Sailing Magazine
pic by Trevor Wilkins
New dinghy series aims to upskill young SA sailors
10 October 2014: South Africa’s top sailors competed in the first regatta of the 2014 Southern Charter Grand Slam Series which took place in Mossel Bay from 4 to 6 October 2014. The new flagship series is a premier fixture on the African dinghy scene, attracting established, as well as emerging sailing talent from all over the country.
The series, sponsored by Southern Charter, saw 145 dinghy’s participate, with each crew consisting of between one to two members. Twenty-year-old Eben Vivier and Johan Vivier, who sail for Theewaters Club, won the prestigious 420 class among other respected classes.
According to Mark Thompson, CEO of Southern Charter, the Southern Charter Grand Slam Series was established to promote and develop the exciting and competitive sport of dinghy and multihull racing. “The Southern Charter Grand Slam Series will become a key fixture on the local sailing calendar in the years to come, as it provides sailors the chance to test their abilities and to showcase their talent.”
Thompson says that the series will provide a supportive environment for sailors, especially the youth, to prosper and compete. “By investing in up and coming young talent and supporting existing talent, we are not only supporting the sport, but we are also investing in the youth of South Africa.”
He explains that sailing presents opportunities for individuals to develop positive self-esteem, increased self-confidence, develop the ability to make decisions and to take responsibility for their own decisions and actions in an ever changing environment.
“Courage and conviction are the character traits which mark a great sailor. These traits are needed to make the hard decisions on the race course which inevitably lead to success, not only while racing but also in life. We believe that these traits, among others which sailing develops, are fundamental to being successful in life and in the workplace.”
Thompson says that the company are honoured to be part of an event which recognises and empowers South Africa’s top and emerging sailing talent.
The remainder of the 2014/2015 Southern Charter Grand Slam Series schedule is as follows:
Theewater Sports Club (TSC): Grand Slam 2 (6th – 7th December 2014)
Hermanus Yacht Club (HYC): Grand Slam 3 (31st January – 1st February 2015)
False Bay Yacht Club (FBYC): Series Final (3rd – 6th April 2015)
For a full list of results visit http://www.southernchartersailing.com/grand-slam-mossel-bay.html
