The rain that we have been experiencing lately managed to hold off and we were able to sail the 36" Shipmate KZN Championships in dry conditions on Saturday afternoon. The event was held at the Duzi home of the Maritzburg Radio Yacht Club and attracted 15 entries in spite of the Rugby.

The Regatta started with a minutes silence in memory of the tragic death of John Whitehead and his wife in a car accident on Thursday night. John was the Commodore of the Port Elizabeth Radio Boat Club and they will find it difficult to find someone who will put so much into the sailing in the Eastern Cape. John had just participated in the Radio Controlled Nationals held at Riet Vlei. He had only been home a few days when he travelled to George on Thursday to finalise details of a Regatta he was organising in George to get the Western Cape and Eastern Cape together. The tragic accident happened on the way home.

The wind was extremely light but always just there until the 7th and last race when it died completely and only six yachts finished the race. This race caused havoc and the results were turned upside down. Racing was extremely close with four different skippers winning races.

The top places were as follows:

1 Robbert Stenner 20
2 Guy Bompas 22
3 Des Fairbank 23
4 Robin McIntosh 31
5 Norrie Taylor 34
6 Keith Gerson 36

This was a great result for Robin who launched his own boat for the first time and only his third Radio Regatta.

Des Fairbank