THERE was a positive vibe at Zululand Yacht Club (ZYC) on Saturday night when the intrepid crews that took part in the 32nd annual Inhaca Island cruise race celebrated their successes… and failures.
ZYC rear offshore commodore Kobus Bruwer and his race committee secretary/wife Maritza steered the evening’s proceedings, which included a fascinating video presentation on events that took place on the island. These included depictions of outreach work as ZYC donations of clothing and soccer balls were shared among the children amid the fun and games enjoyed before the race itself, which started on Easter Friday.
“We want to give this aspect of the event much bigger prominence in future as there is great need there, especially among the children,” said Kobus.
“It will also strengthen our relationships and make us even more welcome on the island.” He told what he termed the ‘valiant voyagers’ that the camaraderie the event provided was as important as the racing
itself as it highlighted the spirit of the adventure.
“Of course it could not be done without sponsors and we must thank title sponsor W Port Operations – Wikus van der Merwe, as well as Mathco Restauranté Tropical and dbDesign, who were responsible for media and artwork.”
Line honours and ultimate first place in the race went to the boat Maya, on its maiden voyage after being built by the Olivier family, while monohull line honours went to the speedy CFM II skippered by veteran sailor and avid Inhaca race participant Nigel Milln.
Despite the boats Astral and Peregine having to turn back and abandon the race, they more than made up for it by managing social and outreach issues. Didi and Elmans van Wyk (left) literally got on the bus and spent time assisting on the island, while Wesley and Dorothy Botha put in a lot of effort to gather donations for the community. ZYC commodore Brent Craig gave them a big carrot for their troubles
The Fin-Tastic Fishermen award went to the crew of the yacht Micah, who caught plenty of fish along the route and at the island: Jose Mandane, Craig Webster and skipper Mike French. Crew members Debbie Christie and Noel French missed the boat for the photo shoot
Sailing their maiden voyage in a self-built boat, the family crew aboard Maya took line honours and were declared winners of Inhaca Race 2024, in the process receiving the Rooky Royalty, Handicap Heroes, and Aid Ahoy awards. Toasting their success are Shirley, Shane, Gary and Jason Olivier with ZYC commodore Brent Craig
CFM II raced away to monohull line honours: Ari Kanskoski, skipper Nigel Milln, Skyler Bates, Wesley Ashenden and Russel James, while crew members Trevor Hullleman, Herman Scutte and Christopher James missed the party Dave Savides
Silver
The Silver Sailors Party Boat award went to the festive crew of Chain: Mellonie Horn, Rob Banwell, Michelle Banwell and skipper Andre Venter
Zip Hempel and skipper Craig Butcher from the boat Rambler received an award for participating, as well as the Dinghy Dilemma prize for the worst dinghy
Kobus and Maritza Bruwer put together an excellent programme of informative entertainment at the lively prize-giving function
Dale Doust aboard Shiloh kept the best journal and received the Logbook Legends award