Love water, love the outdoors, love a challenge; if the answer is YES to every question, consider taking up sailing. There will be no regrets. 

It is a promise made by the Commodore of TuksYachting, Damian Muller. He would know. His grandfather got him on a little boat in the middle of a dam when he was 14 years old and told him to find his way to the shore. He did. Since then, he has made sure that there is "wind in the sails". 

"Sailing demands attention creates challenges and helps you understand your own strengths. Every moment on the water is different. You got to be able to react and deal with any situation that comes. It is a challenge that we as sailors relish."

One of the special moments for Muller was when he competed as a "laaitie" at the J/22 World Championships on the Vaal Dam. 

"In one of the races, we had a brilliant start. It led to us being in the lead from start to finish. To win a race at a World Championship was 'brilliant. It was such a beautiful feeling," is how Muller remembers it.

A definite goal Muller set himself as Commodore of TuksYachting is to get more students on the water. According to him, sailing is an easy sport to learn, but it has its challenges. 

"It can be difficult to master. Aspirant sailors tend to be overwhelmed at first. There is a lot to understand. How the wind and the boats around you could affect the outcome of a race. What strategy is needed to get through the course? You must also understand the basic boat handling skills. It is so many things at once. 

“But it is an incredible feeling once you get to be in control of a boat. It builds confidence. Sailing has taught me a lot about how I to cope with real life."

According to Muller, TuksYachting was started in 1971 by Murry Coombs, but all activity sort of stopped in 1973. The club was only revived in 2019. Coombs still supports the club.

"So far this season, TuksYachting has been highly active in the university sailing community. We have caught the eye of South African Sailing (SAS), which helps. Through their support, we were able to increase our fleet. 

"It means more 'feet on deck'. It is a good thing, especially since we set ourselves the challenge to be competitive during USSA Regatta at the end of the year. It would be great if Tuks win."

Anyone interested in taking up sailing can contact Muller at [email protected]