An updated sailing calendar has been posted. See under the Calendar tab.

2024 DF95 National Championships

An excellent DF95 National Championship was hosted by the Cape Radio Yacht Club at Theewaterskloof dam, over the Heritage long weekend. There was a very competitive entry of 32 radio sailors. As expected the competition between the 2022 SAS Yachtsman of the Year and defending National Champion, Roy Gardiner and the 2022 SAS Youth Sailor of the Year, Sean Kavanagh, was fierce and the overall winner was only decided on the last and 21st race. Further, we were fortunate to have two international sailors, John Wyatt AUS and Wayne Stobbs UK, who had both competed at the 2023 Fleetwood Global Championships and 8 RSA sailors who had also competed in Fleetwood.

This will also be the venue for the 2026 DF95 Global Championship. Therefore, there was a lot of international interest on the event and the sailing conditions. The Cape weather certainly did not disappoint with good winds for the first 2 days and trickier winds on the 3rd day.

A Heat Racing System is used whereby the fleet was split into 2 heats of 16 boats. Using an algorithm after each race, the boats are reassigned into two new heats, thereby ensuring that all boats compete equally against each other. After 16 qualifying races, with 3 discards, the fleet is split into Gold and Silver for the final series. 

Day 1 started with the perfect morning “bossie” easterly wind with boats using their B and C rigs. After lunch the wind switched to the south and everyone was out with their C rig. The downwind legs were exhilarating with surfing conditions until the waves made sailing challenging. 9 races were completed on the first day.

Day 2 again stated with steady winds from the east and 6 races were completed for the easterly switched off and the expected southerly only came through after 17h10 when the days racing was called. After these 15 races, Roy Gardener was leading from an impressive Barry Loubser and then Sean Kavanagh leading his father Michael into third.

The first race of Day 3 had to be race 16B in order to complete 16 races and to apply 3 discards. Sean Kavanagh needed the discards as he had been having some winch issues. The wind would not settle due to the 20 plus knot wind blowing on the other side of the dam and not pushing through to the sailing area. After a significant delay, the Silver and Gold fleet races eventually got underway in not ideal north west conditions. With the 14h30 time limit approaching the Silver fleet sailed 4 races. The Gold fleet results were tight and needed a 5th race to be sailed before the 14h30 time limit expired. Sean Kavanagh now had a final opportunity to grab the overall lead from Roy Gardener. However, Roy with a final buoy penalty, was able to finish a single place ahead of Sean and thereby win the Championship.

Final results:

Gold Fleet

1 Roy Gardener         27 points

2 Sean Kavanagh      29

3 Mike Kavanagh       57

4 Barry Loubser          57.3

5 John Wyatt AUS     74

Silver Fleet

1       Clive Watson

2       Nigel Smithie

3       Dave Oldham

4       Warren Harvey

5       Paul Brandon

The Event’s Social committee organized 3 themed dinners for the competitors and their spouses. The first evening was an African theme with boerewors rolls and salads, and American diner at which guests created their own burger and trimmings and finally a sailing theme where sirloin steaks were braaied with all the trimmings provided by the Club restaurant.  These themed evenings were to show what could be done for the Globals showing great South African hospitality. Each evening also included an In It to Win It draw at which sponsored gifts were handed out with the main gift being a suit of sails.

These evenings certainly added to the success of this Championship.

Report on the 2024 DF95 WC Regional Championships

As a result of the big effort put into the Nationals sailed 3 weeks earlier, the CRYC Committee decided to make these Regionals a 2-day event and move it to the dam at the Le Bonheur Retile Park, closer to Cape Town. There was a good entry of 18 DF95s and a huge thanks to the East Cape and Garden Route sailors who made the drive west and added good competition to the fleet.

This regatta was this venues first test of the dam. Not often do we, in the Cape, sail in flat water especially when the wind gets up to B rigs. A really nice change from the wave conditions experienced at the recent Nationals. The course could allow an 8 to 9-minute race and the control area had a nice deck, but people had to careful not to step off the edge.

The first day started with a nice brisk A rig wind and with some lulls and switches it made for interesting racing. The wind dropped in the middle of the day, so starts were only signaled when there was wind. Thereafter, you took your chances with the puffs and switches. However, later in the afternoon a steady southerly wind set in and we were able to complete 17 races. The hosts provided burgers or croc pies and chips from the entry fees.

