Eden schools take to the water like ducks

GEORGE NEWS - The annual SA Sailing Eden District Inter Schools Regatta took place on 28 and 29 March on the scenic waters of Island Lake in Wilderness.

The event was hosted by George Lakes Yacht Club and once again brought together young sailors from across the Eden District for a weekend of competitive racing and sportsmanship.

Thanks were extended to the event sponsor, Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, whose support contributed greatly to the success of the regatta.

The high school fleet attracted 22 entries, representing seven schools from Mossel Bay, Knysna and George. The Primary Schools fleet saw 16 entries, with competitors travelling from schools in Knysna and George.

A variety of dinghy classes took part, with results determined on a time-based rating system.

The high school fleet consisted mainly of ILCA, Topper and Optimist dinghies, while the primary school fleet featured Optimists and O-9er dinghies.

Sailing conditions on the first day proved challenging, with very light and variable winds blowing across Island Lake from the south.

Despite the difficult conditions, four short races were completed. Wind conditions improved on Sunday, becoming slightly stronger and more consistent. This allowed three races to be completed for the high school fleet and two for the primary school fleet.

In the High Schools fleet, Daniel Kruger of York High School delivered an outstanding and consistent performance, finishing first or second in every race to secure the overall win.

Second place went to John Paul Buys of Outeniqua High School, with Louis de Kock of York High School finishing in third place. All three top sailors competed in the ILCA 7 class.

The primary school fleet was dominated by Eli Kruger-Green of Oakhill School, who won five of the six races in an Optimist dinghy to claim overall victory in the division.

Second place, also sailing an Optimist, went to Hunter Cloete of Sedgefield Primary School, while Maksi Strydom-Micic of Oakhill School finished in third place overall.

The Inter Schools High Schools trophy was awarded to York High School.

Pacaltsdorp Primary School, which entered an impressive fleet of 10 boats, was awarded the Inter Schools Primary School trophy.

Full results of the regatta are available on the George Lakes Yacht Club website.

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