Chetty (12) a dinghy winner
IT IS THE best time to be out at sea when the wind is pumping.
That is according to Ozwen Chetty, a 12-year-old sailor, who has produced some polished performances while riding his dinghy in local and international regattas.
Thankfully for Ozwen, his next big assignment, the RS Terra World Championships, scheduled for later this month, will be at a venue well known for its windy conditions.
This week-long regatta for the RS Terra Class (2.3m dinghy with a single sail), which will be hosted for the first time in South Africa, is scheduled for Sedgefield, Knysna.
The event has drawn the interest of 65 entrants from 15 countries.
But with the waters of Sedgefield being a favoured sailing venue for Ozwen, his confidence is soaring and he is expecting an improvement on last year’s effort in the same event.
On that occasion, in London, the Point Yacht Club sailor finished in 44th position, while up against 125 other competitors.
While Ozwen was not able to achieve a podium finish in England, he inspired the race organisers to hand him special recognition for his pleasant demeanour and good manners, a first for the event.
The World’s Friendliest Sailor, award was handed to Ozwen during the prize giving ceremony.
“Last year was great but I’m planning to do much better this time. I’m aiming for a top 10 finish,” said Ozwen.
“I’m confident because my sailing skills are improving all the time. The event is being held in local conditions and Sedgefied has a reputation of producing strong winds,” said the Grade 6 Clifton Preparatory School (Morningside) pupil.
He loves it when his boat skims quickly, even though the strong winds can prove to be daunting for others. “It doesn't faze me. I enjoy the rough stuff.”
Ozwen went through the mandatory qualifying process to earn the right to represent his country after good showings at the provincial and national events late last year.
In February he took second place in a Grand Prix series, comprising four separate events, by proving his consistency in a competition that traversed various venues. The talented sailor has huge aspirations.
“I hope to race in the world famous Volvo Ocean Race some day and perhaps claim a gold medal at the Olympic Games”.
While Ozwen continues to make waves in the world of sailing, his allround academic and sporting prowess, away from sailing, has also been recognised.
About two weeks he ago he returned from another trip to England. He went to Surrey as part of a student exchange programme.
He also features for Clifton in rugby, water polo and swimming, in their respective teams. Ozwen is full of praise for his parents, Calvin and Romita, for their support. He rates swimming sensation Chad Le Clos as his sporting hero. The winners in the Invitational Section of the recent Old Mutual International Pairs Regional Final at Mount Edgecombe were Adrian Thenadu and Reggie Perumal, members of the Central Durban Golf Club. They won after a two-hole playoff against Santosh Maharaj and Raveen Maharaj. The pair now go to the national final at Zebula Golf Estate in Gauteng in August. The public relations officer for Central Durban Golf Club, Sunny Singh, said Thenadu and Perumal played their hearts out and no-one could have beaten them. The winners of the national final will play in the international final at St Andrew’s Golf Estate in Scotland from October 6 to 9. Pictured: Reggie Perumal, left, Sunny Singh and Adrian Thenadu.