To say nothing has been written here for a while would be an understatement.
To catch up briefly what has been missed out on:
Round the Island in February which is never an event to miss out on. Although there is generally less than desired wind, the party and people make up for what isn't on the water.
MSC: a week of what is normally filled with debauchery was seemingly toned down this year due to the competitive nature of Lipton which followed directly on from MSC. With only one boat of Wits members this year (Girls taking the boys on 4:3). Unfortunately with Lipton being so close this year, it was sad not having a Wits boat in competition. It's not easy finding sponsorship which brings me to the next big event:
Congrats to the Gents and one lady trying their hand at the Cape to Rio. We wish them well in their endeavors and they ask for as much needed help as possible. So go on; follow them on FB (Wits to Rio 2014) or visit their site www.witscapetorio2014.com, I'm sure they'd true blue chuffed for a couple of bucks thrown their way - It won't be for nothing.
Other than that a couple of weekends here and there with DAC attacks thrown among the mix there is always something to be done or said or happening. There is never a dull moment among the Wits crowd, come hang out and we'd be glad to show you.
Until next time
Spring is in the air so breath in and get ready
...
P.S.
A congratulations to this years Commodore's very own younger siblings Ryan and Michaela Robinson for a well deserved win at Mirror Worlds 2013! Not everyday South Africans bring home Sailing Gold and here it's family. Much love
Sunday, 18 August 2013
Monday, 10 December 2012
USSA 2012
Yes another year is coming to an end which only means it's that time of year again where students from 5 universities gather together to compete in the ever eventful sport of sailing. While there is much competition on the water, there is just as much off the water. With a round-robin in place and evening events ready, there was only room for stealing overalls and UCT bibs.
Sunday's arrival of almost all the teams minus Stellies and the odd few meant there was a bit of a dilemma with having to move the regatta's events a day earlier. Disappointment all round when the USSA virgins discovered they weren't getting off from their funnels that easily and those missing being fined heavily on top of that. There was definitely a higher level of jokes from each team but that didn't mean they got any less than their two funnels. 2012 was also a year for two USSA veterans: UCT's Oliver Hobson and Wits' George Gibson.
2012 started with a bang and it was going to stay that way for the rest of the week.
Monday, after a filling breakfast and regatta briefing, boats rigged and wind not quite ready meant that racing started post a delicious lunch. Wind picking up and remaining somewhat steady the racing was off to a great start. The course was set as beat to the first mark, a reach to the second, run to the third, reach to the fourth and a final beat up to the finish rounding all marks to the port side. Having 22 races to get done the first Race began with UCT A taking on a partially (being kind) novice Wits B with an easy win.
With the winds picking up and a few novice teams nervous to sail meant that seven races got done, leaving 15 races to go.
Boat races picked up another competitive vibe off the water as Stellies came in 4th, Rhodes in 3rd, UCT in second and Wits holding their boat race title.
Tuesday hosted the most beautiful wind of the regatta but not the most pleasant of days. With cold and rain forecast for the day, it made it hard for the sailors to get up and on the water. Finishing nine races before lunch meant only six to follow. Much excitement with a completed round-robin meant that semis and finals could be finished on Wednesday with crazy inter-team racing on the Thursday.
Hundred's Club was up for the evening's entertainment. Everyone ready and waiting the long sit of a shot a minute began. 100 seamed a long feat too a few, where the bathrooms where just too inviting, not to mention a few unsuspecting dustbins and bushes nearby.
With Stellies having to write sup exams on Wednesday morning, racing was postponed till after lunch where the infamous cape South Easter had other plans. Having a blow out of racing it was decided that an early Thursday would have to do; a tight fit in of the last races and no more inter-team racing.
Fines meeting brought attention to all the craziness and stupidity of the weeks events. From hookups to losses, capsizes and boat collisions, silly accents to Lady Gaga, late arrivals and standing ovations. There was little left unsaid with only more to follow the rest of the evening.
Thursday brought an insanely early start on any varsity student's standard 7am, would hopefully mean a completed semi's and finals. However the wind would not play ball and with little to none the sailing was called off and the round-robin results would have to suffice. With the round robin completed the results were as follows: Rhodes in 7th, Wits C 6th, Wits B 5th, Stellies 4th, Wits A 3rd, UCT B 2nd and UCT A holding their leading record in 1st place. With the results in, the boats packed and ready for youth nationals a few headed off and the rest of the day was spent in the sun or the water. A perfect day for wave surfing behind the rubber duck.
