2004 NORTHVAAL INTERSCHOOLS REGATTA

It was an incredible sight. The turnout was fantastic as the 77 boats took to the waters of Victoria Lake in Germiston for the annual Northvaal Interschools Regatta. Teams representing 33 schools participated in the event. A wide range of classes of boats participated in the event ranging from and O9'r and Optimist through to a couple of Halcats. It is a scorer's nightmare!

One race was sailed on Saturday in fairly light conditions. A second was attempted but the wind dropped to nothing, which left them with no alternative but to abandon the race.
It was decided to go for an early start on Sunday with the hope that there would be wind. Fortunately there was and four races were sailed before the wind died again.

Competition was tough with interesting racing throughout the fleets. Timothy Gibbons sailing for Hyde Park High School dominated the Optimist fleet with Graeme Field from Grayston Prep taking the honours in the Primary School Optimist Class. Lejan Lewthwaite was second Primary Optimist just one point behind Graham with Kimberleigh Austin third.

Ndumiso Radebe won the 21 strong 09'r class in impressive style with three first places and 2 fourths. Dylan Nelson was second and Aynanda Msimang third. The next biggest class was the Dabchick Class, which was completely dominated by the girls. Bridget Clayton and Bronwen Klaas finished tie on points. First place went to Bridget on count back. Tamaryn Bennett was third.

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Ndumiso Radebe - winner of the O-9er trophy

Megan Clayton from Benoni High, walked away with the honours in the Laser class with four firsts and a second. Marc M'Crystal was second and Dylan le Roux third. Robert Dann had a clean sweep in the Mirrors and Pete-Ann Leigh was first in the Gypsy Class.

It is certainly good to see how the standard at this event has improved over the years. Credit must go to our sailing schools who are doing an incredible job of teaching the skills of sailing to these children who are all having great fun learning.

Results