A mixture of wind conditions prevailed over the annual North West Keel Boat championships held at Transvaal Yacht Club over the past two weekends.
Although a twenty one strong fleet sailed out to the start line on Saturday afternoon 13 February, not a single race was sailed due to lack of wind. On Sunday, the next morning, there was a complete turnaround in gusty conditions with many boats starting with too much sail area causing over powering and a struggle to finish the first race. Nubee skippered by local sailor, Les Faber, broke their rudder in the second race causing his crew to limp home for repairs and miss the third race too.
A total of five races were held over day two with TYC Graham Baker on Us ‘n J commanding the lead ahead of other local sailors and nine teams from the Vaal dam.
Weekend two was greeted by fair winds and a well laid course on the Saturday afternoon. Two races were sailed adding to a total of seven races, which would be the sum for the whole regatta. On the final Sunday, not a breath of wind could be found. Race officer, Ronnie Gurnell, sounded the three sound signals at 12H30 to indicate racing was abanded for the day. Prize giving was called soon afterwards. Graham Baker on a J22, Us ‘n J was declared overall winner. Randolph Verheij on a Mistral finished second, while Reinhold Antweiler on J22 Schmetterling 2 took the third podium position.
The J22 class was won by Baker, second was Antweiler and Dave Scorey sailing Davidoff Cool Water took third position.
Randolph Verheij skippered Lisa to a watertight win in the Mistral class, followed by Noel Abendroth at the helm of Freude, while Les Faber on Nubee and his crew claimed third place.
