As my first time to the Witbank Mpumalanga Championships I was very impressed with the enthusiasm that everyone had in getting ready for an 11.00 h start. With the average travelling time about an hour and a half Witbank is just around the corner for most of us. The cool start to the day soon evaporated with a cup of hot chocolate at the local Engen garage and then it was over bumps and around circles, 12 to be precise to get to the waters edge. Things happened quickly and efficiently and in no time 12 boats were on the water and the grounds of the club became an instant campsite!
11.00 was the official start time and no time was lost!

The race officer had the marks down and the first gun of 5 races sounded. The breeze was, as the girls would describe, pleasant, the sun was shining and the challenge began. The finish gun sounded like a machine gun on occasions as the boats were so close. The juniors on Paguro almost managed a first in race 4. They led this race from the start, only to be beaten by the wise head of Ewald, by 1 or 2 seconds, on the finish line. Rounding the first and second mark proved interesting at times as ‘Who really did have water on who?’ The only two boats to officially challenge this were Davidoff and Laugh a Minute both of whom were convinced they were right!
After 5 great races as the results tell, it was refreshment and shower time The braai fires were lit, braai packs available and delicious salads there for the taking. In true J fashion a fun evening and surprising orderly evening was had by all.

Sunday dawned with the temperature lower than most would like but wind that the ‘boys’ were thrilled about. The racing was energetic and challenging but the steady wind was a pleasure after what most had recently experienced at Harties. One casualty on Je Suis had his knee stitched at the local hospital, the rest of us were a little bruised and muscle sore after the 3 races. We were all grateful that it had been agreed that 3 races in the morning would be followed by a fun race up the gorge in the afternoon.

Fun races are just that, so a few boats including the Chairman himself opted out half way and retired to the Witbank Club House for a few ales! The trip up the gorge was interesting and fun but hard work so the delicious meal that evening was most welcome. The new J22 rugby jerseys helped ward off the cold and the party began.
Sunday racing started in a good stiff breeze but slowly faded so after 2 races the race officer called it a day. As quickly as boats went into the water they came out, the campsite disappeared and prize giving began.

Congratulations to Ewald, Steve and Donovan on Hakahana for his first place. Deservedly so.

Second place to Graham, Ron and Shaun on Us n’ J and third to Wild Card sailed by Alex, Greg and Rob. All places were all hotly contested for as the results show. 5 of the 10 boats managed a first place and 6 of them a second place and only 4 points separating 2nd to 6th place explains it all. Our juniors on Paguro with Dylan, JJ and Spencer gave the old hands a run for their money well done boys!

Our sincere thanks for the sponsorship by Davidoff Cool Water, the hospitality of Witbank Yacht Club, Bernie and the catering staff, Anne and the bar crew.

To those of you who opted out - BIG MISTAKE - this has to be a definite on your J calendar so we hope to see you in 2010.