Sailing Magazine
Bridge Officers Report
The event took place at the Vaal Dam on Saturday 14th to Monday 16th June 2014. It was hosted by Lake Deneys Yacht Club (LDYC), which provided all the resources and hospitality.
10 Boats entered the event, but sadly only 7 competed, 7 of the scheduled 8 races were sailed affording competitors one discard. Due to damage and crew availability only 6 boats completed 5 races and 5 boats completed the final two traces. One boat missed day one and damage caused another to miss day two & three while a damaged rudder caused another to retire and miss day 3.
Racing commenced on Saturday 14th at noon in good westerly wind at 18 knots 3 races were sailed. Stronger wind was predicted for the Sunday and indeed the forecast proved accurate winds of 25 knots and stronger were recorded forcing abandonment, with further signals ashore, after 2 races as the wind continued to build. By the time the wind moderated it was too late to resume racing.
Very light winds were forecasted for the final day and again this proved accurate, postponement flag was flown ashore but at around 11h: 30 the wind got to 4/5 knots and racing commenced. The wind was shifting continuously requiring many course adjustments and the second race was shortened in dying conditions, thus ending the regatta early.
The regatta was sailed in a very sporting fashion, competitive but not unnecessarily so – there was not a single recall and two protests were dismissed for procedural reasons.
Austin Daly
Bridge Officer