Ladies and Gentlemen dressed to impress for the Final Dinner and awards.
What a 'memorable' event USSA was this year. With an impressive menu to say the least and a well run bridge and race committee, there is little wrong to be said. The only complaint would come in the form of UCT needing security from the odd Wits member.
2013 has a lot to live up to and will hopefully be a complete regatta with all five competing varsities and a few more.
Let's call it recovery;-)
Until next time
Sunday's arrival of almost all the teams minus Stellies and the odd few meant there was a bit of a dilemma with having to move the regatta's events a day earlier. Disappointment all round when the USSA virgins discovered they weren't getting off from their funnels that easily and those missing being fined heavily on top of that. There was definitely a higher level of jokes from each team but that didn't mean they got any less than their two funnels. 2012 was also a year for two USSA veterans: UCT's Oliver Hobson and Wits' George Gibson.
2012 started with a bang and it was going to stay that way for the rest of the week.
Monday, after a filling breakfast and regatta briefing, boats rigged and wind not quite ready meant that racing started post a delicious lunch. Wind picking up and remaining somewhat steady the racing was off to a great start. The course was set as beat to the first mark, a reach to the second, run to the third, reach to the fourth and a final beat up to the finish rounding all marks to the port side. Having 22 races to get done the first Race began with UCT A taking on a partially (being kind) novice Wits B with an easy win.
With the winds picking up and a few novice teams nervous to sail meant that seven races got done, leaving 15 races to go.
Boat races picked up another competitive vibe off the water as Stellies came in 4th, Rhodes in 3rd, UCT in second and Wits holding their boat race title.
Tuesday hosted the most beautiful wind of the regatta but not the most pleasant of days. With cold and rain forecast for the day, it made it hard for the sailors to get up and on the water. Finishing nine races before lunch meant only six to follow. Much excitement with a completed round-robin meant that semis and finals could be finished on Wednesday with crazy inter-team racing on the Thursday.
Hundred's Club was up for the evening's entertainment. Everyone ready and waiting the long sit of a shot a minute began. 100 seamed a long feat too a few, where the bathrooms where just too inviting, not to mention a few unsuspecting dustbins and bushes nearby.
With Stellies having to write sup exams on Wednesday morning, racing was postponed till after lunch where the infamous cape South Easter had other plans. Having a blow out of racing it was decided that an early Thursday would have to do; a tight fit in of the last races and no more inter-team racing.
Fines meeting brought attention to all the craziness and stupidity of the weeks events. From hookups to losses, capsizes and boat collisions, silly accents to Lady Gaga, late arrivals and standing ovations. There was little left unsaid with only more to follow the rest of the evening.
Thursday brought an insanely early start on any varsity student's standard 7am, would hopefully mean a completed semi's and finals. However the wind would not play ball and with little to none the sailing was called off and the round-robin results would have to suffice. With the round robin completed the results were as follows: Rhodes in 7th, Wits C 6th, Wits B 5th, Stellies 4th, Wits A 3rd, UCT B 2nd and UCT A holding their leading record in 1st place. With the results in, the boats packed and ready for youth nationals a few headed off and the rest of the day was spent in the sun or the water. A perfect day for wave surfing behind the rubber duck.
Ladies and Gentlemen dressed to impress for the Final Dinner and awards.
What a 'memorable' event USSA was this year. With an impressive menu to say the least and a well run bridge and race committee, there is little wrong to be said. The only complaint would come in the form of UCT needing security from the odd Wits member.
2013 has a lot to live up to and will hopefully be a complete regatta with all five competing varsities and a few more.
Let's call it recovery;-)
Until next time
Match Racing: UKZN vs Wits
On Friday, 23 November,
twelve Witsies arrived at Royal Natal Yacht Club in Durban for the second round
of the Wits vs. UKZN match racing 2012, a warm up event for the
USSA regatta hosted by UCT at Theewaterskloof just outside Stellenbosch. The Wits team had been training their novice sailors for a few weeks to get them ready for the ever memorable inter-varsity event.
A pleasant afternoon was spent setting up our tents, having drinks and relaxing; glad to be out of Jo'burg and by the sea. After dinner at Royal Natal we headed over to Caprice with the UKZN Yacht Club for a last night as friends before meeting in the morning as opponents. A surprise firework display ended the night and we tumbled into our sleeping bags for a good night’s sleep before the racing.
