The Northern Region Hobie 14 Provincial Championship was held 18 & 19 October 2014 at Lake Denys Yacht Club, Vaal Dam, South Africa. Charles Girard from Hobie South Africa sent the following report on this event.
This years Hobie 14 Provincials saw 18 boats entered with six boats travelling up from Durban to settle the score after Julian Powers from Joburg won The KZN Provincials a couple of months ago.
This was a very competitive and exciting event with lead changing all the time. The Windguru forecast for Saturday was spot on with light Easterly winds with big chop dying to nothing by lunch time. The bridge managed to get in three races before the wind died. The sailors voted to return to the beach for lunch and watch the big rugby match with the Gauteng Lions beat the Natal sharks.
After the fist days racing the light wind expert from TCC and the oldest competitor in the fleet were lying in first place. Second was Julian Power; Kyle Boman in third place and three boats tied for fourth place.
Sundays forecast was light east swing round to North West at 11 o clock.
Wind guru, again, was spot on. The first race saw light winds with a 180 degree wind shift in the second race which worked well with windward make becoming the leeward mark. At six minutes to go before race 7 Charles Girard’s mast came down due to a ring coming out of the side stay, he managed to get mast back up and starting last and still managed a seventh place in that race. The bridge did well get in seven races on Sunday allowing for two discards and racing was wrapped up by 2pm.
At the end it all came down to consistency with Julian Powers winning one race and still taking home the trophy. Greg De Beyer from Durban winning the most races with three firsts taking second place overall. Charles Girard with two firsts in third place overall. Douglass White was fourth and also first Junior sailor overall.
It was a typical Hobie way of life weekend with competitive sailing and good family fun off the water. It was wonderful to see the “family” element returning with the warm weather, with lot’s of kids and partners out for support. A special mention goes out to the bridge for their timely and professional contact, the same being said for rescue.
We also make special mention to a Mr. Julius Joubert who at 70 year young has chosen to retire from sailing, while still reminding us that he is a Master of the Hobie way. It is with respect that we acknowledge his contribution to the sport and trust he will still for some banter at some point.
