3 bow lines, 2 stern lines, 2 spring lines, 4 fenders

Batteries: 1x 12v RV

Anchors: 1 x Danforth 15lb

Chain: 5m x 10mm

Rode: 50m x 3/8 nylon

Motor: Yamaha 5hp Outboard - running order.

Compass: Companionway mounted helming compass with deviation table

Safety Equipment: All required for Cat E

Documentation: COF is out of date. SAS Registration papers

Ship Station Licence: Call Sign - PEYS 78

Trailer: Not registered. Frame - Steel with torsion bar suspension. Inertia braking system. Tyres - Continental tyres with steel rims

Extras: Floorboards. Spare backstay (original). Insurance paid up to end March 2010

The following is from www.MyPE.co.za:

Oil Companies, who utilise the tank farms at Port Elizabeth harbour, have agreed to take further emergency measures in addition to that already in place to contain the oil contamination at the Port Elizabeth harbour's Dom Pedro jetty.

Shell South Africa, which acts as housekeeper of the tank farms on behalf of the oil industry at Port Elizabeth harbour today confirmed that it has received a report on the contamination and that the oil companies have agreed to take additional emergency measures recommended in the report.

The report followed an extensive investigation conducted by independent engineering company, SRK Consulting.

In their findings, the consultancy confirmed that there were no leaks from either the infrastructure at the tank farm being used by the oil industry or from a disused bunker line previously suspected to be the source of the contamination.

While the source of the contamination has yet to be determined, the consultancy has now recommended extending an underground retention wall, to assist in permanently containing oil from dispersing into the harbour. It will also make recovery of the product considerably easier.

The report also recommends some longer-term remediation activities, which are currently being discussed with the authorities.

Several measures are already in place at the harbour to contain the oil contamination and recover it from the surface water. These include the deployment of a deep-sea boom, and a number of secondary booms, to contain oil from dispersing into the harbour, as well as a series of absorbent booms, which contain materials that absorb oil from the water.

Remediation at the site has also commenced with the use of pumps, which recover the oil for safe storage on site.

While SRK Consulting have identified the location of the contamination plume under the Dom Pedro jetty, laboratory tests are underway to determine its age.

"The contamination is of great concern to Shell and the oil companies, irrespective of who is responsible. We are working closely with both the ports and environmental authorities to address the immediate issue, while ensuring comprehensive remediation of the site in the longer-term," said a company spokesperson.

Eds Notes: The above is a verbatim press release from Shell and I would like to make a few comments:

The problem of oil leaking into the Port Elizabeth Harbour Water from the Tank Farm is a long standing one. As a member of the Algoa Bay Yacht Club I have been privy to the reams of correspondence back and forth between the Yacht Club, Shell and Portnet. As with all such things the wheels have turned far too slowly and each of the potentially affected parties has spent considerable time posturing and trying to ensure that the blame is laid at someone else's door.

In an ideal world, Shell or Portnet or the company that constructed the Dom Pedro Jetty would stand up, accept the blame and take immediate steps to remedy the situation. It seems that in this day and age a 'man's word' is just a collection of warmish air emanating from a cold fish and NOT what it used to be, what a shame.

I am sure that no-one gives a rats whatsit about how old the contamination plume is. Can you imagine the outcry the world over if an oil tanker ran aground and contaminated thousands of marine animals and a bunch of consultants ran around not cleaning the mess up until they had established the age of the oil tanker or just where the crude oil had come from so that they could lay the blame as close to the source as possible?

Damaging the 'slowly being repaired' reputation of the harbour authorities even more is their steadfast refusal to exercise their legal power and stop all oil storage on the site until the source of the leak is found and stopped. Surely the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has the legal obligation towards it's citizens to actually serve Portnet with a cease, desist and clean up order on behalf of all the citizens of this Metro? Don't even think it, I know you are thinking; "Sure, nothing has happened to the slumlords violating Port Elizabeth's Historical Buildings so what chance does the Metro have in forcing Portnet from continuing to violate our health, environment, pockets and views?" Have faith - something will happen if we encourage it to.

I can only say that it was a blessing in disguise when Portnet scuppered, at the source, Port Elizabeth's bid to host the 2011 Volvo Ocean Race in Port Elizabeth - the potential embarrassment to the city from the Manganese Ore and Tank Farms being viewed by millions of television and internet followers would probably have sent Volvo packing back to a city that really doesn't appreciate them, never to return.

Related Links: Spend Millions, Watch it get Covered in Oil
Related Images: Oil Spill.

Team: Kerry Bonnage, Wayne Watkins, Daryl Garner, Jason Schaefer and Delyn Price
Support: Shiel and Brenon

Tuesday: We all met at ABYC at 14:00 and left for Durban. Big thanks to John Price for lending us his Chrysler Voyager and trailer. After a nice easy drive we arrived at Point Yacht club at 01:30 am. "Camp City" was already full of tents but the waterfront site was still open. By 03:00 4 tents were erected, a shot of well deserved ob's and off to bed.

Wednesday: Everyone up early and off to do the shopping. Shiel cooked breakfast for everyone. Off to see our charted L26 "Sail Africa". "Sail Africa" is Durban's Youth Sailing Development Program set up by Craig Miller which owns three L26's. We had the better of the three but still nowhere near the condition of our "AON Challenger". We set the boat up as best we could and took delivery of our new Lipton sails. The tune up race showed that we where off the pace and lacked height so a lot of on the water tuning was . We cut the race short and headed back to port. The rest of the afternoon was spent tuning rigs, servicing winches and changing systems.

Thursday: Race day 1 Race one Wind 0-5 W-NW :Another good breakfast by Shiel and lunch packs prepared as well. Early to the boat to clean and prepare for the very light conditions. On the course by 10:00 ( racing started daily at 11:00) to get our readings and sail trim ready for the prevailing conditions. Nothing, not a breath anywhere on the course. After 4 hours of bobbing, swimming and the usual no wind antics a hint of breeze filled in.

Got a good start toward the pin but got stuck in the train. We tacked as soon as we could but ended up 7th at the top mark. Passed two boats downwind but that's where we stayed (Shortened race due to wind). Very tricky sailing in very light airs. Top speed for the day was 3.5 down wind and only managed 2.8 up wind. Again low on height but good speed relative to top 5 of fleet.