The second day the wind was a steady B rig southerly. The 18 boats, on the shorter start line, meant a clean start was critical for a good first beat. When 32 races had been completed, allowing 5 discards, the thoroughly enjoyable Championship was called. Roy Gardener was again very dominant with his consistent results. It was very competitive for the minor places with the travelers Andrew Bosworth and George Winter holding off the chasing pack.  

Another excellent championship in the Cape and we can now relax until the new year and another busy season.

Results

1       Roy Gardener                                   38 points

2       Andrew Bosworth – Eastern Cape   100

3       George Winter - Garden Route     126

4       Brian Buddell                                   151

5       Eric Marshall                                    164

2024 East West Regatta

The East West Regatta at Fairy Knowe, Wilderness, Garden Route is always the annual social regatta not to be missed. This year there was an excellent entry of 25 sailors and using the Simple Heat Racing System, necessitated the fleet to be split into 2 heats for the qualification series.

For the Friday morning start most of the competitors had arrived on the Thursday to be confronted with a gale wind and low water levels. Speculation was all the talk at that evening’s drinks and dinner. However, Friday morning brought calm waters and out came the A rigs. Recent heavy rains meant that the estuary mouth had been opened to the sea causing tidal current conditions up the Touws River.

The low water level and current meant a narrow “race track” to negotiate. A further challenge was drifting weed and floating debris, which seemed difficult to escape. 10 competitive races were completed on the first day. An excellent braai was held after racing.

Day 2 was postponed for the wind to fill in. No good starting in a “drifter” as the current would drift the boats in the wrong directions. 6 races we completed giving the qualification series 3 discards. The third discard, for 16 completed races, was certainly needed as the last heat only had 2 boats complete within the 30-minute time limit.

The final series of Gold 13 boats and Silver 12 boats on Sunday was very fortunate to have stronger winds as the current was pushing against the beating boats so rounding the windward mark was a real challenge. The competitiveness in both fleets increased dramatically and so did the challenge of completing the course timeously when the wind unexpectedly moderated. The results posted on the Results page will indicate how in some races there were not that many finishes in both Gold and Silver fleets. The last and 20th race for both fleets was exciting as the wind came through at the top end of A rigs.

Results

Gold                                      Silver

1. Roy Gardener                  Neville Sharwood

2. Gerard Ras                      Clive Watson

3. Llewellyn Thomas            Dave Oldham

4. Andrew Bosworth

5. Joe Robbertse                   

2023 East West Regatta 

Another very successful East West regatta at Fairy Knowe run by the Garden Route Radio YC. The best regatta entry of the year with 26 boats. The WC provided 11 sailors with sailors also traveling from KZN, Gauteng and PE to add to the good fleet of Garden Route sailors. The 3-day event also provided excellent time for socialising and entertainment by the Three Barry’s. Big thanks to George and Liesel Winter and their volunteers for a successful regatta.

1st day had light winds and 4 races completed in the afternoon. The 26 boat fleet was divided into two Heat System heats. With the Touws River mouth open after their recent floods there was the added challenge of tidal movement on the race course and the odd floating reeds. Racing very competitive except for Gerard Ras winning all his races. Gerard was followed in the overnight results by Des Fairbanks from KZN and Barry Loubser.

Day 2 produced similar sailing conditions of light switching winds, and a full day of racing starting at 09:15 through to 16:35. At the lunch break after overall 10 races, the fleet was split into Gold and Silver fleets. 4 races were then sailed in these fleets.

The 3rd day had more consistent winds and even required a change to B rigs for one race. The regatta was able to be sailed over 21 races. Des Fairbanks was able to hold off a charging Roy Gardener and the consistent Gerard Ras to win, with local Llewelyn Thomas fourth. Very competitive racing in both fleets and as expected Barry Loubser recovered from his second day to win the Silver fleet with Dave Oldham second and Eric Marshall third.

See the full results for the two fleets on the Results Page.

