Hello all,

The RYC Penny Pinchers 2009 Interclub Regatta this past weekend at Redhouse was a resounding success thanks to the tremendous support received from visiting Clubs and especially the large contingent of sailors from MBYC.

A total entry of 58 yachts and 65 sailors participated in the regatta making it the biggest interclub regatta hosted in Port Elizabeth for many, many years.

The weather was fantastic and the winds blew at exactly the right time and at the desired velocity virtually as if to order resulting in very exciting racing for all fleets and classes.

Even though their scores were combined the Senior fleet, dominated in number of entries by RYC, was split into three starts to reduce congestion on the start line which proved a wise decision by the race officer.

The first starting time of the Senior fleet was awarded to the full rig Lasers who enjoyed very competitive racing with the first places being hotly contested for in all races. Experience and tactical sailing was all that separated the leading sailors who provided the spectators with exciting and close finishes.

The second start of the Senior fleet was awarded to the Laser Radial and 4,7 fleet. It was quite a surprise and encouraging to see the 4,7's with their reduced sails beating most of the Radial fleet to the finish line - definitely a case of girl power!

The last start for the Senior fleet was awarded to the Open class made up of a Finn, Dolphin, Hobie and Sprog together with three each of Extra's, Gypseys and GP14's. The superior speed and experience of the open class was very evident as they quickly caught up to and overtook most of the second start Lasers.

The Junior fleet was the most hotly contested fleet in the regatta with stiff competition between all Clubs for pole position. The discipline displayed by the Junior fleet sailors, especially before and at the start, was very much appreciated by the race officers who were most impressed by the good sportsmanship demonstrated between the Mirror sailors and the more agile Optimist sailors amid the many shouts of 'starboard' as initial positions were jostled for.

The Novice fleet too deserve hearty congratulations for braving the stronger winds and demonstrating both courage and determination in all their events. It will not be long till these young sailors provide a strong challenge to their peers in the Optimist class and this is being looked forward to with excited anticipation by all.

It also was most encouraging to witness the enthusiasm of all the Junior and Novice fleet entrants whose Optimists, Mirrors and 09er's were tested to their maximum especially during the windier races. These young sailors are the future of the sport in South Africa and if their spirit and Club comradie is anything to judge them by then sailing is assured of a great future. Very well done guys - you did both your Club and yourselves extremely proud this weekend. Well done to all of you!

Congratulations and regatta honours go to the RYC who dominated the senior entries to win the Senior Trophy and the RYC Junior team who beat the MBYC team by just one point to win the Junior Trophy.

The interclub floating trophies, that are still apparently floating up the N2 toward Port Elizabeth, will soon be proudly displayed in the RYC Clubhouse and hopefully return after the next interclub that the RYC will be supporting in force.

Special thanks to our sponsor Frans Loots and Penny Pinchers for a table full of fantastic prizes. Your support is really appreciated and gratefully acknowledged.

Overall an outstanding weekend of sailing enjoyed by all placing RYC firmly back on the map as one of South Africa's dinghy sailing venues of choice. Very well done and thank you to everybody.

The final regatta results are now posted and able to be viewed at www.ryc.co.za/interclub

RYC Club Racing enjoys a well earned rest this weekend. The Clubhouse will however be open from 9h00 affording everyone a chance to keep in practice and prepare for the following jampacked weekend at RYC when we compete over two days for both the prestigious Bailey Southwell Trophy and the Island Cup.

Racing for the Bailey Southwell Trophy will be on Saturday 07 Feb and the Island Cup on Sunday 08 Feb. Both races are pursuit races and both enjoy 14h00 start times.

Saturday 07 February is also the new date set for the RYC Crazy Bingo Night and Club Supper that was postponed last year. This will be a great fun evening for both senior and junior members with superb prizes and plenty of surprises. Entry for the Crazy Bingo, including supper, costs R25 per adult and R15 per junior and advance bookings are essential. To book your table now please phone Rhona on (041) 463 1611.

Sailing School - There will be a full session of sailing school this weekend.

Dates To Diarise - Forthcoming events that you should please diarise now and keep free to support are:-

• 07 & 08 February - Bailey Southwell Trophy, Crazy Bingo Club Night and Island Cup
• 21 & 22 February - Fun Interclub Regatta at Knysna Yacht Club
• 21 & 22 March - The 2009 E.Cape Interschools Regatta at RYC

Once again thank you very much indeed to one and all who participated both on and off the water in the RYC Penny Pinchers Interclub Regatta. Your participation has helped ensure that RYC remains a firm fixture on the interclub dinghy racing calendar and done more than most would realise to ensuring that dinghy sailing in our region continues to prosper - thank you.

Yours in sailing

PAUL PETTITT
Commodore
041 581-5394