Up Coming Events

Sailing KZN are pleased to announce that plans for a Sailing KZN Mauritius to Durban Ocean Race are fairly well advanced. Sailing KZN's own Dave Claxton, organiser of the Vasco da Gama and Chairman of the Sailing KZN Oceanic Committee, is Race Organiser.

At a recent special Sailing KZN Executive meeting, Dave tabled an exciting proposal which was accepted and put into immediate action. Discussions have been held with potential sponsors and things look positive. As the event requires enormous organising leadtime, it is pencilled in for Septermber 2005. This gives all the parties involved time to plan properly.

The executive is aware that the race is planned to take place only 4 months or so prior to the proposed 2006 Cape to Rio Race, however for reasons of impetus, ideal lead-time and sponsorship requirements , it is felt that four months is sufficient time for a serious racing team to participate in the Mauritius to Durban, and still get to Cape Town in time for the Cape to Rio.

The amount of interest in the Race has startled Dave , who sent out a "teaser" in a recent Vasco da Gama email newsletter. He received phone calls from Cape Town and Gauteng within 15 minutes of sending out the email. Contacts from a New Zealand party, new to sailing in our waters, has since been received.

Preparatory meetings have already been held with a number of local yachtsmen and organisers of previous Mauritius to Durban races in order that Sailing KZN is as prepared as possible for the task ahead. Dave intends making as much use of local expertise as possible, and in so doing organise a Race of very high standard, one which will catch the imagination of Southern Africa's best.

Dave leaves for meetings with Mauritius partners and Government departments before the end of the month, as it is crucial for him to have a list of their requirements before the final green light is given in terms of Sponsorships and local arrangements.

If you have a comment, a suggestion or something to offer, Dave would be interested in hearing from you. You can either contact Dave on his email at function@iafrica.com , or contact Sandy at Sailing KZN on sailsa@hit.co.za.

Nautical Nomads Sailing - Sterkfontein 25 / 26 October 2003
Discounted entries for the all class regatta to be held at Sterkfontein close on 10 October 2003
* Chalets are still available
* Ample camping facilities
* Catering has been arranged
* NSRI have indicated a rescue service
* The regatta will be filmed and planned for Supersport
* Amazing prizes - ASA 101 Basic keelboat course over 4 days
- Five day holiday at SA's Top resorts for up to six persons
- Floating trophy's and more.
* Saturday night function with bar service and entertainment.

Still need to enter ?
- Get the NOR HERE
- or contact sheger@mweb.co.za
- Steve 0825554533
- Gavin 0824476479
- Fax 031 7025525

For those yachties who do not know about Sterkies: It is situated 10 km outside Harrismith on the Olifantshoek pass. The dam is 100% full and an incredible place to sail with generally good winds. Make sure your boats are sea worthy and bring warm sailing gear! Be there....

The recently promulgated Small Vessel Safety Regulations are going to mean some big changes for sailors and boat owners alike around South Africa. It has become clear recently that very few sailors actually know what is going to change and how it is going to affect them. South African Sailing have, during the course of 2003, issued 8 Bulletins detailing these changes and other vital information that they felt the need to get out to the sailors. It seems to me that they havent been entirely effective though as not many people have actually got to read them. In the interests of informing the nations sailors and boat owners Smooth Sailing has got hold of and published all 8 Bulletins on this web site. It is worth taking the time to read them as they not only show a lot of what SAS does for us but also contain some very important information.

The Durban Sailing Calendar for the 2003/2004 season has been finalised. Download your copy HERE.

The Point Yacht Club Keelboat Committee, in conjunction with Professional Yachtmaster Training, have arranged further sessions of their popular Durban Operators Certificate course and Coastal Skippers' Course to be held in October. Registration for the courses takes place in the Anchorage, PYC Clubhouse, on Tuesday, 14th October, at 18h00. Full details are on the notices boards of all clubs and can be also be obtained by contacting Rory Simpson (031 767 4803/082 808 8019) or Errol Rutherford (031 563 0900/083 566 8857)."

After an absence of 20 years short the South Star One - Two Short Handed Race is being resurected. The race, which is set to start on the 29th of November, will take the fleet from False Bay to the island of St Helena. The race is open to all IRC Rated yachts 9 meters of length or greater, crewed by either one or two persons. The Notice of Race for this event is posted on our Notices of Race page while you can view the promotional race posted by clicking HERE.