Dabchick 50th birthday report
Some more news received from Class Association Chairman Owen Baxter – this time a report on what the class did to celebrate it’s 50th birthday with the son of it’s designer, Gerhard Koper.
DABCHICK 50Th BIRTHDAY PARTY
The Dabchick class turned 50 this year and to celebrate this occasion the class had a birthday celebration at the Youth Nationals held at Aeolians club Vaal Dam in December.
The class flew up Gerhard Koper from Cape Town to join us for the day. Gerhard is the son of Jack Koper who designed the Dabchick, and Gerhard sailed the first Dabchick at Zeekoeivlei in 1956.Gerhard was met at the airport and taken out to Aeolians in time to join us for the first races on the Monday morning. He joined the rescue boat for the Dabchick course with the intention of joining the bridge crew and taking few photographs. As luck would have it problems were experienced with the mark layer and Rescue had to pitch in to move marks etc as the wind switched, as only it can at the Vaal. Gerhard had a great time assisting by hauling up anchors and setting marks in new positions. In between the action he managed to take quite a few photographs and I am sure many memories of the fifties came creeping back. Gerhard said that the boat was designed with a view to have fun and introduce youngsters to sailing; his only regret was that he did not get a chance to compete in big fleets. He was also very impressed with the friendly competitiveness and the performance of modern Dabbie.
Gerhard was introduced to the Dabbie skippers and at happy hour he shared some of his thoughts and memories. He also presented a Trophy to the Class. The trophy will be presented annually to the skipper who tops the years Ranking list, the first recipient for 2006 was Ross Dyer. After happy hour the class had Gerhard cut the cake and fun evening, open to all classes, commenced. We were treated to some voices with potential but consensus was that sailing was a better career choice.
Gerhard met many friends from over the years and I think made many more. Gerhard flew back to Cape Town the following morning.
From past and present Dabbie sailors we say to the Koper family, thank you for giving us the opportunity to have fun and enjoy this wonderful sport by giving us the Dabchick.
Owen Baxter
National Chairman
DABCHICK CLASS
