Sailing Magazine
Historically, the Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race is steeped in history and is a huge highlight on the dinghy sailing calendar. Plus, tradition says that the winner must fill the huge trophy with Black Velvet – the trophy capacity is a case of champagne!
The race opens a busy summer sailing season for the Point Yacht Club’s on Saturday 25 October.
After the global success of the Bart’s Bash World Record Attempt that started the season for the keelers, the smaller boats get their opportunity on the water. The iconic dinghy race, the Jonsson Cup is the oldest dinghy race in Durban. Sailors will take to the bay to challenge each other for the magnificent trophy.
“We are hoping to get a number of entries on the water for this event,” an eager event Co-ordinator, Lucy De Freitas stated. “The finish is the best part. If things go according to plan, most of the fleet dash for the line, making it quite tight as we all converges on the finish.”
Defending champion, young Sean Hurter will be back to defend his title. He won the race last year on a Dabchick. The up-and-coming sailor recently returned from competing in the ISAF Youth World Championships in Tavira, Portugal. He was racing, together with his older brother Euan in the 29er class.
Continuing, De Freitas added, “The idea is to bring young and old together and for the speed merchants like Hobies and 49ers to chase the slower Mirrors and Dabchicks. Over the years the middle speed boats like Flying Fifteens and Lasers have often won. It is a fun event with Boat Park abuzz with music and vibe with the spring upon us.”
Point Yacht Club is hoping not only for glorious warm weather for the event, but for all dinghy and cat sailors to join them on the water inviting hobies and darts form the beach site and the Halcats from the Royal Natal Yacht Club camp to join them on the day.
The Jonsson Cup Pursuit Race gets under way early afternoon on Saturday 25 October as Point Yacht Club summer sailing season gets underway.
For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or like their Facebook page Point Yacht Club.
