In Durban the conditions for the PYC Easter Regatta were exceptional with four days of moderate northeasterly winds and fairly big swells.

This is dinghy sailing at its best, relatively tough upwind conditions and outrageous downwind legs. The surfing was just outstanding, there really is nothing better than launching a dinghy down those easterly swells, especially by the fourth day of the regatta when they have got seriously big! While the winds were moderate, never getting above 18-knots in strength, the big swells made the conditions a lot more rugged than they might have been. Certainly sailing upwind was quite hard work and the less serious sailors often seemed happy to have done enough once two races were over. The fleets were definitely a lot smaller by the third race of each day.

Some 65 odd boats entered the regatta with a wide variety of classes taking part. This just goes to show how popular this event is and what a major fixture it should be on the sailing calendar. With the Sprogs, 505's and Hobie 16's holding their KZN Champs during this regatta it was sad to see that only the Hobie 16's made class with the Sprogs and 505's falling short with 9 entries in each class. There was however a good turnout of Lasers and with a handful of other boats, 29ers, Flying Fifteens, Tornados and others the fleet was large and colourful.

Race officer Terry Flynn, who must have the strongest stomach in Africa to be able to sit on the committee boat for four days in those conditions, set good courses and started on time each day. With big swells rolling in it was a good thing that the tide was low in the mornings, exposing Vetch's and making launching a good deal easier than it would have been later in the day. Other than the Hobie guys the rest were probably a little rusty in their offshore skills. Offshore Durban has to be one of the best dinghy sailing venues in the world and we really don't take the advantage of it that we should.

Those of you who left kit down at the beach site, and there is a fair bit of it including quite a flash trapeze harness and what looks like some 505 sails, can contact Ed Page on 082 422 8464 to arrange to get it all back! The results tell the real story of what happened and you can see the full results for each of the classes by hitting the link below.