Friday: Race Day 2 Race two and three Wind 0-8 W-SW. Another excellent breakfast by Shiel and Brennon. Early to the boat again with some rig changes and on the course by 10:00. Very tricky conditions. We knew the big shift was coming but did not know when. Went offshore looking for the shift but it did not come, rounded in 9th . Got two back on the run with some great teamwork then back onto the beat. Again went out looking for the shift and found it. Picked up 4 places at the top mark right behind the leaders. Tried twice to get around the mark to no avail the third time we just sailed around and over the mark. With no wind and lots of current it was a nightmare. We did our penalty turns put up the bag and sailed to the finish. Word of warning..... watch the outgoing tide of the harbour it increases the current by 50 %.

We ended third.

Race 3: The wind dropped off again. We crawled round the course changing places on every tack. Clearly no-one knew where to go, the fleet was spread out all over the course. Speeds of two knots were a mission. Found lots of holes finished 7th. Rig settings were not right..

Saturday: Race day 3: Race four Wind 0-5 W . Played with the rig again and got onto the course early. Very light breeze, played the bobbing game again until 14:00. We got a very good start in clean air with good boat speed but were forced to tack by MSC who were sailing a lot higher than us. Rounded in fourth after a fantastic beat, duelling with Cheetah and MSC to the top mark.

Held off several attacks from the rear whilst attacking MSC. Finished fourth.

Sunday: Race Day 4 Race five and six Wind 15-25 SW- S. The breeze was up this was going to be our day. Early on the course again. Put up our new no 2 for the first time.

Made some adjustment and the race started on time. With much better height and good speed we were jostling between 2nd and 3rd all the way to the top mark being covered by Fusion (Andrew Heathcote had to beat us in both races today to claim 4th overall) all the way. Rounded in 3rd and down to the bottom mark we went. Andrew pushed us off the course allowing two boats under us. After a few choice words we both gybed for the mark. We split tacks with them and beat them to the top mark but could not catch the other two. We finished 5th.

Race 6: Great start on the committee boat and tacked immediately. Under stood the lay line by a boat length up to the top mark. Craig Millar (PYC Lipton Team) just got through us on port. His eyes could not believe that one of his sailing school boats was right behind his "Rolls Royce" Rounding in second we had a great game of attack and defend on the run. At the bottom mark we where forced to give water to a cruising boat rounding the same mark. This let MSC in and a lot higher than we where. We sailed under and then over this 40 footer to the lay line trying to catch up to MSC. Rounded the top mark in 3rd about 5 boat lengths behind MSC. Fantastic hoist, hard work and a textbook gybe got us with in a boat length at the finish (3 seconds).

We finished 3rd. Fusion (Andrew Heathcoat) lost their main halyard during the last race..... JUSTICE.

In all a great regatta, fantastic team building scenario, great big fleet experience and a good confidence builder to take to WP L26 provincials and then Lipton. We have some wrinkles to iron out but we are definitely on the right path. My thanks to my team , Wayne, Delyn and Jason. Darryl for helping us out and being a great rail motivator. Sheil and Brenon for supporting us both on land and on the water.

To the members of ABYC you missed another great regatta, well hosted by PYC, you can't beat Durban this time of year. Lets see at least one other entry from ABYC next year.

Thanks to all.

Kerry Bonnage.

The owners of a 34 foot Van Der Stadt, Seaboard, Hennie Du Plessis and Kevin Grey extended an invite to the following ABYC members: Kerry Bonnage (Skipper), Jason Schaefer (Bowman) and David Moorcroft (Trimmer) to attend the Gaul Regatta in Gordons Bay, hosted by the Gordons Bay Yacht Club this past weekend 13 to 16 June 2009.

Kerry reports on the regatta as follows:

Day 1:

Very disappointing. In the first race we had to return to port with faulty steering system. Second race stsrted in 25 to 35 NNW, with rain squalls so bad we could not even see the bow, we missed the bottom mark, beat to round the bottom mark and then hardened up to the finish. Seaboard did not make the cut off and we scored two 11th places.

Day 2:

With the previous days problems sorted out we knuckled down to some fun racing. Seaboard struggled upwind a bit but flew on the downwind legs. We finished 4th in lighter airs, followed by a 2nd and a 3rd to round off a good days racing.

Day 3:

Medium distance race day. My excuse for only finishing fourth over line and 8th on handicap was "poor Navigation skills" (Thanks Kevin, Mr Designated Navigator!) Compounding this was that not only was I not at skippers briefing but when the co-ordinates for the shortened course mark were given to us no one bothered to read them. So we speed off to Seal Island, much lower and of course faster, keeping in touch with Windpower and Gumption. Only to have to beat to the shortened course mark while the whole fleet sailed over us. David and Jason had a blast trimming kite all the way back.

Day 4:

Today everybody came with their A game. Very close upwind duels between Patches, Flyer and Raging bull in very shifty conditions. Positions changing at every mark made for some great sailing. We finished the regatta with two 3rds and 5th overall.

All said and done Gordons Bay is a fantastic sailing venue, GBYC were great hosts and I encourage more ABYC members to make an effort to get there next year. A big thanks to David and Jason for all their efforts this past weekend.

GBYC Gaul Regatta Results

Mark Orams, one of few people to have winner's medals from both the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race and the America's Cup will be speaking at a function being held at the Algoa Bay Yacht Club on Wednesday 24th June from 20h00 to 22h30. He sailed with Sire Peter Blake on Steinlager 2 and was the inaugural Executive Director of the Sir Peter Blake Trust from 2004 to 2007.

Mark is the Associate Director of the Coastal and Marine Tourism Research Institute, located within the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute at Auckland University of Technology is going to speak at ABYC. He has plenty of good light hearted sailing stories and is an excellent and entertaining public speaker.

Mark spent a year at St Andrews College in Grahamstown where he fondly remembers being a part of the winning team on the Swartkops River (sailing out of Redhouse) at the 1981 Eastern Cape Schools Sailing Championship. On the same team was Brett Clark from PE. Subsequently both Brett and his father gained Springbok colours in sailing.