A pleasant afternoon was spent setting up our tents, having drinks and relaxing; glad to be out of Jo'burg and by the sea. After dinner at Royal Natal we headed over to Caprice with the UKZN Yacht Club for a last night as friends before meeting in the morning as opponents. A surprise firework display ended the night and we tumbled into our sleeping bags for a good night’s sleep before the racing.
With registration and briefing still to happen meant, in varsity terms, an early 9am start. The race boats, two Flying Fifteens rigged and launched, two L26’s for the bridge and people carrier as well as a rubber duck meant that Durban
harbour Match racing was commencing.
A windward leeward course was laid
out with a simple one lap race. This meant that time was used wisely with many races hosting clear leads between teams. With a few surprises laid out on the water (not strictly race related) included Coach sailing straight into the
committee boat and Chzepal knocking himself instead of crew off his boat; not once but twice.
A tense tie breaker
between Wits' own Brad Robinson, and UKZN's Charlotte Marshall led to an all Wits
Semi-final. Brennan Robinson faced off Vicky Stock in the final, with Brennan
making it over the line first as a ship coming in forced officials to announce a
shortened course. We sailed back to shore to de-rig the boats before a great
meal at RNYC. A traditional ‘fines’ meeting at Caprice was held afterwards and
much 'merriment' ensued.
Sunday brought a
gloomy day, with winds that would have blown our tents away had we not been in
them. A few got places on PYC Keelers for an offshore race with a few being offshore for the first time. Returning cold, tired and bruised for a
belated prize giving. The absence of many meant extra prizes for some, after
which we said goodbye to our UKZN friends, Royal Natal and a memorable weekend.
Thank you to RNYC for being great hosts, Graham Rose,
our race officer and Rob Samways, our umpire. A special thanks to UKZN,
especially Chris Kloppenborg, for the preparation that so obviously went into
making this event a success. We’re looking forward to next year.
Until next time
Keep the fireworks going
(Thanks to Gemsquash for the event's information;-) )
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Boskop Open 2012
So I was wrong when I said the next event would be the UKZN Match Racing. My Sincerest Apologies.
However, the Boskop open is definitely one to remember.
Saturday was an event on it's own.
The shore line was a site for sore eyes: hosting boats from oppies to darts, lasers to 29ers. The wind was ideal and after one race and an awesome lunch, it was upsetting to see the gusts which a nearby harbouring storm had to bring in. It did subside which lead to another 2 races.
With the strong winds of Saturday, it left much to be desired for any sort of party Saturday night. Except for a few who were determined to play some drinking table tennis. Needless to say, their looks on Sunday morning showed how their night had gone.
Sunday started off with a few 'not so sure' faces in getting on the water seeing the beautiful white horses skimming on the tops of the wind swells. After an hour or so it calmed down.
Some Witsie results:
1st Group
2nd - Ricky and Brennan Robinson
3rd - Bradley Robinson and Ashleigh Robinson
2nd Group
9th - James Barker and Robyn Bruce
What a stella event with a stella host. Boskop, you never fail!!!
Next up on our timeline is training at VLC until Match Racing and USSA... I'm sure more than a few stories will pop up on these outings;-)
Until Next Time
Keep your bum on the boat and your head out of the water;-)
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Committee 2013
Yes another year has gone by in the blink of an eye! and what a successful year it has been.
Starting off with Ema Wednesdays on dinghies to debauchery on keel boats it is time to vote in the new committee of 2013.
Congratulations:
Commodoos Brennan Robinson
Vice Commodoos Bradley Robinson
Sexyratary Alexa Brown
The Money Maker Vicky Stock
The Maintenance man Misha Hartmann
Party Party Party James Bird
On or in the water Patty Chappel
Next up a Manic Match Racing in Durbs and then what will prove to be another back breaking, head aching, liver transplanting weekend! Yes please USSA here we come!
Till next time
Keep it real
(Brooks on or off)
Starting off with Ema Wednesdays on dinghies to debauchery on keel boats it is time to vote in the new committee of 2013.
Congratulations:
Commodoos Brennan Robinson
Vice Commodoos Bradley Robinson
Sexyratary Alexa Brown
The Money Maker Vicky Stock
The Maintenance man Misha Hartmann
Party Party Party James Bird
On or in the water Patty Chappel
Next up a Manic Match Racing in Durbs and then what will prove to be another back breaking, head aching, liver transplanting weekend! Yes please USSA here we come!
Till next time
Keep it real
(Brooks on or off)
Keel Boat Week (& another awesome DAC ATTACK)
What to say about Keel Boat week???
