The following from Euan Hurter :
Hi Owen
Only getting this now because my internet has been down and I have been busy working on boats and doing school work.
The first day had started and we had the briefing and we been warned of the wind that seemed quite mellow at the time. As we went out into the bay, the wind started to build to a constant 20 knots. Racing was about to start and boats were falling over like flies and certain people were complaining like girls but they were told to toughen up or go home.( you are in trouble for this comment – Owen )
Race 1 began and it was hard work no matter what boat you were on and half the oppies didn’t finish and the dabbies were seeing that weight can play a big factor. Dabbies had great fun though with the swell and hectic wind. We had only started in the afternoon so we were all pushed to do three races. Eric Norton hadn’t been able to start the races but he was out trying, Julian showed us how to sail with winning 2 of the 3 races and Alex won one. I on the other hand couldn’t feel a muscle in my body and this was only good enough for 3 thirds. The evening was done in a South African way with braais at the club.
The next morning came and so did the wind again so Julian and Alex started jumping around in joy while I sulked away in a huff. We were given another briefing and were told no more whining and moaning and just sail. We went out into another constant 20 knots but in extremely flat water which I found a lot harder. We had another set of 3 backbreaking races where Julian getting 3 bullets, Alex 3 seconds and me getting 3 thirds again. Eric was out again but could not manage to finish any races sadly. We dragged ourselves off the water and towards a much deserved lunch.
We were sent back out for another set and the wind looked as it was going to stay. Sadly, just before the race began, Julian’s rudder pintels broke and while trying to sail back in without a rudder, he hit a rescue boat and put a very decent sized circular hole in the front of his boat. Alex and I carried on with pretty much a match racing series but showed that it is very possible to win a race in the last beat. He didn’t realize that was the last race of the regatta that he was going to win. The wind had slowly dropped to about 10-12 knots which is almost perfect for me. We came in after racing with Eric completely a race and Alex with a win and 2 seconds and me with a second and 2 wins.
Julian’s regatta was unfortunately over with a broken rudder and a broken boat. Every one ate out in the evening because there was a wedding reception at the club.
The next morning came and for once, the wind didn’t. It looked like racing was not going to happen but it started to come through in a trickle. We went out and managed racing in 6-10 knots and I showed how you are meant to sail with a port start and everything you could want. The wind was building extremely slowly and I needed 3 wins to win the regatta. I was limited to 2 by the race officer as he thought we would have not started in time so we went in and Alex had won the KZN Dabchick provincials by one l point. I was second, Julian was third and Eric managed to finish as many races as he could and got a fourth. It was a great regatta and the winner had to be a good sailor all around the course. Sadly there wasn’t as many dabbies we would have hoped for but well done to Alex and maybe next time I’ll be a bit fitter and less lazy!
Regards
Euan Hurter