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Red Hot Chilli Pepper (TC2007).jpg (34758 bytes)  Red Hot Chilli Pepper (TC2007)1.jpg (31131 bytes)  Tickled Pink (TC2007).jpg (30814 bytes)

NEWS ARTICLE – MOSQUITO CATAMARAN CLASS ASSOCIATION NEWS

 

(By George Meyer)

 

Saturday, 14 July 2007, saw the start of the first leg of the “Triple Crown” series in the Western Cape, with 38 intrepid catamarans (of which 3 were Mosquitoes) taking to the water. This was an excellent turnout considering it is in the middle of winter, which bodes well for the next two legs of the series. The “Triple Crown” is a 3 race series for catamarans, hosted by the Langebaan Yacht Club, comprising of 3 fairly grueling long distance races, held on the picturesque Langebaan Lagoon on the West Coast.

 

The Triple Crown series is very unique in the fact that it is probably the most spectator friendly race, with friends & family supporting in a big way from the shoreline of the Langebaan Yacht Club. The competitors have to sail through a gate on both upwind & downwind legs of the race, with only approximately 50 meters between the land & the compulsory gate. This gate makes for some exciting jibes on the downwind leg, adding to the thrill of the crowd!

 

Weather forecasts were not looking to good, with virtually no wind being predicted for the day. In typical West Coast fashion, the sailors were greeted in the morning with fantastic conditions, with a light Southerly breeze of between 4 & 8 knots, strengthening to around 12 knots later in the day. This suited the spinnakered boats, which had to complete 3 rounds of the stipulated course.

 

The conditions were excellent for the Mossies, with Sarel van der Merwe (Tickled Pink) taking the overall laurels on handicap and class, and George Meyer & Andrea das Neves (Red Hot Chilli Pepper) coming in a fairly close 2nd place overall. Peter Hall (Blue Peter) finished in a highly credible 5th place overall. Line honours went to the current Hobie 16 World Champion, Sean Ferry (crewed by John Van der Vyver) sailing like demons on their new Hobie Tiger. 2nd place on line went to another Hobie Tiger, skippered by Colin Whitehead (an ex Hobie 16 world champion).

 

Round two of the Triple Crown series will be held on 14 & 15 September & round three will be concluded on 1 & 2 December, 2007 . All points are carried over, culminating in an overall winner for the series. Once again, the Triple Crown series is proud to be associated with its 3 main sponsors, viz. the Langebaan Yacht Club, Pearly’s restaurant & the Friday Island Beach House, whom all sponsor a leg of the series. A lucky draw, to sailors competing in all 3 events, will see the winner walking away with stunning prizes to the value of R7,500. This includes 2 Hobie Worlds Harnesses, 2 Reef Wetsuits and 2 Hobie Life Jackets, amongst other prizes.

 

The Mosquito sailors wish to thank Jaco Smith, the Commodore of Langebaan Yacht Club, and the organisers of the event, for their excellent hospitality and have undertaken to support the event in full force at the next 2 rounds! 

 

STOP PRESS: The date and venue for the Mosquito Nationals have been confirmed – Voelvlei Yacht Club, from 14 to 17 December, 2007 . As this is the biggest club for the Mosquito Cats in SA, the Association is expecting a huge turnout of competitors. The event also promises to be the biggest & best yet for the class to date.