Sailing season opens in style

THE new sailing season was ushered in, in spectacular fashion at the Zululand Yacht Club (ZYC) on Sunday.

The colourful event was enhanced by the presence of City of uMhlathuze Speaker Tobias Gumede, who enjoyed the spectacle from aboard the NSRI Station 19 flagship ‘Spirit of Richards Bay’.

The occasion began with the traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony, conducted by Mission to Seafarers chaplain Mark Classen on the theme of ‘Anchors in Life’.

This was followed by the hoisting of the national and

ZYC flags by the 1st Richards Bay Sea Scouts.

A fleet of vessels, ranging from large sailing yachts to small boats, then made its way from the Steel Bridge area of Mzingazi Canal towards Pelican Island, where new ZYC commodore Kirsten Schreuder stood on the bow of the Sea Rescue boat to take the salute from passing crews.

As tradition would have it, the armada returned armed with friendly missiles, including balloon bombs, water cannons and buckets to ensure the commodore – as well as their opposition crews – received a thorough soaking. It promises to be a super summer sailing season, which will include a new business league and plenty of opportunities for development sailing, not to mention the tourism boost as international yachts again arrive at the popular club.

Photos: Dave Savides The formalities over, it’s full-on war between the boat crews

‘Ocean Music’ Accompanied by City Speaker Tobias Gumede, ZYC commodore Kirsten Schreuder salutes to acknowledge the crew of the yacht

Mission to Seafarers chaplain Mark Classen presided at the ‘Blessing of the Waters’ ceremony