He is in Port Elizabeth taking part in the 6th International Coastal & Marine Tourism Congress (CMT 2009) - a small congress of specialists which has its foundation in Honolulu, Hawaii way back in 1990. CMT 2009 is being held at the Feathermarket Centre, Port Elizabeth from 23 to 26 June. The congress hosts researchers, educators, postgraduate students, and practitioners from government and industry involved in the broad field of tourism related to the marine environment.

Of particular relevance to Port Elizabeth and it's citizens, the theme of the congress is; 'The Spirit of Ubuntu, Connecting Continents, Places and People".

The talk by Mark is open to ABYC members and conference delegates only.

If you are going to attend please let Dee know by Friday the 19th of June 2009 as limited seats are available.

Some timeous and thought provoking words from a brave man, Dave Claxton, not afraid to question and propose a new way of thinking:

At the outset let it be known that this is not about 'sour grapes'. This is about sailing.

I have been watching quietly from the sidelines for some time, hesitant to speak out for all the wrong reasons, but now, as I see things how the cards are falling, I figure its time for someone to say something.

The bottom line. After years of successful races, and a very successful 2008 event which rode on the coat tails of RNYC's 150th anniversary, the 2009 Vasco is in danger of regressing. The publication of the Notice of Race (with errors) only 6 short weeks before the start of the race, and the all too late distribution of associated documentation is appalling. It is appalling for so many reasons:

* The race has to compete on its own strengths against other Southern African ocean races. As a result of poor marketing, the event has lost a lot of the positive impetus the 2008 race afforded the current organizers.

* All sailing events compete for sailors 'leave days'. Boat owners can afford time off from work, employees can't, and this applies to 90% of the crew involved in such a race. They have to make choices, and plan their sailing calendars well in advance. Events which receive early good, solid marketing and 'hype' and show signs of excellent planning will always get the nod ahead of the rest. The Western Cape have upped their game considerably in the past 2 years and still the KZN sailors live in this cuckoo land where they believe their own events will attract out of towners simply by staging them.

* Recently, again especially in the Western Cape, boat owners and clubs have become far more proactive insofar as trying to source meaningful sponsors. The responsibility of looking after a sponsor is immense and hard work. A sponsor looks for meaningful exposure - meaningful means more than having their name on a decal on the side of a boat. Meaningful means more than exposure to just the competitors in an event. It means newspaper, TV and magazine coverage, where the sponsors name is used, again and again. Free tickets to the prize giving just don't cut it. Especially today. The Owner of a boat which has managed to secure sponsorship has a responsibility to enter races which will serve the interests of the sponsor.

* The cost of moving a boat around the country to compete in various events is undeniably high. The cost of participating in the Vasco is considerable. For the very competitive boats, which are by the way the boats you want there, the possibility of blowing out a couple of spinnakers in the race is exceptionally high. Two Spinnakers on a 35 to 45ft yacht will set an owner back many tens of thousands of rands. The owner of such a boat takes his sailing very, very seriously, and will only risk his sailing budget on an event which promises an excellent field of entry, and excellent organization. Any sign of there being a poor quality fleet or poor organization and this owner makes the obvious choice - to sail in another event.

* The failure of the 2009 organizing committee to use the positive momentum generated by the 2008 event, is perhaps its biggest downfall. Last year many visiting crew went home and spread the good word about the Vasco da Gama and there was an expectation of great things to come in 2009 as a natural follow-on.

* The financial downturn will have a detrimental effect on sailing. Less travelling to regattas and races in other regions will be just one of the effects. If the sailing community found difficulty in securing sponsorships in the past - stand by because it's going to get a whole lot tougher.

It seems, as an outsider, that PYC has concentrated on its flagship regatta, the MSC Regatta, at the expense of the Vasco. The stop-start nature of this Vasco, for example the information first distributed by the initial organizing committee, which was thankfully re-distributed recently after a make-over, and the seeming hurried changes and additions in manpower to the 'organizing committee', does it no favours. It brings me to my next statement, which is that Yacht Clubs are generally incapable of taking on too many events in one season. I appreciate how difficult it is for the vast majority of yacht clubs to grow their membership, host smashing regattas, develop the sport along all fronts, and survive economically. What tends to happen is that a small core of willing members get hammered event after event acting as volunteers for the betterment of their club. And there's nothing wrong with that except that it happens all too often, resulting in this people becoming fed up with it, and frankly exhausted. It's not the fault of the clubs, it's simply the way things are - and it's so wrong. If had R5 for every time I heard someone on a club committee say to me ' but that's how it's been done for years', I would be able to sponsor my own race. Yes, it WAS done like that in the good old days, days when the fleets were 10 times the size they are today, and when the club membership was far more involved, more dynamic, and there was a larger percentage of willing bodies to call on for duties. Times have changed. Fewer members, fewer active members, fewer resources mean that Clubs have to start thinking out of the box.

Cycling, Golf, Canoeing, Running, Flying and motor-racing are some sports who have embraced this outlook. Their members participate in their own events rather than organize them, whilst their clubs still retain ownership of the event. Why can't sailing be like this? I venture to suggest that the reason is a four letter word. EGOS. Harsh words but I think they are true enough.

If we look at a club like PYC, simply because they are hosting the Vasco da Gama race for the next 3 years, I reckon they are ideally placed to embrace a new vision. They have an immense amount of expertise and goodwill within their membership. It's not as fresh as it was 10 or 15 years ago, but it is there. Out of all the big clubs in South Africa, it is PYC which has strength in its women. I have noticed over the years that when the PYC wives get involved, things move along very nicely. If the PYC could look at itself and make the decision to admit its weaknesses and its strengths, and change structures accordingly, it could be a powerhouse in the sport. Guys and Girls of PYC, you have the means to contract professional event organizers, give them a brief, and oversee them organizing successful events in your name, and bringing Sponsors to the events to boot! Happy Sailors, Happy Club.

The situation the Vasco is facing today is the exact reason why the Sailing KZN Executive committee, in 2006/7 took the decision to offer the Vasco to the club which tendered the best Bid in terms of the pure interests of the event and sailing. We all know where that ended up, and its best treated as water under the bridge, but I cant help but think that the Vasco would be so much better off today had it been allowed to go through. Whilst this is never going to happen, I do believe that the next logical step is for it and some other key events, to be handed over to a professional organizing entity. There are people in South Africa with the skills to see this succeed to the benefit of the 'hosting Clubs', and the sport in general.

