GEORGE NEWS - The 2025 George Lakes Yacht Club (GLYC) Interclub Regatta brought colour and competition to the local waters last weekend, drawing 52 boats from across the Garden Route.
With close racing, mixed wind conditions and enthusiastic club rivalry, the regatta proved a highlight on the regional sailing calendar.
Despite a slow start to the weekend with light winds on Saturday, allowing just one race to be completed, Sunday brought better conditions.
A steady southwesterly breeze filled in, allowing five races to be sailed and giving competitors in both fleets a proper test of skill and stamina.
In the fast fleet category, it was Georgou Divaris - fresh off his Finn National Championship win - who set the pace, winning all but one race. His closest challenger, fellow Finn sailor Jacques Louw, claimed one race victory and consistent results to finish second overall. A tight battle for third saw Oliver Holden (ILCA 6) edge out Michael Magner and Drew Scott by just half a point.
The slow fleet category saw Topper sailor Asakhile Mpumela rise to the top with impressive consistency, winning three races and finishing second in two more.
Someleze Gqwangu, also sailing a Topper, kept the pressure on with two wins of his own to take second overall. Arthur Watson, sailing an Optimist, rounded out the top three.
Representing the GLYC fast fleet team were David Laing, Daniel Kruger, Martin Rostek, Mark Bennetts, Ingrid Buys, Michael Magner, Malcolm Osborne and Jean Paul Buys in front of the trophy.
In the team standings, George Lakes Yacht Club took the honours in the fast fleet division, with strong performances across their top five sailors. In the slow fleet, Mossel Bay Sailing Club dominated, claiming the team title thanks to a deep field of consistent performers.
The event was proudly sponsored by Seeff Properties, whose support helped make the weekend possible. Their continued investment in local sport is deeply appreciated by the sailing community and the greater Garden Route region.
With competitive racing, community spirit and perfect Sunday sailing conditions, the 2025 Interclub Regatta will be remembered as one of the highlights of the season.
The winning junior team at the GLYC prize-giving on Sunday 5 October.
On the podium for the fast fleet are Oliver Holden, Georgou Divaris and Jacques Louw. With them is Ingrid Buys, Eden Sailing’s chairperson.
The podium of the 2025 GLYC Interclub Regatta (slow fleet) was Arthur Watson, Asakhile Mpumela and Someleze Gqwangu. With them is Ingrid Buys, Eden Sailing’s chairperson.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