2023 WC Regional Report

Theewaterkloof Dam, the venue for the 2023 WC DF95 Regional Championship, had been severely affected by a cut off low storm with torrential rains that caused the dam water level to rise from 103% to 116% overnight. All water frontage sites were flooded with waist high water. There was doubt that the TSC Club could recover in 2 weeks in order to hold the Championship. Fortunately, the water levels dropped back to 105% in time for the arrival of the 20 DF95 sailors and provided excellent conditions to sail off the walls.

A new format to start racing on Friday afternoon was tried and it was well received by the competitors. Racing got under way on time in an increasing south-easterly wind. The first two races were with B rigs but soon changed over to C rigs for the next 4 races before the talk of D rigs caused the postponement of any more of the races racing.

The Organisers provided a boerewors roll and salad supper for all the competitors and spouses. It was socially a great start to the event.

Saturday had a steady easterly “bossie” blowing and the competitors were out testing B rigs before finally switching to C rigs. With the steady wind, the course was laid and racing got underway on schedule. 7 races were completed before lunch with Roy Gardener, off winning the recent Midmar Nationals, dominating each race. After the lunch break two further races were sailed with C rigs before the southerly wind kicked in. The course was moved quickly and racing got under way in a big chop. One race was completed before the difficulty in tacking in the big wives caused the RO to postpone any further racing.

With the boisterous conditions the Rescue did not go out to retrieve the marks which slowly disappeared across the dam to be picked up the following morning.

Roy Gardener was in complete control after the 16 races. There had been lots of shuffling of positions with David Booth moving from 5th overnight to 2nd and Peter Gardener into 3rd, Andrew Bosworth in 4th, Brian Buddell 5th and Barry Loubser 6th.

Another braai evening was held, after the first quarterfinal rugby match in the pub, and the In It to Win It draw. Gerrie Norris won the main prize of a suit of sails generously donated by the new RSA sailmaker Justin Dent.

Sunday dawned with the southerly still blowing, but fortunately not at the same strength as the previous evening. Competitive and challenging races were held with C rigs. The plan was to get in 8 races in order to get that 4th discard with 24 completed races. All was going to plan until the 7th race when the southerly dropped. Everyone was keen to sail a last race so the course was moved for the light easterly wind. Most stayed on their C rigs and predictably the A rig won convincingly as the C rigs puff hunted to the finish.

Congratulations to Roy Gardener on his convincing win. David Booth held onto his 2nd from Andrew Bosworth in third and the fast improving Michael Davies in 4th beating Peter Gardener in 5th by a count back.

The full results can be viewed on the Results page.  

2023 Global Championship - Fleetwood UK

With so much disruption to sporting events, caused by Covid-19, it was a huge relief with the announcement in 2022 that the DF95 class would hold their next Globals, after the first in Dallas in 2018, at Fleetwood, UK during May 2023.

There would be a restriction of 78 entries, in 4 heats. Invitations went out to 16 national class associations. 66 entries were allocated in Round 1 and South Africa were allocated 6 entries based on the numbers competing at the RSA National championships. The RSA Executive had approved allocating their team by using a Selection system using results from the 3 previous National Championships.

After the Round 1 entries were confirmed, the International DF Class offered RSA 3 wildcard entries which were offered to members. The RSA 9-man team were: Roy Gardener, John Jorgensen, Brian Buddell, David Booth, Bruce Schnell, Andrew Bosworth, Barry Loubsher, Dave Oldham and Tim Phillips.

The Team arrived in Fleetwood 3 days before the start of the Championship and got busy preparing and going out to practice. The racing was to take place on a rectangular, 245 meter by 65 meter, lake built in 1932 for model/vane yacht racing. The northern side of the lake had a bank that protected it from the tidal seas of Morecombe Bay and was used for spectator stands in order to watch the very popular vane racing before the advent of radio control racing.

On Saturday the team went through a rigorous measurement of sails, battery weighs and scrutineering of hulls. Once completed, with a few sails needing to be trimmed, the opening ceremony, welcoming speeches and introduction of all teams., was held. The RSA team introduction music was African Sky Blue.

The first two races of the Championship were seeding races, to divide the fleet into 4 seeded heats, with the subsequent races applying a 6 boat promotion relegation system.