I bear the current Vasco organizing committee no malice. I sincerely hope for their sake and the Sponsors and partner Club in Maputo, but more for the event itself , that 2009 is a hugely successful event. If I have left anyone feeling as though I have attacked them personally - you would be wrong. I am attacking the system. It needs an overhaul.

And please, don't look to SAS to come and tell you how, they too suffer the exact same structure faults as the clubs do.

Come on you sailors, its time we look forward and became proactive in our Sport.

For what its worth,

Dave Claxton

The oil spill in the harbour and tank farm woes has been getting quite a lot of coverage in the press and online lately.

A number of these articles have been collated on the MyPE web site.

From MyPE:

The Oil Tank Farm within the harbour has always been lurking under the radar but I cannot stand idly by anymore and watch the degradation of the harbour area and decimation of assets worth millions of rands. Over the past few years the state of the harbour and lack of environmental concern has slowly pushed many of the businesses and clubs into a downward spiral. Face facts; "Would you spend good money on a recreational craft, only to be forced to have it cleaned a minimum of three times per week and watch whilst a surface water borne grinding paste of oil and manganese ore destroys your craft?"

The full article: Spend Millions, Watch it get Covered in Oil and Grime

The Class Results for ABYC Week 2009:

1. Class 1 (51 Kilobytes PDF)
2. Class 2 (38 Kilobytes PDF)
3. Class 3 (52 kilobytes PDF)
4. Pacer 27 (45 kilobytes PDF)

Related: ABYC Week 2009 Report

The Algoa Bay Yacht Club held it's annual premium regatta over the long weekend of 30 April to 3 May 2009. At the same time the Pacer 27 class held it's Eastern Cape Provincial Regatta.

Four classes were entered; Pacer 27 (one design), Class 1 (for boats over 0.9 handicap using a spinnaker), Class 2 (for boats below 0.9 handicap using a spinnaker) and Class 3 (No Spinnaker). Race officer, Brian Reynolds looked to have his hands full with four seperate starts and finishes and three courses.

Start Line of Class 1 - ABYC Week 2009 With a total of 27 entries, down on the 42 of last year, the decision was made to combine the starts of Class 2, Class 1, and the Pacer Class - a total of nine yachts. Class 3 with 18 entrants sailed longer courses on Day one with a seperate finish line.

Four Pacer 27's travelled down to Port Elizabeth; from Dennysville Aquatic Club - Music (Rob De Vlieg and Guy Nottingham), Unruly (Nike Wilson and Iain Gibson), From False Bay Yacht Club - Felix the Cat (Anthony Wentworth) and from East London sailing under the ABYC Flag - Unmatched (Graham Wentworth).

In Class 3, Frans Loots sailed in from Cape St Francis on his trimaran, Banjo.

In the combined Class 1 fleet entrants were sailing for Line Honours, PHRF* and Class Honours for the Pacer 27's. Class 3 sailed for Line Honours and first on PHRF.

Algoa Bay always dishes up mild to moderate with a touch of wild wind for Algoa Bay Week and this year was no exception.

On Thursday 30 April the fleet waited until 11:30 a.m. for the west wind to kick up to a pleasant 12 knots. Class 1 sailed two races of 70 minutes each with the wind kicking to the South. The Class 3 race was a debacle with portions of the fleet missing the Offset Shark Rock Pier Bouy and other racers 'arguing' with shipping close to the Channel Marker. Many retirements and the potential for 9 protests against other class members and the bridge alike led to a gentleman's agreement to wipe the slate clean and scrap the first race for Class 3.

The PHRF results in Class 1 for Race 1: Felix the Cat (Anthony Wentworth), KMG Met (Justin Onvlee), Unruly (Mike Wilson / Ian Gibson)

The PHRF results in Class 1 for Race 2: KMG Met (Justin Onvlee), Felix the Cat (Anthony Wentworth), Challenger (Jim Foot).

Class 2 consisted of only one boat, Duette (Sean Wiseman) which sailed extremely well against it's 'competition' and was a dead certainty for Line, Class and PHRF Honours.

Class 3 ABYC Week Friday's wind prediction was once again spot on with the first race starting at 10:51 a.m. in a westerly of 14 knots. The course for the day was a triangle which certainly favoured the Pacer 27 class who took first place on handicap in two of the three races sailed. Class 3 sailed the same course. The second reach was a bit tight and made for interesting sailing as the yachts sailed past and amongst the Chokka Fleet that had anchored in the bay.

The youngest helmsman in the fleet, Jesse Martin (11) sailing on Le Chevalier (Ronnie Baer) opened the day's scoring with a first place in Class 3. Jesse has been sailing for 12 months and his normal ride is an Optimist Sailing Dinghy.

In the second race for Class 3 Banjo (Frans Loots) managed a first place over the line and on handicap followed by Seralon and Le Chevalier.

In Class II Duette continued their assault on the bullets unchecked.

At the end of Friday's sailing Principal Race Officer, Brian Reynolds, had five races in the bag for Class I, II and the Pacers and three in the bag for Class III.

The fleet returned home to legendary hospitality and subsidised meals from the Chartroom. Holding the flag high and hosting daily 'fines' meetings were the hard working Duette sailing and shore crews. Amazing how quickly a couple of quarts can disappear within a half an hour!

Saturday once again dished up a westerly which started at 14 knots and increased steadily to 25 at times. ABYC Commodore Ian Littlejohn was the new mark layer ably assisted by Chad Jackson (or was it the other way around) and, in deference to their age Brian Reynolds again set a windward leeward course.

With significantly more wind it was interesting to see the coastal based Pacer 27's begin dominating the day's racing in the last two races of the three races sailed.

The starts for these races were far more competitive with Duette sprouting more confidence and jousting for a front row start with the Pacers and Class I boats. KMG Met were OCS (on Course Side) in Race 7 and redeemed themselves with two firsts on handicap in the subsequent two races.

Class 3 once again sailed the same course and the day was given over to the bigger boats with Take Six (Doug Stannard) scoring two firsts on Handicap.

