Hello all,

This Weekend at Redhouse we sail races 3 & 4 of the Autumn Series.

Racing will start at 11h00 sharp on an outgoing tide and be followed by a lunchtime family bring 'n braai.

The 2010 Interschool Regatta last weekend was a fantastic success and very well supported. It is just a pity that an error in calculating the Junior Schools team result resulted in Knysna Primary incorrectly being declared the winners whereas Glenwood Primary were the outright victors.

Besides having the pleasure of hosting entries from MBYC, GLYC, KYC and ABYC sailors it was a real pleasure to welcome ELYC back to our regional events after such a long absence. It is hoped that the ELYC support of the Interschool Regatta is the start of a long sailing association between them and all clubs in our region.

The full, correct and final results are now posted at www.ryc.co.za/interschools/results.html. Congratulations and a big thank you for their support go to all the sailors.

Next Weekend we have a choice of two regattas to sail. Closest to home is the ABYC Summer Regatta and a bit further away the ELYC Grand Prix Regatta at Wriggelswade.

ELYC Grand Prix Regatta - As announced at the Interschools prizegiving ELYC are co-hosting the Grand Prix Regatta at Wriggelswade on 27 & 28 March - the first weekend of the school holidays.

Wriggelswade is huge bulk storage dam near Stutterheim just on 300km from Port Elizabeth and has first class camping facilities all with electricity (so mom can plug in her hairdryer!) and provides less intimidating sailing especially for our junior and less experienced adult sailors. It is also free of pollution and contrary to rumour the dam is nearly 90% full providing a massive spread of water (see photos at bottom of this newsletter).

The E.Cape Provincials used to be sailed at Wriggelswade as have many national championships so the venue is certainly no stranger to sailing. Besides the sailing there is loads freshwater fishing to keep the non-sailors busy and powerboats are also welcome on the dam.

For those not partial to camping there are loads of self catering and B&B establishments in nearby Stutterheim ( http://www.escaperoute.co.za/ or http://www.safarinow.com/search.aspx?lid=2057 ) but after enjoying the company of the ELYC crowd at Redhouse this past weekend I would rather camp at the dam than miss out on the party that is guaranteed to be a blast after the sailing on Saturday.

So that RYC may have a united and organised presence I would really appreciate it if you would let me or Andrew Butler know if you are keen to sail at Wriggelswade, if you will need assistance getting your boat there and back and if your are able to offer a lift to one or two juniors who may otherwise not be able to go.

The ELYC Wriggelswade Notice of Race may be downloaded by clicking here.

ABYC Summer Regatta - The ABYC Summer regatta will be sailed on the weekend of the 27th, 28th March 2010 out of the ABYC Yacht club.

Racing will take place in Algoa Bay weather dependant, otherwise in the harbour. The Notice of Race may be downloaded by clicking here.

All RYC members unable to sail at Wriggelswade are asked to please support and sail at the ABYC regatta in Algoa Bay.

Renovation of the Ladies Ablutions is now in progress resulting in the ladies being out of commission this weekend. As such please note that the men's ablutions will be declared 'unisex' for this weekend and members are asked to please exercise due respect and modesty to avoid any embarrassing situations.

Other than wishing you all a great weekend of sailing and an enjoyable family braai at Redhouse this Sunday that's all the news for now.

Yours in sailing

PAUL PETTITT
Commodore
041 581-5394

Wriggelswade Photographs

Wriggelswade Dam

Wriggelswade Clubhouse