Sailing Magazine
Participating in the 61st Round the Island Regatta at Vaal Dam, Scouts and Scouters from 3rd Kensington Sea Scouts, Eastleigh Sea Scouts, and Harmelia Air Scouts set sail in a regatta fleet of 215 boats this year. 8 keelboats and 5 dinghies were crewed by a total of 51 members of Scouts South Africa, the biggest contingent to the annual event to date.
The event this year was fortunate to have at least some wind to keep the fleet moving in a steady 10 knot North Easter, which called for a close reach to Groot Eiland, a beat around the far side and a comfortable broad reach home. The first scout boat home was a GP14 skippered by Steven Rootman in a corrected time of 2:22:19.
A wonderful spirit prevailed and the scouts stood out in their purple caps, raising awareness of scouting to a very complimentary public attending the event. Our thanks go to Lake Deneys Yacht Club who host the event, and who strongly support Scouts South Africa, and particularly Gauteng Sea Scouts, throughout the year as part of their youth development initiative. For many youngsters this was their first major sailing event and a healthy injection into the compliment of young sailors in the sport.