Sunday was as predicted - warm, swirly cats paws of breeze and not a chance of sailing. The committee boat, kindly loaned to ABYC by the SAPS Water Wing, motored out to look for wind and eventually decided to can the days racing at 12:30 p.m.

Prizes were awarded for Line Honours in Each Class, PHRF in Class 1, 2 and 3, Pacer 27 Line Honours and the winners were:

• Class 1 PHRF: KMG Met (Justin Onvlee, Andrew Ward, Rob Pressley, Sakhumzi Tyutyu, Steve Arnold, Sarah Arnold)
• Class 1 Line Honours: Felix the Cat (Anthony Wentworth, Allan Lawrence, Daniel Lawrence, Mathew Wentworth, Jenny Paarman, Sean Leslie, William Edwards)
• Class 2 Line Honours and PHRF: Duette (Sean Wiseman, Dion Milson, Alan Straton)
• Class 3 PHRF: Take Six (Doug Stannard, PJ Murray, Keith Barnes, Matt Gill)
• Class 3 Line Honours: Banjo (Frans, Jamie, Tanya and Francis Loots)
• Pacer 27 East Cape Champion: Felix the Cat (Anthony Wentworth)

My personal highlight: Actually getting to sail with a great bunch of guys on Duette and helping them achieve certain personal stated goals.

My personal lowlight: Watching helplessly as a Class 3 boat with literally hundreds of square kilometres of ocean around it, bore down on the SAPS's Fish Eagle and proceeded to crunch into the side. When last I checked the only time that one is in "Irons" is when you are trying to beat and not on a reach!

ABYC Regatta Highlight: Seeing how a few sponsors can make a great regatta - thank you one and all for the money time and committment to ABYC Week 2009.

* PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a handicapping system used in yacht racing. It allows dissimilar classes of yacht to be raced against each other. The aim is to cancel out the inherent advantages and disadvantages of each class of boats, so that results reflect crew skill rather than equipment superiority.

PHRF is used mainly for larger sailboats of 7 meters and above.

The handicap number assigned to a class of yachts is based on the yacht's speed relative to a theoretical yacht with a rating of 0. A yacht's handicap, or rating, is the number of seconds per nautical mile traveled that the theoretical yacht should be in front of or behind that theoretical yacht. Most boats have a positive PHRF rating, but some very fast boats have a negative PHRF rating. Results are adjusted for handicap by the race committee after all competitors have finished.

Images: ABYC Week 2009.

Why this Seminar will benefit members of SAS and affiliated Clubs and Classes.

Concept:

The Seminar will be conducted as a Discussion Workshop and following the lines of the ISAF International Race Officers seminar.

Goal:

Ensure a good understanding of Race Management

Improvement of the understanding of Race management techniques on a National level and thus give you the skills to play a meaningful role in this field

To give you the proven experience and qualifications to run Racing on a National level and provide you with the knowledge to successfully pass the National Race Officers qualifying exam which is the first step in becoming an accredited National Race Officer

Method:

By participating in the discussion session and reaching consensus on the adaptation of Race management techniques for the particular event.

The use of Case Studies based on actual occurrences will enable you to better understand the techniques required.

A comprehensive set of notes, Questions, Appeal Cases and Case Studies will be provided to all participants. A set of documents comprising answers and actual Appeal Case decisions will also be provided. These will be useful as reference works and in Race Management.

It is recommended that all participants bring along an Exam Pad to take notes and a SAS Rule Book.

Participants are also encouraged to raise their own cases for discussion. Beginners also welcome. Please bring some money for a light lunch on Sunday

National Race Officers Seminar

Venue: ZVYC

Date: 6th and 7th June 2009

Times:
Day 1 - 1400 to 1730, Seminar
Day 2 - 0900 to 1300, Seminar; 1300 to 1400, Lunch; 1400 to 1500, Exam (totally optional)

Presenter: Di Hutton-Squire
WC Race Officers Association, SAS WC Exco
Cell: 082 826 0973

Please reply to Wendy at SAS (saswc[at]sailing.org.za) and please indicate if beginner and if lunch is required.
Telephone (Int +27) 021-671 8669 Fax (Int +27) 021-674 6343

The importance of having communication with family or friends when at sea was once again highlighted recently.

Earlier this month the Mossel Bay Harbour Master contacted the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) in Cape Town about a phone call that he had received from the wife of the skipper regarding an incident off the coast of Madagascar.

The skipper of the yacht had contacted his wife via his SatPhone informing her that his yacht, the Erica, had run aground off the west coast of Madagascar. He was on a life raft with the EPIRB onboard.

The MRCC Cape Town attempted to inform the MRCC Madagascar, however due to language difficulties and equipment failure in Madagascar they could not be contacted. The MRCC contacted the South African embassy in Madagascar who gave them contact details of someone at the Nossi Be yacht club who would be able to assist them in their search and rescue mission. Fortunately there were yachts in the area that immediately headed towards the life raft.

At the same time the South African Embassy staff assisted in mobilizing the Madagascar SAR authorities which dispatched a coastguard vessel to assist the yacht crew. The crew was rescued off the yacht's life-raft which had been tied to a mangrove tree. They were met by the South African embassy staff in Nossi Be, Madagascar.

The Waterfont Stomp to be held on the 9th of May will feature a Jimi Hendrix Tribute by Jack Rabbit Slims. The "Jack Rabbit Slims" formed just two months ago when good friends Rob Thompson (Guitar/Vocals), Bradley Chamen (Bass) and Tim Robinson (Drums/Vocals) decided to start a band and bring a different style of music to the Port Elizabeth music scene. The band is heavily influenced by bands like The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Dan Patlansky Trio, Stevie Ray Vaughn and John Mayer, with Tim bringing his jazz background influence in as well.

Also on the bill will be the Tomboys, The Hazy Shades, The Brink Botha Band, Ian 'Limey' Tenlett and Jurie Smit.

According to organisers the new security rules introduced by the National Port Authority will not inconvenience Waterfront Stomp guests. You can send your name, ID number and motor vehicle registration to info[at]waterfrontstomp.co.za, sms to 0825677404 or fax to 0866953125. This information will be given to the port security which will speed up your entry into the harbour.

The breathalyser tests are only applicable to workers coming into the harbour under the influence of alcohol.

As usual you can bring in your own snacks or make use of the provided braai fires downstairs.

