Shipshape regatta for young EL sailors

THE East London Yacht Club sent four of its young sailors to compete in the 42nd Coca-Cola Inter-schools Regatta at Redhouse Yacht Club on the Swartkops River near Port Elizabeth at the weekend.

According to sailing coach Wayne de Klerk, this was the perfect location for tightly contested races along the long, narrow Swartkops River.

“Camping on the Redhouse Yacht Club grounds provided an awesome experience for competitors and parents alike,” De Klerk said.

“It was the perfect learning environment for fine-tuning those neverending list of skills required to be the best sailors they can be,” he said.

De Klerk said all of the young sailors started sailing less than a year ago and he was extremely proud to be part of the National Sail Training Programme, using their methods of teaching and achieving such great results.

“Our sailors really thrived in the stillwater conditions and confidence levels were high. They are used to launching their boats in dumping waves and heading straight out to sea from their training grounds alongside the Orient Pier at the entrance to the Port of East London,” he said.

The yacht club is also home to the flagship Waves for Change surf therapy programme which helps about 250 young vulnerable children. As part of the therapy these kids are also introduced to other sports and programmes.

“I have been asked to assist with training some of these kids, but due to a lack of boats this has been impossible until now. I am so excited that the Redhouse Yacht Club decided to loan us seven boats and a trailer which will help us grow sailing and assist the Waves for Change,” De Klerk said.

He said the results were even more encouraging and that watching the young sailors compete from the banks of the Swartkops River was great fun for the adults as well.

Keegan Martheus from Kidd’s Beach Primary School came first and Troy du Plooy from Grens Primary School second in the Optimist Class.

Luke Hartwanger from Selborne Primary School came second in the Optimist Novice Class and Kanya Stofile from Stirling High School fourth in the Laser Class. THE results after a good night’s racing at Border Stock Cars last Friday March 9.

Driver of the day went to Cherne Marais.