Hello all,

This Weekend Redhouse has 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.

Some debate has surfaced as to why RYC is promoting both regattas. There is also absolutely no truth to any suggestion that RYC is boycotting the ABYC regatta in favour of the ELYC regatta.

The truth of the issue is that many of our sailors are not yet ready to sail at sea and others, like myself, who have a habit of capsizing are reluctant to risk soiling our sails or new boats in the harbour where oil and diesel pollution is unfortunately a problem and have hence chosen to sail the ELYC regatta at Wriggelswade and not the ABYC event.

Contrary to what a few folk are suggesting I need to stress that there is no animosity between RYC and ABYC. Both our clubs have a long friendly relationship and many of our members are also members of the ABYC - let's please keep it that way.

That said it would be nice if those passing comment and those who do not usually sail in away events support either of the two regattas this weekend and demonstrate to our hosts that RYC is the dinghy sailing club of choice in Port Elizabeth and that our members are as passionate about sailing as we are about our club.

ELYC Grand Prix Regatta - As announced at the Interschools prizegiving ELYC are co-hosting the Grand Prix Regatta at Wriggelswade, 70km from East London and just off the N6 toward Stutterheim, this weekend.

ELYC supported our recent interschools regatta for the first time in many years and if RYC wishes this interclub relationship to continue and grow then we must reciprocate by supporting their events too as we already do with the other clubs who support the RYC regattas.

There will be a full bar and galley service the whole weekend including on Friday evening for early arrivals. Saturday evening is a bring 'n braai and those not able to take meat with them can buy from nearby Stutterheim if braai packs are not able to purchased from their galley.

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. Excellent camping facilities, all with electricity points, are available adjacent to the yacht club.

For concise driving directions to Wriggelswade from Port Elizabeth a map with driving directions may be downloaded here or if you have a GPS the co-ordinates are S32°35.580 E27°33.431.

The ELYC Wriggelswade Notice of Race and info pack 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 ABYC Notice of Race and info pack may be downloaded by clicking here.

All RYC members not sailing at Wriggelswade are asked to please support and sail at the ABYC regatta in Algoa Bay. Not having a road trailer is no excuse to not reciprocate support to either of the other clubs whom we expect to support our regattas - there are many members who have road trailers that they will loan to you for the weekend if asked!

Sailing School - There will be no sailing school during the Easter school holidays.

Renovation of the Ladies Ablutions is progressing very well and the changes already look good. It is anticipated that the renovations will be complete before our next home regatta after the Easter school holiday break. In the interim the men's ablutions remain 'unisex' and members are asked to please exercise due respect and modesty to avoid any embarrassing situations.

Other than wishing you all a great Easter break I look forward to you joining your fellow club members on the water and sailing this weekend at either of the ABYC or ELYC regattas.

Yours in sailing

PAUL PETTITT
Commodore
041 581-5394