What a regatta.....what a finish....
Hats off to Witbank Yacht and Aquatic Club for hosting a bumper regatta deserving of it's National status. Hats off too to our sponsors for having the vision to support a class which has proven itself as a perfect nursery for future Springboks. Thirty Boats on the start line...... not many classes can boast that entry.
E.T. Wins a tightly fought battle with Odin's Eye, whilst Guess Who battles Mickey for 3rd..
Herbie and Gerrie sailed out of their skins to steal the Championship out of Tony and Jason's grip in the last race of the regatta. Up to this stage, it was Odin's Eye all the way as Tony and Jason sailed consistently well in tricky conditions which even confounded the locals. John Bruckman and his crew had to fight tooth and nail to hold onto 3rd as Mickey sailed into contention.
Finds of the regatta have to be Mike Dann and his crew, on a borrowed Hunter, who sailed very competitively, and of course Spazzymoto continues to serve notice.... wait until they have a new suit of sails....!!
At the AGM, on Sunday evening, it was decided after a vote, to run the KZN Provincials Offshore... lets hope the 17 people who voted FOR put their money where their mouths are, eh?... and support the event. Sailing offshore can be fantastic fun.... Jessica has been given the green light to organise next year's Nationals at a Club of her choice... and all dates basically remain as they are.
Technically, it was decided that blades with full length top battens are permitted but not mandatory, but that barberhaulers on the Blade are outlawed. It was also agreed to amend the rules to accommodate the new Hunter Mast section.
Our new Chairman, is Colin Hay, a dedicated Hunter sailor who can be relied on totally to drive the class whilst retaining it's attractions, and Jessica Lenz was revoted as our Treasurer, with Sandy Ostendorf as Secretary again.. Well done you guys and gals.
War Stories abound, mainly relating to the travelling to and from the regatta.. Midmar boats alone suffered 4 tyre failures, and two wheel bearing failures....... one resulting in a hunter having to be trailed home on a low-bed at considerable cost.
On the Lighter side... after a good party, at 3am one quiet morning, one nameless hunter sailor was heard by all camping in the vicinity of his tent , serenading his lady.... promises of unimaginable acts of love were promised, all of this over his cell phone. Just what this produced for the luckless sailor makes one wonder, being that the call was made in the middle of the night. Ah well, it's great to hear that romance is alive and well in the Hunter Fleet! |