Awesome sailing - Check
"Memorable" parties - Check
Injuries of both physical and mental proportion - Check (although more physical than mental)
From Friday to Monday proved to be nothing but stella, which doesn't leave much of a question on who the host club was. With Quantum as the event sponsor, DAC was able to host another successful Keel Boat week.
Friday sailing starting rather slow and being placed almost on top of the Island ended with some rather enjoyable sailing to say the least even if there were only 22 boats on the water (I can stand to be corrected). The two races were enough to get a great weekend started.
Friday night however, brewed it's own storm both in the pub and out on the dam. Sailors made themselves comfortable with one or two drinks while the wind and rain threw itself around.
Saturday morning: Yes please! Wits makes their humble appearance on their Noble Steed. With a bit of breeze to get everyone on the water it it soon picked up to become a 'pick up and throw people over board'. Another storm was looming in the distance as sailors embraced a boat breaking racing wind. With a couple of broaches, uncontrolled spinnaker poles and rudders into water hidden islands (old claiming another two victims beacon island) the racing was called off after two races. The storm that was to follow meant that the sailors were happy to be off their lightning conductors.
Sunday.. Stillness was in the air, on the water and in the shade of the sales. Speedos and bikinis made their way above deck and with the sun beating down on many hungover sailors meant that Magical Trevor couldn't wait to open his mouth to the biggest boat on the water. Excalibur locked and loaded made their way around the dam with one mission: to soak each and every boat on the water. Needless to say no sooner had everyone been soaked head to toe did the wind pick up for another two races. With our moving white mark Bridge officer wanting to sneak in a short third race, the white mark was found discreetly floating away from it's working position. Either cut or untied it is with thanks to one of the racing boats we were able to have a mark for the final day racing. (If it was in fact cut I state this: Uncalled for and poor sportsmanship).
Aaaargghhh! Is one way to describe the feeling on Monday morning. After the pirate party on Sunday night, which lead to some interesting tattooing of face scars, 'mum' and swooping swallows, the sailors were painted and ready (with some some candid victims of the deathly tequila sunrise) for another beautiful day of sailing. Getting the last two races in for the regatta everyone made way to clean up and pack boats.
Sun kissed (or burnt), beaten and broken from the boat to the pub each day meant for another great 2012 regatta!
Wits yacht club brought the party and a gorgeous Jemsquash held our name high.
Until next time
Keep it real
Lighthouse;-)
Awesome sailing - Check
"Memorable" parties - Check
Injuries of both physical and mental proportion - Check (although more physical than mental)
From Friday to Monday proved to be nothing but stella, which doesn't leave much of a question on who the host club was. With Quantum as the event sponsor, DAC was able to host another successful Keel Boat week.
Friday sailing starting rather slow and being placed almost on top of the Island ended with some rather enjoyable sailing to say the least even if there were only 22 boats on the water (I can stand to be corrected). The two races were enough to get a great weekend started.
Friday night however, brewed it's own storm both in the pub and out on the dam. Sailors made themselves comfortable with one or two drinks while the wind and rain threw itself around.
Saturday morning: Yes please! Wits makes their humble appearance on their Noble Steed. With a bit of breeze to get everyone on the water it it soon picked up to become a 'pick up and throw people over board'. Another storm was looming in the distance as sailors embraced a boat breaking racing wind. With a couple of broaches, uncontrolled spinnaker poles and rudders into water hidden islands (old claiming another two victims beacon island) the racing was called off after two races. The storm that was to follow meant that the sailors were happy to be off their lightning conductors.
Sunday.. Stillness was in the air, on the water and in the shade of the sales. Speedos and bikinis made their way above deck and with the sun beating down on many hungover sailors meant that Magical Trevor couldn't wait to open his mouth to the biggest boat on the water. Excalibur locked and loaded made their way around the dam with one mission: to soak each and every boat on the water. Needless to say no sooner had everyone been soaked head to toe did the wind pick up for another two races. With our moving white mark Bridge officer wanting to sneak in a short third race, the white mark was found discreetly floating away from it's working position. Either cut or untied it is with thanks to one of the racing boats we were able to have a mark for the final day racing. (If it was in fact cut I state this: Uncalled for and poor sportsmanship).