For more information call Anton on 0825677404 or Cliffy on 0828811155.

The 50th Jubilee Committee are looking for sponsors for the ABYC Yearbook.

Julie Murray from A&S Print has provided a form for you to fill in when taking advertising. See below.

I have done a spreadsheet with all the available advertising spaces.

If you can post it on the web and ask people to email me their requests to: julie[at]asprint.co.za

I will need the advert in jpeg format at least 600 dpi or email me a pdf, word document etc.

I will then send confirmation and a proof either by fax or email whichever is preferable.

Get those orders in and DOWNLOAD the FORM.

The late Dave Jackson's Astove 30, Wattoo, will be auctioned on the ABYC Marina on 18 May 2009 from 11:00 a.m. Prospective buyers will be able to view Wattoo on the 7th, 11th and 14th of May between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midday on the Algoa Bay Yacht Club Marina.

Specifications

Overall length: 9.40metres
Beam: 3.05 metres
Draft: 1.6 metres
Displacement: 3500 kg
Date built: 1994
Date launched: 1998
Construction: GRP
Rig: Fractionally rigged sloop

Fittings and equipment

Sails: Full suit in good condition
Winches: Lewmar all round
Steering: Tiller
Engine: 20hp Yanmar diesel driving a 2-blade folding propeller
Batteries: 12 volt system
Fuel & water tanks: Stainless steel
Galley: Gas stainless steel cooker with grill, Stainless steel sink
Accomodation: Sleeps six

* To be auctioned separately: 3 x extra sails, mooring and Raymarine navigator unit

Terms: R10 000 refundable registration fee. Strictly Bank Guaranteed Cheques. No Cash.

Update from Dawne:

The reserve price for Wattoo is R240 000. The extra sails should preferably be sold with the boat because they are made for an Astove like Wattoo. The sails are quite new and in good condition, so we said we would like R5000 for each of the 3. The mooring does not have to get sold, and therefore won't be sold for less than R40 000. (The whole package could go for R295 000).

The South African registered yacht Sea Jade left St Helena Island on 4 April with one crewmember on board. It was bound for either Walvis Bay or Cape Town, depending on the weather. When the yacht was 3 days overdue for its arrival at Walvis Bay, concerned family members reported it to the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) Cape Town.

The MRCC Cape Town broadcast a Safety Net message for all shipping in the area to keep a look out for the Sea Jade.

On Wednesday the 29 April the vessel Amalia observed the Sea Jade adrift at sea 450 miles South of St Helena Island. There were no signs of life onboard.

There was no response to calls on VHF or ships whistle. Due to bad weather the Amalia could not launch a lifeboat to investigate. The MRCC Cape Town instructed the Amalia to stay on the scene until the weather improved and it was safe to board the yacht.

The Captain of the Amalia reported that they had been within 5 meters of the yacht and three attempts had been made to board had been unsuccessful due to worsening weather conditions.

The Captain abandoned further attempts to board the yacht. The crew had thrown objects against the yacht in order to provoke a response but there had been no reaction or any signs of life on the vessel.
Both vessels were rolling heavily, making any attempts to make physical contact extremely difficult and hazardous to the crew.

The Master of the AMALIA requested permission to proceed with their voyage and was released on Friday as the weather conditions was making any attempts to board the yacht extremely hazardous for the crew..

The MRCC Cape Town requested another vessel that was in the area, the bulk carrier Friendly Seas, to proceed to the yacht in the hope that the weather conditions would improve thereby allowing the boarding of the vessel to take place and allow for a search of the yacht. The Friendly Seas arrived at 9.30am on Saturday 2nd MAY.The crew managed to board the yacht and after an extensive search could not find any signs of life onboard. The vessel was released to continue on its voyage and the required navigational warnings were issued.

The family was informed of the situation and they are making arrangements to recover the yacht.

Wednesday 29th April
16h00 to 19h00: Registration
19h00 onwards: Music - Glen Fuller
Food - Pizza (free)

Thursday 30th April
O7h30 to 09h30: Breakfast
Scrambled Egg & Bacon Roll, Coffee: R25-00
Full English Breakfast and Coffee: R40-00
ABYC Week Regatta Sailing

Lunch Packs Available: R30-00
Two rolls with various fillings, Fruit, Chocolate and Liquifruit

19h00 onwards: Music - Errol Cuddembey Trio
Food - Chicken Curry, Salad & Rolls

Friday 1st May
07h30 to 09h30: Breakfasts
Lunch Packs
ABYC Week Regatta Sailing

19h00 onwards: Music - Baakens Valley Bog Trotters Band
Food - Sausage & Mash, Salad & Rolls

Saturday 2nd May
07h30 to 09h30: Breakfasts
Lunch Packs
ABYC Week Regatta Sailing

19h00 onwards: Music - Lindie
Food - Braai, Salad & Rolls

Sunday 3rd May
07h30 to 09h30: Breakfasts
Lunch Packs
ABYC Week Regatta Sailing

PRIZEGIVING

The flag poles on the hard standing recently got entangled in a 'right royal bugger up' with many of the lines strung together like a washing line and one line all entangled in the barbed wire around the marina entrance.

Due North Rum Club stalwart Warrick Owen and mates have now sorted the mess out and restored the lines to ship shape order as befits a yacht club and not a 'Chinese Laundry'.

It is possible that whoever used the flagpoles last got a little bit mixed up and 'forgot' how to cleat and properly secure the lines back in their rightful place.

Members must be circumspect when thinking of hoisting flags, pennants and 'colours' from club flag poles, both on the small hard and on the main mast. Approval must always be sought and after the event, all lines must be left in good order.

Flying flags at half mast - the rules:

* a flag or a pennant must ONLY be lowered to one flag 'height' from the mast head - i.e. the width of the toggled/looped white ribbing, on the pole side of the flag. The flag must be raised to the mast head first and then lowered to the desired height to accomplish this ritual. Contrary to popular belief and as the term applies, the flag MUST NOT be flown half way down the mast, like a naughty boy's rugby socks

* on the occasion of a members passing the club burgee should be lowered thus

* it is ONLY by state decree that the National Flag can be flown at half mast, and then only, usually for one day.

