The Tuks A yachting crew's mastery so nearly led to them winning the Intervarsity Regatta for a second consecutive time.
Unfortunately, in their only duel with the UCT crew, they were outmanoeuvred in the waters at the Durban’s Point Yacht club. The wind did not allow for a rematch on the last day. It meant UCT remained unbeaten. Therefore they claimed the trophy.
The TuksYachting's commodore, Jonathan Ham, has no regrets. It was the first time quite a few of the Tuks sailors competed in Keelboat match racing. Taking it into consideration, he was impressed as to how they acquitted themselves. Especially as at times, the wind turned out to be quite tricky.
A match race consists of two identical boats racing against each other. With effective boat handling and prudent use of wind and currents, a trailing boat can escape the grasp of the leader and pass. The leader uses blocking techniques to hold the other boat back. This one-on-one duel is a game of strategy and tactics.
"The race against UCT A was tight from the start. We had very few opportunities to try and pass them. When we did, they were able to block. It was due to them being more experienced sailors. Quite a few of the UCT crew are accomplished at a national and international level," sailor explained Ham.
According to Ham. The first day of the regatta made for challenging racing conditions.
"We had to contend with a strong, gusty wind. So you honestly had to keep your wits about you if you did not want to be slowed down making handling errors. The speed of the boats, high forces on the sails and the competitiveness made for intense, exciting racing. Our A-crew managed to win all their races.
"Day two provided lighter winds and a little more time for teams to settle into the racing and focus on the tactics. Our A-crew again managed to remain unbeaten."
Thirteen crews from six universities - Tuks, UCT, Wits, DUT and UKZN - competed.
The Tuks A-crew were Damian Muller, Owen Diesel, Naldo le Roux, Yvonne Kok, Frederik du Toit and Jonathan Ham.
The B-crew was represented by Luca Govetto, Jacques du Toit, Pieter Kok, Daniel Wepener, Shaun Johnston and Michaela Robinson.
The next major event on the TuksYachting calendar is the USSA champs in the Western Cape in December.
Until then, if you are interested in joining the club and learning how to sail, please send an email to
[email protected] or
[email protected] with your student number and cell phone number.
Alternatively WhatsApp us on 076 834 2867 – Jonathan Ham, 079 694 1028 – Damian Muller,
076 179 3529 – Michaela Robinson.
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