Gosh what a 1st day at the Globals. Started at 09:40 and ended at 17:55. 4 races completed of 4 heats each. In the first seeding race Bruce was excellent to make the A fleet. Tim and Andrew also achieved excellent results to get into the B fleet. The rest were disappointingly down in the C and D fleets. Winds were 6 knots to start but slowly increased by the 4th race in B rigs but back to top of A for the days final 3 heats.
At the end of the day Roy had climbed up to the A fleet. David and Bruce were in B fleet while John, Tim and Andrew were in C. Brian had transmitter problems and used Roy’s spare.
Irrespective of which heat, with 24 boats per heat, the racing was very, very competitive and required excellent starts and racing to get promoted to a higher heat. The was also the challenge of trying to get off the leeward bank on port tack with fleet approaching on starboard.
A very hungry, thirsty team headed to The Mount pub for a meal and beer….. (no lunch breaks, sailors  needed to organise themselves between races)

Day 2 racing started at 10:30, after a postponement, while the fresh north westerly wind settled. Sailors had to dress warmly as the wind was chilly off the Irish Sea. First 2 races were with B rigs and the next 2 with C rigs. Tricky getting the settings right from the get go. Mixed results today for the RSA team. With 24 boats jostling on the start line there were plenty of general recalls. Only the use of the black flag made all the sailors honest.
Roy sailed really well to stay in the A heat and had two top 10 places putting him 17th overall. Barry sailed fast to be the B fleet. Bruce is going well except for an unfortunate incident. John has had winch problems when leading a C heat.

3rd day of racing. 5 races with 4 heats each so 20 starts. First race was with B rigs. Next 3 races with C rigs then the wind dropped a tad for last race with B rigs.
David had an eventful day, starting in C heat. Promoted to B, promoted again to A. Relegated to B. Jib stay was knocked loose by a windward boat collision. Relegated to C. Loose Battery connection, Then promoted to B.
Roy sail all 5 races in A but will start in B with David and Bruce as he did not make the cut-off in the day’s last race. Barry is having some excellent races to get promoted but not always able to stay up. John and Brian still having mechanical issues. Tim, Dave O and Andrew doing well but inconsistency not helping.
The RSA team laid on a true Saffer Braai for all the competitors and volunteers with the help of Wayne Stobbs. It was an excellent feast of steaks, marinated chicken, boerewors and English sausages.

The penultimate day, after the rest day, turned out to be more challenging for team RSA. Winds started at 7 knots from the west and soften through the day and A rigs were used for the 5 races that were completed.
The big success was Bruce who was able to again get into the A fleet and stayed up and had an excellent 6 position in race 17. Roy could not get up into the A fleet until the last race of the day. David slipped back and was racing in the C fleet. Brian had all his issues settled with his boat and put in some great races to get promoted to B but slipped back. Tim had the unfortunate embarrassment of walking off the footpath into the lake which is only waist high. Andrew, Dave O and Barry had an up and down day.
In these lighter A rig conditions, the competition was much more intense throughout the fleets.

The final day started with a postponement until the wind direction settled and using A rigs. The wind slowly built until the last of 22 races was with B rigs. Good way to bring the championship to a close. Roy was back in A fleet challenging the best. Bruce was racing in A and B. David eventually got back to B and missed A by one place. Andrew also finished well with his last race in B. John was back up to speed and in B fleet. Barry tried to stay on A rig when all changed to B. The last day was also good for Dave O, Brian and Tim.

Everyone on the RSA team will look back on how they could have improved. The takeaways from attending a Global championship against the best DF95 sailors is to take the experiences and improve your own performances. The interviews conducted by Phil Burgess are all must watch, as they are full of the top sailor’s insights. The winner Craig Richards, fondly remembered by many Cape sailors, put together an extremely informative package on boat and sail settings https://www.nigelbarrow.co.uk/craigs-setup-guide The advice they give is not rocket science - practice in order to be familiar with your setups, smooth sailing, clear fast starts off the front row, stay out of trouble and anticipate developing boat on boat incidents.
The one thing you cannot allow is the incidents caused by other boats, you don’t have control over, to affect your race focus.

Everyone will be looking forward to being home and applying the lessons of this unique opportunity of racing against the best.

The Final results are posted on this site’s Result page. Roy’s 17th and Bruce’s 30th overall were exceptional and reflect very favourably on the standard of South African DF95 racing.

