Newsletter 4 – November 2024

Commodore’s Report September 24

Only 55 shopping days left before Christmas! Where has the year gone? However, before then, there is still much to look forward to at SBYC. An interesting development is that although numbers attending specific events tend to be slightly down than what was the case in the past, there are now more of them. The net result is that the club is always busy and not just one or sometimes two weekends per month.

An encouraging aspect is also the growth in new younger (below 50) and enthusiastic members. Many of these being parents who are joining as family members as the result of their offspring initially joining the SBYC Academy. Some are from sailing backgrounds and others are completely new to the sport. Many are already actively involved in subcommittees and adding value to club activities. This bodes well for our future sustainability.

The highlight of October must be the donation by the NSRI of our own dedicated SBYC rescue and service vessel. This is just one of the rewards that has resulted from the dedicated hard work that our main committee and the academy subcommittee have contributed towards the growth in dinghy sailing and sail training in general. Words cannot express our appreciation to Cleeve Robertson and his colleagues at NSRI for this generous gift. Also thank you to retired Admiral Koos Louw for facilitating.

Word is rapidly spreading amongst cruisers that Saldanha Bay is once again an official “Port of Entry”. Of the 70 cruisers on their way to SA during the month of October 17 have already indicated that they will be leaving from Saldanha. We are working hard to make sure that their stay on the West Coast will be a pleasant one and meeting the particular needs of cruisers. It is our job to ensure that a positive report is spread internationally amongst this community.

Standby for November and I look forward to seeing all the old and new friends at the club.

Peter

Sailing report

October was busy on the sailing front with cruises, races, training sessions and parties abounding. The Mykonos cruise/race was a wonderful experience. In spite of boat numbers limited to eight, as a result of Mykonos being busy with marina maintenance, a record number of 32 people were piled onto the available craft and raced across to Mykonos. The race was a pursuit format and although Blazin was first to arrive at Mykonos, only one entrant made the official finish line. The finish was between the breakwater and entrance to the marina with only Paragon entering under sail, tacking and sailing out again. Well done to Craig for this demonstration of courage and seamanship! A great deal of fun was had by all.

November is going to be even busier with scheduled events such as our own SBYC Dinghy Regatta, The West Coast Offshore and the “Carol Middleton Memorial Around the Island Race” to look forward to.

Saldanha Bay and the SBYC brand is growing fast and establishing itself as a venue for dinghy events. In addition to the WC Dinghy Championships to be held in April next year, another prestigious event, the 29er Nationals, has now been added to the list. The event is scheduled to take place at the beginning of May 25.

Let’s go sailing!

Academy report 25 October 2024

The SBYC Academy was well represented at this years Tour de Vlei event, hosted by Vogelvlei Yacht club during October. SBYC had 9 boats entered (only one less than the hosts) and they all finished the race with some excellent results by Sean Kavanagh and Juvhan Trotske.

This was a brilliant all round learning opportunity for the Academy committee, sailing members and supporters. It takes good team work and communication to travel with a small fleet of 6 boats, to camp, to race and to keep everyone well fed! Well done and thank you to you all.

We welcome Christo-Louis Rust, a SAS certified dingy instructor who joined the Academy training team in October. With his vast knowledge and experience in dinghy sailing and racing, we know that his expertise will enhance our existing offering and ensure that SBYC will indeed be a force to be reckoned with on the dinghy sailing scene!

Social News! October 2024

I can’t believe we are only a month and a half away from Christmas….. WHAAAT!!!!

We kicked off with the race to Mykonos in the second week, Spring Series 1, with everyone taking part rewarding themselves with a delicious lunch at Cape Town Fish Market. Upon returning to SBYC, members and guests were greeted with wunderbar touch of German hospitality at our Oktoberfest evening. With a crowd as lively as a Bavarian beer hall, everyone clinked their steins savoured Bockwurst and indulged in the finest strudel and enjoying each other’s company. Prost to good times and even better company!

FFD to the last weekend of October >>>>>>>

We started our Saturday with the second race to our Spring Series and had a great social at the club in the evening with a hint of Halloween at the club. We had a slow start to the evening, but as darkness fell, more members crawled out of their cabins to join in the fun, like bats emerging from their caves. Fires were blazing, drinks were flowing music was great and the dancing was so much fun. My back and legs did not agree with the last statement the next morning.

Who new that an evening that started out so quiet could end in such raucous laughter and memorable moments. Who’s ready for the next adventure?

Keep a look out on our social media pages as well as WhatsApp groups for next months events. 

9 Nov 24: Spring series 3 Overnight at Oudepos

23 Nov 24: Carol Midddleton around the island race

Till next month. Toodles…….

“Here’s to nights that turned into mornings and friends that turned into family.”