Home-grown welcome for international yachties
ZULULAND Yacht Club (ZYC) hosted the World Arc Rally in true Zululand style last week.
The fleet, which was almost decimated by Covid-19 en route to our coast, arrived in their magnificent boats from 20 November.
The World ARC is the third biggest yacht race to visit South African shores after the Volvo Ocean Race and the Clipper Round the World Race.
ARC sailors have been regular visitors to uMhlathuze since the first edition of the rally in 2008, and it is visits like these that ZYC describes as 'extra special' and definitely a feather in the cap of our mayor and our city.
The fleet is made up of nationalities from all over the world, competing in various legs set out by the organisers.
The Indian Ocean usually lives up to its reputation as being hostile, and this time was no different as the fleet contested the treacherous leg between the island of Réunion and Richards Bay.
Skippers and crew reported huge waves and several squalls during the passage but, gratefully, no serious injuries or damage.
The arrival of the ARC fleet is regarded as a massive boost for the region as they spend vast amounts of foreign capital in and around uMhlathuze during their stay.
Their prize-giving ceremony was a treat of Zulu dancers, local cuisine tastefully prepared by Jaco Peters (aka the big guy with the big spoon), while musical entertainment for the evening was, once again, a masterclass performance by home-grown maskandi outfit Qadasi, comprising David Jenkins and Maqhinga.
The ARC fleet was pleased with the welcome and hospitality they received at ZYC, as well as the public in and around the Bay.
As a token of their appreciation, a signed ARC banner was handed over to the club.
The fleet proceeded south to Cape Town.