Also - https://dfracing.world/2023/05/28/df95-global-championship-short-report/

Enlightening Interviews with Roy at 13 minutes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbL0VhZfWkE

2023 Table Mountain Regatta

The annual radio control Table Mountain Regatta was recently held at Theewaterkloof Dam.

Held in the most challenging of conditions for the 9 sailors who braved the conditions. Saturday's forecast of strong winds and rain squalls lived up to the predictions.

4 races were sailed in the morning up to 22 knots from the north. After lunch the wind increased and it was decided to sail non counting races as not everyone had storm D rigs. 5 races were sailed with some gusts recorded at 33 knots. Challenging stuff but exciting downwind sailing in the breaking waves. Roy Gardener, our National Champion, excelled.

Sunday started in more sedate winds from the south. Slowly building in strength. Expecting the winds to get stronger, sails were changed from A to C but the winds stayed moderate in the B range until lunch. After lunch, as is predictable at TSC, the winds started increasing to over 20 knots. 5 races were sailed until the waves were making racing unmanageable.

In total 20 races were completed and a real challenge and experience for everyone who sailed.

Barry Loubscher won from David Booth in 2nd and George Winter from the Garden Route in 3rd.

2023 Ocean Race Regatta

The WC DF95 Class were fortunate enough to be invited by The Ocean Race to participate in their stopover festivities. A DF95 regatta was held alongside the docks where the IMOCA s were moored. We had 11 entries however one boat was unable to have transmitter communication. The First race was abandoned half way through for HOLCIM to be maneuvered through the course to her dock. 10 races were completed in gusty B rig conditions that were quiet shift. However, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the regatta. It was suggested that we should go back for future events.

Results are on the Results page. 

2022 WC Regional Championships

The 2022 WC Regionals were held at Theewaters due to the continued weed problems at Milnerton Aquatic Club. Similarity to the 2021 Championship there was good social planning for the 26 sailors on the Friday and Saturday evenings. The competitors were provided boerewors rolls and salads on Friday evening and there was enough donated Coke to go with the brandy brought for the occasion. On Saturday Dave Oldham was the braai master and did a splendid job braai-ing 30 steaks and boerewors.

The Wind forecast for Day 1 was for very strong southerlies. At the coast the southerlies were already blowing strongly so the forecast looked accurate. However, on the dam the southerlies did not push through, so after 2 races in B rigs, the course was changed for the consistent easterly. However, after an early lunch, this wind only last one heat before it died and a light southerly started blowing with rain squalls. After completing the second heat 2 further races were sailed before the RO wisely abandoned allowing everyone to get to the warmth of the bar.

Sunday brought more challenges for the RO. 2 more races were sailed in the A rig westerly wind. After that the qualification split was made for the Gold and Silver fleets. The Silver fleet were able to get 4 races in but only 3 races were possible for the gold fleet before the wind totally disappeared. That meant that the Gold fleet did not get a discard and all 3 races counted.

Roy Gardener continued his excellent form to win the 2022 WC Regionals. Bruce Rademan from Gauteng made his trip very worthwhile sailing into second position. Neville Sharwood, possibly using his local TSC knowledge, finished a very credible 3rd. Craig Latigan won the silver fleet. Full results are posted on the Results page.

Thanks to Leopards Leap for donating wines to the prize winners and Overberg Sailing Federation for their support.

2022 DF95 National Championships

Port Elizabeth Radio Boat Club were the hosts for the 3rd DF95 National Championship in September 2022. The venue was the Nothend Lake alongside the Nelson Mandela Stadium. 31 DF95 sailors entered for the 3-day championships. The Cape Town contingent of 6 sailors was disappointingly down on previous Nationals.

The venue was well located with a lovely clubhouse that was able to keep everyone entertained. The lake is bordered by the stadium and factories so important to get the best wind directions and not sit in wind shadows. There was frequency interference and Roy Gardener borrowed a transmitter and receiver and David Booth a hull with radio and receiver.

The championship was run using the Simple Heat System. A split fleet with a qualification series able to sail 11 races and final Gold and Silver fleets sailing 7 races.

The first day provided good south easterly A rig conditions and 8 races were completed.