Aaaargghhh! Is one way to describe the feeling on Monday morning. After the pirate party on Sunday night, which lead to some interesting tattooing of face scars, 'mum' and swooping swallows, the sailors were painted and ready (with some some candid victims of the deathly tequila sunrise) for another beautiful day of sailing. Getting the last two races in for the regatta everyone made way to clean up and pack boats.
Sun kissed (or burnt), beaten and broken from the boat to the pub each day meant for another great 2012 regatta!
Wits yacht club brought the party and a gorgeous Jemsquash held our name high.
Until next time
Keep it real
Lighthouse;-)
Monday, 3 September 2012
Match Racing: Another DAC Attack
If there's one thing that can be said about this weekend: It was another weekend for the books! I won't say to remember because I don't know how many people will...
With an experienced sailor wind on the Saturday, it left much to be desired in what felt like below zero degrees in water temperature. Cape Town's Clifton had some tough competition. With postponement of racing for the day meant that there was some crazy cats out on the water playing with their asymmetrical spinnakers on the rebels.
One would think hot showers and OBS were on the agenda for that night but not at a DAC attack. Tequila reigned supreme claiming more than the odd victim. One can't forget the beautiful marinades for the evening - and no, not the meat marinade which you are thinking but rather the "beautiful" voices that could be heard through closed doors and windows a kilometer away (normally known as serenades).
With a great party on the Saturday and a few amazing green hulks the next morning (not as strong), it was time for what was to be a great day of sailing. The first boats off the beach and on the water, the wind had it's moments. First race and already one capsize (in little breeze). With it seemingly slow and 20races to get through courses were shortened when big leads were apparent.
As the wind picked up nearing the end of the regatta, there were further capsizes and a few resigning victories.
The winner of pool A and B lead a tight and edge of seat race. Between Robinson brothers Ricky and Brennan there was plenty nail biting action with novice crew (Mary and 'James Dean') being thrown into steep competition.
Final Positions Pool A
1 Ricky & 'James Dean' (Overall Winner)
2 Chris & Ashleigh
3 Caitlin & 'Wandile'
4 John & Poonam
5 Gina & Lauren
Pool B
1 Brennan & Mary (Overall 2nd)
2 Jay & Charnelle
3 Brad & Natalie
4 Draw - Mike & 'Harrison Ford'
David & 'Jemsquash'
The biggest thanks to our Hosts DAC for making yet another memorable event for Wits. Thanks to the Bridge & Rescue Boat for taking time off your weekend, the kitchen and bar for the amazing food and drinks lastly to UKZN for travelling up to the Vaal to take part in an awesome sailing weekend.
With much learnt and plenty injuries it was an awesome break.
Till next time
Keep it real
With an experienced sailor wind on the Saturday, it left much to be desired in what felt like below zero degrees in water temperature. Cape Town's Clifton had some tough competition. With postponement of racing for the day meant that there was some crazy cats out on the water playing with their asymmetrical spinnakers on the rebels.
One would think hot showers and OBS were on the agenda for that night but not at a DAC attack. Tequila reigned supreme claiming more than the odd victim. One can't forget the beautiful marinades for the evening - and no, not the meat marinade which you are thinking but rather the "beautiful" voices that could be heard through closed doors and windows a kilometer away (normally known as serenades).
With a great party on the Saturday and a few amazing green hulks the next morning (not as strong), it was time for what was to be a great day of sailing. The first boats off the beach and on the water, the wind had it's moments. First race and already one capsize (in little breeze). With it seemingly slow and 20races to get through courses were shortened when big leads were apparent.
As the wind picked up nearing the end of the regatta, there were further capsizes and a few resigning victories.
The winner of pool A and B lead a tight and edge of seat race. Between Robinson brothers Ricky and Brennan there was plenty nail biting action with novice crew (Mary and 'James Dean') being thrown into steep competition.
Final Positions Pool A
1 Ricky & 'James Dean' (Overall Winner)
2 Chris & Ashleigh
3 Caitlin & 'Wandile'
4 John & Poonam
5 Gina & Lauren
Pool B
1 Brennan & Mary (Overall 2nd)
2 Jay & Charnelle
3 Brad & Natalie
4 Draw - Mike & 'Harrison Ford'
David & 'Jemsquash'
The biggest thanks to our Hosts DAC for making yet another memorable event for Wits. Thanks to the Bridge & Rescue Boat for taking time off your weekend, the kitchen and bar for the amazing food and drinks lastly to UKZN for travelling up to the Vaal to take part in an awesome sailing weekend.
With much learnt and plenty injuries it was an awesome break.
Till next time
Keep it real
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