The importance of following safety procedures was highlighted recently when a holidaymaker nearly lost his life off the coast of Knysna whilst on a day fishing trip.

The skipper, on holiday from Johannesburg, left Knysna in the morning for a days fishing. When the sea turned rough a few hours later he phoned his wife to say that he was heading back and would be entering the Knysna Heads at around 11.30am. When he had still not arrived at 2pm his wife alerted the Knysna NSRI that her husband was late.

The skipper, who was not wearing a lifejacket, fell overboard whilst checking his lines. He had left the engine running and when he surfaced he could no longer see the boat. He then spent the next five hours of his life swimming to survive in rough seas 18 nautical miles outside of the Knysna Heads.

When the NSRI received the alert from his wife they informed the Harbour Master at Port Control in Mossel Bay, who requested a fixed wing aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operation.

Four hours from the time of his wife calling the Knysna NSRI, the skipper of the ski boat was found. The ski boat washed ashore on Wednesday at Kraanshoek, east of Knysna.

If it had not been for the fact that the skipper had called his wife and given her an approximate expected time of arrival, his chances of rescue would have been dramatically reduced.

This incident emphasizes the importance of contacting someone with regards to arrival times and location when at sea, even if only for a short fishing trip.

Furthermore, and may be even more important, is the issue of safety at sea in general:

1. Should the incident have happened outside cell phone reception no call would have been possible and since the person fell overboard the other safety aspects are of utmost importance.
2. Not to be alone - take a qualified person with that could have handled the boat and to initiate a rescue straight away.
3. Ensure safety equipment ie lifejacket is worn at all times.
4. Ensure a method to "cry for help" is in place to activate the SAR backup system ie activate an EPIRB; radio call etc. A cell phone cannot be regarded as sufficient at all!!

In this case the survivor may consider himself extremely lucky to be alive and safely back on land.

The importance of serviceable and proper safety equipment is of utmost importance and must not be underestimated! A few miles further away - it may have ended in a (unnecessary) tragedy!

As Hoary Old Salts we often forget just what sailing represents to people who are bitten by the bug.

What invariably happens to the sailor that has spent days crossing the Ocean or hours at a time racing around the cans, is that he or she gathers with his own in a celebration of camaraderie. This makes it difficult for someone to 'break in' to the clique and become part of the 'club'.

Often it takes one small thing to realise just what sailing represents to people falling in love with the sport for the first time.

A recent participant in sailing sent me this image that he designed whilst dreaming about his sailing experiences thus far:

Thanks Edward.

Tell us about your first sailing experience.

Those that heeded the call of the sea for last night's social sail were well rewarded with a gentle north west that created balmy conditions for a sundowner sail.

The full moon in the East and orange red flecked sunset awoke the romantic in the couples on packed Margie.

I did warn Rob, though, that if he allows me to sail with him he would be overrun with transitory beings wanting to experience sailing.

What a joy it was to reminisce with Roy, a Lipton Cup 30 Square Metre sailor from the early 60's. Remember those years? Ships were wooden, men were men and down in New Zealand sheep were still scared!

Darryl has done a sterling job of looking after the Wednesday Evening Social Sail.

As normal, the sail was too short, the Fanta Browns cold and the meal in the Chartroom filling and pleasant. Aaah normality and familiarity how I have missed thee.

The Flag Signal to "Splice the Main Brace!" as flown by the Royal Navy consisted of 4 flags - the Alpha, the Delta, the 2 and the 8.

The great sailing ships of the past were propelled only by the wind in their sails that were attached to spars called "yards". The lines to trim the sails were called "braces", running from the ends of the yards to the deck. On the first rate men-o-war, the main brace was the largest and heaviest of all the rigging, being up to 20-inches in diameter. To splice it was one of the most difficult tasks on board ship. Sometimes in the heat of battle, the braces were shot away making the ship unmanageable. To those that "Spliced the Main Brace!" under these conditions went a double issue of rum.

It became customary to "Splice the Main Brace" before battle, always after victory, and to reward a ship's crew, or sometimes the entire fleet with the order to "Splice the Main Brace!", which meant a double issue of rum for a job well done. The ritual was always preceded by hoisting the flag signal to "Splice the Main Brace!"

In recent times, to fly the signal on a vessel is an invitation to board for free drinks, and to say to a friend, "Let's 'Splice the Main Brace!' is akin to saying, "Let's have a drink"!

The Due North Rum Club, based at ABYC will be flying the Alpha, Delta, 2 and 8 flags from the yards at the club on Saturday 11 April, inviting all to come along and Splice the Main Brace!

Avast Ye Ugly Buggers, look lively and Splice the Main Brace!

This is a novel approach to a sailing event, and fairly simple in its concept, obviously a plan hatched by a laid back cruiser. On a given Saturday once a month a turning mark is identified and off you go.

The start: well, that's up to you as you can start anytime between 11:30 and 14:00, you can even start between 11:30 and 14:00 the next day (Sunday) and off you sail to the turning mark
The Start line: the normal Wednesday start line between the end of the ore berth and the end of the fresh produce quay
The finish: is a transit line between the End of the breakwater and the Port Control Tower 200meters to seaward.
The Object: You take your own elapsed time and then try to improve on it the next time you race the course. No winner, no losers
After the TT: braai fires would be lit bring your own meat.

Well on Saturday 14th March was the inaugural Ngqura TT, with 8 boats on the start line, Struan feinted to starboard and started on Port. Here's the rub although not officially a race, when two boats are in close proximity, one always wants to go faster than the other and voila! a race.

As we watched the fleet behind, the speculation started, Mystic lady has her reacher up and so does "Valiant" (not really) we had mistaken Sky bird's new reacher for Valiant's Orange and red spinnaker.

"Do you think we can carry the bag?"
"Looks a bit tight"
"Well let's stick it up and see?" "If it doesn't work we can always drop it again"
So lines are run and up go the old Red White and Blue, she's holding!! Yippee

A careful watch is kept on the log, as glances are cast astern "I think they are catching us?" Next on the list to find the designated fairway buoy for the new port of Ngqura. Not any one but the starboard closest to the Harbour of PE. No cannot see it but as we get closer so the little pimples are seen floating off the harbour, now which one of those pimple is the right one, "It can't be that one?" "if it is then the kite has to come down". Sadly we douse the kite and start fetching for the mark, the radio crackles into life its Mystic Lady asking us where we are, we informed them that they were eating our rudder dust, then let them know when we rounded the mark that they could not miss it as it is big with red and white stripes (Sorry Phil just could not resist it).