The second morning continued in light south easterly winds with 3 races completed before the forecast strong southerly wind started blowing. Unfortunately, this wind, although fresh, was very inconsistent and the RO was not able to run fair races so the afternoon was abandoned.

The 3rd day provided strong B rig westerly conditions and was set up for the Gold and Silver fleets. 7 races were completed before this excellent championship was brought to an end.

Roy Gardener sailed excellently to win the National Title. Of the other Cape Town sailors Brian Buddell finished 5th and David Booth 7th. In the Silver Fleet Barry Loubsher was 2nd and Pieter von Bredow 3rd.

Full Results are on the Results page.

2021 WC Regional Championship incorporating the Table Mountain Regatta

The 2021 Western Cape DragonFlite95 Provincial Championships, incorporating the Table Mountain Regatta, was held at Theewaterskloof Sports Club, on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of February 2022. This Championship was postponed from October 2021 due to Covid lockdown requirements.

The event attracted a total of 23 skippers, 4 from the Garden Route, 1 from Port Elizabeth, 1 from KZN, along with 17 local Western Cape skippers.

Race Day 1

At the skippers briefing, participants were introduced to the Simple Heat Race System (SHRS), which is comprised of a ‘Qualifying’ and a ‘Finals’ series; the combined scores of both these series would then determine the Provincial Champion. Racing started on schedule in a strong Easterly “bossie” wind with a few skippers choosing to use B rig for the first race, but for the next 3 races (6 heats) everyone was on C rig. After 4 races (8 heats), lunch break was called.

Unfortunately, after lunch we returned to a dying wind. Only 1 heat was completed, and the course was moved for the new Southerly wind. One additional heat was possible on C rigs in the new conditions. Everyone was scrambling to suit up D rigs when the RO called it a day knowing the wind would increase even more, and the waves would be extremely challenging. Barry Loubser sailed well in the light conditions in the morning session, obtaining 2 firsts and 3 third places, ending the first day on 8 points, 3 points adrift of overnight leader, Roy Gardener, who was on 5 points. There were only 10 points between first and eighth positions, so all to play for on Sunday.

The Race Committee decided to split the fleet into Gold and Silver, to start the Finals Series fresh on the Sunday morning. Gold Fleet comprised 12 boats and Silver Fleet 11 boats.

Race Day 2

The Silver and Gold Fleets started alternatively, and a total of 7 races (14 heats) were

completed before the 14h00 cut-off. The first two races of the day were in moderate Easterly conditions, which saw Andrew Bosworth (7th after qualifying series) starting strongly with ‘bullets’ in both races, before the wind switched to a strong North-East. The course was difficult to lay due to the Control Area being on a leeward shore and the winds being so strong. A total

of 10 heats were completed in the North Easterly conditions. C rigs were the order of the day, with some spectacular downwind sailing in large waves, which also made for very challenging and testing conditions. Llewellyn Thomas put in a very good performance in the Gold Fleet, bagging 2 seconds and a first place.

The championship had a total of 12 races / 24 heats, which was a combination of the 5 races in the Qualifying Series and 7 races in the Final Series. This would then determine the overall results. Every race was a fair contest in the moderate or strong winds, with tactics, boat handling and rig tuning all playing a major part.

Roy Gardener’s consistency on both days’ sailing was key to him comfortably winning the Championship. There was a good duel for second and third, with Michael Davies putting in one of his best and most consistent performances to finish 2nd, with Andrew Bosworth from PE, obtaining a very respectable 3rd place. In the Silver Fleet, Clive Watson sailed exceptionally well and won from Stuart Brown in 2nd place. Heidi Kavanagh sailing in the Gold Fleet won the ladies trophy.

2021 East v West Regatta at Fairy Knowe

The East v West Regatta was held at the Fairy Knowe Hotel on the banks of the Touws River in Wilderness. There was an excellent turnout of 29 entries with a good fleet from PE and 11 sailors from Cape Town.

The hotel has been recently renovated by the new owner and the downstairs’ rooms stepped straight onto the launching area. Impressive venue which will improve as the renovations are completed.

Because of the good entry, the Heat System was used and 7 races were completed on Saturday for the Qualification Series. The winds were light but consistent blowing down the river except at the windward mark where it was switchy. Unfortunately, we missed a second discard which may have affected some sailors. Sunday was lighter and required good drifting skills and only 4 races were completed. The 4th race was very light for both heats but was needed to squeeze in a discard.

