There's wind in the sails again

KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Yacht Club's (KYC) start to the sailing season has been more than fruitful, with many local sailors excelling at various races and events over the past month and a half. Located on the Knysna Waterfront, the club was founded way back in 1910.

While the 2020 sailing season was interrupted due to the pandemic, 2021 has seen sailors return to the water at the helm of their trusty vessels.

With the lagoon open to watersports, KYC has been able to host events of its own, one of which was the inaugural Knysna Finn Regatta.

The Finn Regatta opened the door for sailors from all over the country to take part in the Finn class with A13 Finns from all over the country taking part in the two-day event on Saturday and Sunday, 13 and 14 March.

A Finn dinghy is a single-handed, cat-rigged sailboat. Saturday saw racing in medium to light winds, with the surprise of the day coming from Yogi Divaris from George Lakes Yacht Club, who managed two firsts and a second.

Ayden Gething in action. Photo: Colin Stephenson

On Sunday, boats were towed out to sea by Greg Davis and Knysna Rib Adventures.

But, unfortunately, the wind did not play along and after several attempts sailing was abandoned. A short race from Featherbed Bay back to KYC was opted for and won by Divaris.

Five KYC sailors took part - Dave Shilton (2nd), Greg Davis (5th), Dudley Isaac (8th), Brett Gething (10th) and Ken Reynolds (12th).

Surprise winner Yogi Divaris. Photo: Alison Johnston/Chasing Light Photography

The Finn Nationals were held at George Lakes Yacht Club from Saturday 20 March to Monday 22 March. KYC sailors featured prominently, with David Shilton showing the fleet of 24 a clean pair of heels to win and retain the national title. In 4th place was Greg Davis, who also finished as the Great Grand Master.

Brett Gething finished in 7th place and was also crowned the Grand Master. Dudley Isaac finished 8th and Ken Reynolds finished 16th.

The same weekend, the Hobie Tiger Nationals were held at Langebaan Yacht Club from Thursday 18 March to Sunday 21 March. KYC sailors Blane Dodds with Andrew Ward and William Edwards with his son Douglas, who have won numerous world and national titles, represented KYC extremely well and placed 1st and 2nd respectively.

Greg Davis gives a bright smile during one of the races. Photo: Alison Johnston/Chasing Light Photography