It's been quite a weekend.

The first day started overcast and by the time everybody had got sorted out the wind had dropped away to nixt rather than coming through as expected. Race 1, Day 1 was a drifter with the Oppies getting off the start line kiting downwind in 1 to 3 knots of a very variable puff. So much so that the RO shortened course and there were boats ghosting across the finish line from both directions!! Race 2 was not that much better though with more wind but shifting so that it was a bit of a soldiers course.

Saturday the main fleet (Multihulls, Fireballs and Open Class) got in 5 races while the Oppies who forced a general in race 5 only got in 4. The sun was out, sort of, and the wind stronger nearly up to 10-12 knots at times. The last race finished after 18h00 and it is the only time I've seen a sunset clause in the sailing instructions being taken seriously! But we had wind!

Sunday dawned wet and damp with very little of the necessary to start a race which gave bedraggled campers time to get the moisture going! Three races were got in before the cut off last race not after 13h00. Wind was coming through in puffs which gave those like Brett Stirk who could read them a huge advantage.

It was for me, disappointing not to see a bigger Oppie turnout given that the two Provincials (Northvaal & KZN) immediately before Nationals will be on a similar dam setup and the Nationals themselves which have been mooted for this same venue. I think the experience gained would have been very beneficial. Also, there were only three Africans squad sailors getting in the all important 'big' fleet startline practice. Every, yes, every, coaching report on the performances of SA Teams at international events has lamented the poor starting ability of the SA sailors in big fleets.

Brett Stirk walked way with a 1st, to win Border Gold. Josh Saunders bagged a very consistent 2nd, with Vincenzo De Gennaro from PYC third, there only being 8 points difference. Sam Hancock and Claire Walker from HMYC took 4th & 5th with 4 points difference. Young Ian Stirk and Emma Walker (HMYC) went to a double tie break with Ian taking it with a 3rd in race 4 compared to Emma's 3rd in race 8! The second 'group' even though being a lot further and well separated from this batch in terms of points had their own fun and close racing. We look forward to them giving the leaders a run for their money soon.

For KZN Junior sailing it was pleasing to see all four sailors in single digits and I hope this will set the future pattern!!

Rob Walker