23 November 2004

The second event in the KZN Grand Prix Series was held at HMYC, Midmar this weekend 20th & 21st October 2004. Despite most Youth Sailors being involved in exams there was a good turnout of 11 Optimists and a strong fleet of 25 Lasers. The winds on Saturday were variable in strength and direction but averaged around 8 to 12 knots from the South West. Bridge Crew Rob Walker & Judy Gray set 2 races in the morning and three in the afternoon under overcast skies. Dave & Jean Wagner laid out the course which involved several changes but gave excellent races of 40 minutes each.

Top Optimist skipper Rudy McNeill shared line honours with 'man of the match' Sam Hancock. Sam went overnight in top slot with a narrow one point margin over Rudy. Emma Walker gave both these sailors a run for their money nailing down three 2nds in the five races. In the Youth Laser fleet Aaron Larkens was clearly untouchable getting a straight string of firsts. Second place was secured by Michael Bissett and third position overnight was occupied by HMYC's Luke Wagner. The racing was of a high technical standard and these youngsters are commended on the way they tackled the not so easy to read conditions. The Senior Lasers were dominated by Daniel Larkens with Andy Gray backing him up. Though Andy let Steve Martin slip through once in the last race of the day. Steve Martin had to be content with third overall.

Social activities on Sat evening included a braai and Bingo.

Sunday started off benignly enough with a moderate North Easterly. Racing got underway early with Rudy getting another 1st in the Opti fleet. David Leigh repeated his earlier form getting another second place which was enough to send Sam down to Rudy by one point overall. Positions in the Youth Lasers were also changed when Bryan Martin scored a second followed by Jean-Marc George. This put Jean-Marc and Luke Wagner overall tied on points but the count back saw Jean-Marc ahead of Luke. Michael Bissett however retained his 2nd overall. In the seniors Andy Gray rattled Daniel Larkens cage, forcing him to eat some dust!

Just after the first triangle of the second race a huge 25 knot gust swept down on the fleet building a fierce chop in a matter of minutes. At one stage 15 Lasers were upside down and two Optimists!! Fearing the worst the Race Officer abandoned and sent the fleet home in a hurry. Several rescues had to effected and the race crew had their hands full.

With the onset of rain further racing was cancelled.