Age no barrier for Durban duo sailing off to Sylt races
TRYING out a new golf course is about as adventurous as some men in their 60s get, but for two Durban locals, age is no barrier to sporting extremes.
Just weeks ago, Robbie EdouardBetsy, 68, completed his 29th Comrades Marathon, and in August he and his sailing partner Garth Loudon, 56, will jet off to the German island of Sylt to compete in the Hobie 16 World Cat regatta.
It will be the first time they have competed in the exclusive event. They are the only South African team taking part.
Organising body ProSail selected nine teams from across the world to participate. The competitors were chosen according to their national ranking and the results of world and continental championships. The six-day regatta starts on August 8.
Edouard-Betsy, who is also a keen cyclist, says he never does things “halfway”.
“Some guys out there are much older than me and they know what they’re doing. Experience is on their side. When you’re in your 20s you’re young and strong but you don’t have enough experience.”
As excited as the two are, they admit the event will be challenging.
“Six days of racing in the North Sea can be very harsh. Our sailing skills and endurance are going to be tested to the limit,” says Loudon, who has been sailing for more than 40 years.
The duo met 30 years ago while sailing off Vetch’s Beach in Durban and have been sailing together ever since, with Loudon as skipper.
“Racing is very physical in strong wind and rough sea conditions and the younger sailors have an advantage,” says Loudon, who is chairman of the Hobie Cat Class Association of South Africa.
“We both do a lot of cross-training involving cardio and strength SAILMATES: Garth Loudon and Robbie Edouard-Betsy competing in a Hobie 16 competition off Durban last winter workouts to keep fit and control our weight before a major regatta.”
Before heading off to Germany, Loudon will also compete in the Hobie 14 world championship in the Netherlands next month.
Sean Fennessy, former chairman of the Hobie Cat Class Association, said people in their 40s, 50s and 60s could still be very competitive. “We have a fleet of competitors in Durban. The youngest is 15 and the oldest about 80. Skill is a combination of age, experience and fitness.
“I have known Robbie and Garth for more than 30 years. It’s a real honour for them to be invited. It’s very prestigious.”