Des Fairbanks travelled from KZN and won convincingly. The next 5 places were Cape Town sailors. Roy Gardener second from Mike Kavanagh in third. Both excelling in the Sunday drifting conditions. Michael Davies was extremely consistent over both days for his fourth place, followed by Brian Buddell and David Booth. Sean Kavanagh won the Silver fleet. The 3 lady sailors were all from Cape Town and was won by Heidi Kavanagh.

See the full results on the Results page.

With the success of this regatta, next year the East West will be held over 3 days.

2021 DF95 Nationals at Witbank Yacht Club

The Championship was held over 3 days 7 8 & 9 October 2021. As there were 37 entries, excellent for the second Nationals to be held, the Qualification/Final system was used with 3 Fleets. This meant that every race was the results of 3 heats. 9 Races were sailed on Friday and Saturday for the Qualification series and 8 races on Saturday afternoon and Sunday for the Final Series. In total 51 heats were sailed. 

Friday was predominantly light winds and 4 races completed with very tight racing in each heat. 

On Saturday a 5 further Qualification races were held with A and B rigs being used. After the 14h00 cutoff the Gold, Silver and Bronze fleets were allocated and the first 2 races of the Final Series were sailed.

Sunday brought strong westerly winds and sailors swopped between C and D rigs and later a few chanced using B rigs. Racing was challenging and fun. Unfortunately those with only A and B rigs had to watch the excitement on the water. 6 final races were sailed to complete the Championship. The scores from both Qualification and Final series determined the overall results. Congratulations to Des Fairbank on his win from Roy Gardener in second and John Jorgensen in third.

Gold Fleet: 1 Des, 2 Roy, 3 John, 4 and first Junior Sean Kavanagh, 5 Brian Buddell, 7 Mike Kavanagh, 8 David Booth and 9 Clive Watson.

Silver Fleet: 1 Michael Davies, 3 Pieter von Bredow, 5 Tom Blok and 12 and first lady Heidi Kavanagh.

Bronze Fleet: 1 Carol Booth, 4 Mathilda Latigan and 5 Craig Latigan.

The 12 sailors from the Cape put up an excellent showing. 

We have just finished a great two day 2021 Table Mountain Regatta at Theewaters.

The Results are on the results page. 20 races were completed. 11 on Saturday where the first 2 races were under B rigs and the following 9 races under D rigs. We broke for lunch when there were 35 knot gusts and came back to sail in 26 to 30 knots North East winds. On Sunday the wind switched to the South. 7 races were under B rigs at the top end and last 2 races under C rigs.

Excellent weekend of strong wind sailing for the 11 sailors. Des Fairbanks won from Roy Gardener by 1 point. Followed by Brian Buddell from Sean Kavanagh.

See the results in the results page.

Sunday 2 August 2020 at MAC

 It was with much anticipation that 10 keen DF95 sailors arrived at MAC for the second round of the Winter Series.

Unfortunately the forecast 14 knots did not materialise. 4 races were sailed with the last race being shortened as the wind disappeared and a few non-finishers.

The Kavanagh family arrived with 4 sailors and immediately showed their potential. Roy Gardender was the overall winner.

Sunday 16 August 2020 at Moreson

Another lovely light wind day at Moreson. 8 sailors made the trip up the N7. All complied with the Covid protocols and went racing.

Although we sailed windward leeward courses the wind was fickle enough to switch from south east to north west, but only a few times during races. 8 races were completed so 2 discards and Roy won with a clean sweep from David and Pieter. Pieter and Heidi had a good duel with Pieter beating Heidi by a single point. Was also nice to have John Clark out for the morning races.  

WC DF95 Regional Championships held at Moreson 8 and 9 November 2020

Was an excellent weekend of racing with majority of races held at the top end of the A rigs. 8 boats were on the water and over the 2 days 31 races were completed.

14 races were completed on Saturday and Michael Kavanagh was leading by 1 point from Roy Gardener. On Saturday Roy continued his fine form to win the Championships from the ever fast Sean Kavanagh pipping his father Mike into 2nd place.