After rounding it was a one tack "fetch" all the way to the finish line. True to form back on the land with a cold beer in hand (one of many) with steak chops an boerewors sizzling on the braai the banter continued and great fun was had by all.

See you at the next Nqgura TT

Derek Bouwer

The last wine tasting at ABYC was very well attended by 'noses', 'posers', 'slukkers' and 'refugees from the papsak'.

In fact I now regret not buying a lot more of the fruit of Bachus as it was so cheap.

Coming up on Monday the 6th of April is another Wine Tasting (Robbie - read that again, please; it says TASTING!).

This one is presented by Obikwa (the Philistine in me is not aware of their wines, so please do not ask) and takes place from 5:30 p.m. in the Chartroom.

Twenty bucks gets you a glass that will allow you to dip into the lake of grape and eats will be provided.

Contact your nearest Dee to secure your seat at the table.

The following update on Benny the ex ABYC Car Guard comes courtesy of Derek:

Last seen March 2009 the Bridge Car park white hat and all.
I do not know what happened to the Benny sosatie stand.

Goooood Evening .............

28th March 2009 - Raft up & Wreck Party
Skippers briefing at 13.30. Raft up off Hobie Beach, swim, spinnaker fly, sleep, sail, chill, sun, socialise and back to the club for a JOL at the Shipwreck party. Music, liquid refreshments, Fish and Chips at R30.00.

11 to 12th April - ABYC Splash Festival Regatta
Saturday planned start: 2:00 p.m. Sunday planned start: 11:00 a.m.

Start from off the Shark Rock Pier. Sail to a mark off near Bird Rock, to Bell Buoy then to either Chanel Mark or Coke Can, then Bell Buoy and Coke Can to Finish.

Starts will happen around every 90 minutes - two on Saturday and probably 3 on Sunday. Courses weather dependent. A duck will be out to move marks to suit weather conditions.

30th April to 3rd May - Algoa Bay Week
The Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions and Entry Form are out. Incorporating Pacer 27 Provincials.

A number of sponsors have come to the fore - Eikos Insurance, Prestige Auto, Xtreme Projects, Trevor Bielby, Eugene Fincham. There is still time to join this illustrious list of supporters - contact the man with the inappropriate surname!

This year we will have the normal T-Shirts given away and subsidised food for hungry sailors.

31st May - NSRI Pursuit Race
The pursuit race will benefit NSRI. More details to follow

27th June - Jubilee Sail Past
You need to be involved - circle your calendar, tattoo your wrist, postpone that wedding or funeral. Dress your boat up in it's finest livery and don't forget yourself. Time to dust off that Great Gatsby suit and boater, shine up the Martini Glasses and cut the crusts off your cucumber sandwiches. Join the Naval Reserves for a brush up on your salute, shine the brass and hand out the Rum Ration.

TBA - Nav Exercise
Cryptic clues, mystery destinations, confusion, fines, fear factor, amazing race - take your pick.

12th Sept - Birthday Dinner Dance

14th Sept - Birthday Party
The actual day that ABYC is OFFICIALLY 50 years old come and blow the candles on your Birthday Cake out.

The 2009 ABYC week has been moved to 30 April to 3 May 2009.

At present we have three sponsors (BUT, are looking for more to join!):

1. Eikos Insurance
2. Prestige Auto
3. Xtreme Projects

Last year's regatta was an unqualified success with lots of coverage in the media and some really memorable sailing.

The challenge this year is to ALL ABYC members to take part and sail.

We have courses planned to suit the different classes:

1. Round the cans for Class 1 and 2
2. No Spinnaker Sailing
3. Bay Furniture for the Cruising Class.

The Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions and Entry Form are available as a pdf download:

1. ABYC Week 2009 Notice of Race
2. ABYC Week 2009 Sailing Instructions
3. ABYC Week 2009 Entry Form

The comments section is open for your input:

The Splash Festival is being held in Port Elizabeth over the Easter Weekend.

ABYC will be holding a regatta on the 11th and 12th of April in support of Port Elizabeth's efforts to promote our town as the Watersports capital of South Africa.

Sailing will start at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. Sunday with the courses set in such a way as to maximise the exposure of sailing to the expected thousands of people on Hobie Beach attending the Splash Festival. The start and finish will be off of Shark Rock Pier.

Please let Alan know if you will be taking part.

It is the intention of the Jubilee Committee to publish a club yearbook which will commemorate this milestone in the history of our club.

To make this a Special Commemorative Issue which reflects the diverse membership and milestones of the club throughout it's 5 decades of existence we ask for your assistance. We appeal to all club members to look through their old photograph albums and scrapbooks for any memorabilia which could be used in the yearbook.

We also intend to set up notice boards at the club which will regularly be updated and which will be used to display copies of any interesting articles, photo's and information about the club which you send us.

If you have anything of interest which you think we could use - please take it to the club and leave it at the office in an envelope clearly marked with your name. We will make copies and then return it to you.

Thank you for your assistance.

Elaine Wentworth

Well done to Chris Grylls, for a stunning logo!

Most marine forecasts give you a generalised wind forecast in the morning or the afternoon. PredictWind shows wind weather updates every hour, with a wind speed and direction map for your entire local area. The detail you can see in the marine forecast can help you plan your trip or possibly win your next yacht race.

In February of this year ABYC will be running the first of the long distance races from Port Elizabeth to Mossel Bay.

After the successful Youth Nationals held in Mossel Bay over December 2008, Rob Holden and his team are excited to once again host the finish of the revived PE to MBay race.

I know that my Longhair is quite keen to take part in the race which indicates to me that organiser, Pietro Bocchi is most certainly on the right track with his desire to introduce longer distances into the sailing calendar.

To that end, a meeting of ALL interested Boat Owners is being held on Thursday the 15th of January @ 17h30. You are invited to attend or send a representative should you wish to take part.

If you are looking for a berth or looking for crew for the Port Elizabeth to Mossel Bay Race then please leave your name and number in the comments section.