Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
I am always fascinated in the results from regattas of yore as many of the competitors names were those of people who shaped the future of our sport, or who were simply the best exponents in the class they chose to compete in – and were the “who’s who” of our sport.
The 1960 SAYRA Nationals at Bethlehem in the Free State were no exception, as the report reveals. It opened with these words:
“When you think of the Free State, you think of hundreds of miles of flat. That is until you have seen Bethlehem, set in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Lovely Loch Athlone with its willow-lined shores, more than half a mile of shady boat park and distant views of the mountains made a perfect setting for the 1960 National Regatta.
“The first entry of boats was 84, but just to be on the safe side, the O.F.S.S.A. decided to base their arrangements on an entry of 100. The final score, when all late entries were in was 145 boats – beating the all-time record at Hermanus last year by one. They were undaunted, and with the enthusiastic help of the Municipality and town of Bethlehem, every possible comfort was provided including laundry and ironing room, electric lights in all the tents and powder rooms for the ladies.
“Most of the competitors coming from the North elected to add 100 miles to their journey by sticking to the tarred road. Those who attempted short cuts on the gravel had some hair-raising experiences – like John Stern of Florida Yacht Club with his Winger. He drove for several miles before discovering that the trailer was proceeding on one wheel and the chassis. He never did find the missing wheel.
READ ALL ABOUT THE RACING HERE: 1960 03-04 – SA Yachting – SAYRA Regatta 1960 – OCR
