News
SAS Grand Slam and Hobie 14 Provincials
Sailing conditions don’t get better than the Durban balmy winters and sailors took full advantage of the warm days over the long weekend competing offshore in the SAS Grand Slam incorporating the Hobie 14 Provincials hosted by Point Yacht Club.
Mount Edgecombe’s Garth Loudon dominated the Hobie 14 class finishing 18pts ahead of his closest rival. Loudon has just returned from a successful adventure in Europe where he, together with his sailing partner Robbie Edwards-Bettsy, won the European Hobie 16 Grand Masters. Loudon competing solo at the Hobie 14 Provincials took line honours in five of the races offshore. After his two race discards, his score sheet also showed three seconds and two thirds.
An impressive fleet turned out over the four days, with over 50 boats taking to the water for a maximum of 12 races. The first two days, the conditions were champagne sailing with a gentle dose of wind mixed in with blue skies. Race Officer for the event, Kevin Bingham managed to get in the majority of the races on the first two days, slotting in four races on the first day and five on the second.
The predictions were correct on day three as a building south-westerly with personality greeted the sailors. With only three races still remaining, Bingham and his team constantly kept an eye on the Anemometer. During the eleventh race, conditions deteriorated causing havoc on the water. Majority of the fleet battled with the growing gusts’, looking out from the bridge boat it was carnage on the race track with a number of boats cartwheeling and tumble-weeding across the short sharp chop.
Rear Commodore for Dinghies, Myles White said, “Despite the white horses in the harbour, the average wind speed proved to be around 17 knots with gusts in the low 20s – so, the boats were called to the race course, the Oppies stayed onshore, and the start sequence got underway. The first race was completed despite several capsizes in all classes, but it was after the second race got underway that the breeze got up properly. We had cartwheeling Hobies and Lasers crossing the finish line before being sent home. In one humorous instance, Hobie competitor Wayne Smith capsized on the finish line in dramatic fashion, and shouted across to the bridge boat if he was ‘over’, and we confirmed in more than one way.”
The rescue and support team were kept busy righting boats that had been knocked down in the blustery gusts. Racing was suspended at the end of the second race, with the brave competitors safely returning to shore.
The fleet needed to come out on Women’s Day to conclude the regatta. Majority of the boats took to the water in near-perfect conditions for the final race that took place after the sprinkling of sailing stalwart, Bob Fraser’s ashes in the harbour.
The fleet comprised 50 boats altogether with 19 of these being Hobies. Also on the water were Darts, a Tornado and Hobie Tiger comprising the Open Cat fleet; 505s and 29ers being the Open Dinghies; approximately 10 Lasers, and 12 Optimists who wanted offshore experience in advance of an upcoming international regatta.
The next event for the yacht club requires all in attendance to don their smart attire at this year’s Commodore’s Dinner with host Beauty Ramapelepele that takes place on Saturday 20 August.
For more info visit www.pyc.co.za or contact the club on 031 301 4787.
Powering out of the starting blocks, Laser sailor Marcello Marcia bolts his way up to the top mark during the SAS Grand Slam incorporating the Hobie 14 Provincials hosted by Point Yacht Club offshore over the long weekend.
Results
Hobie 14 Provincials
1 Garth Loudon 17pts, 2 Peter Hall 35pts, 3 Dylan Albert 40pts, 4 Richard Gorlei 44pts, 5 Wayne Smith 54pts, 6 Sean Fennessy 56pts, 7 Jethro Brophy-Tintinger 73pts, 8 Matthew Hall 92pts, 9 Justin Butler 94pts, 10 Stephanie Goodyear 98pts, 11 Rudi Fokkens 100pts, 12 Liam Fennessy 102pts, 13 Struan Campbell 124pts, 14 Rudi Rogge 126pts, 15 Ralph Thorpe 142pts, 16 Aldino Gorlei 149pts, 17 Bart Fokkens 157pts, 18 Sven Paton 167pts, 19 Nik Albert 168pts
Laser Radials
1= Kai Leslie 20pts, 1= Damian Muller 20pts, 3 Elsje Dijkstra 32pts, 4 Sam Lombaard 33pts, 5 Hannah Fokkens 39pts
Open Dinghies
1 Jason Muller (Laser 4.7) 24pts, 2 Rob Goulden (Laser) 28pts, 3 Rudolph Holm (Laser) 34pts, 4 Jonathan Ham (505) 37pts, 5 Benji Daniel / Chad Stevenson (29er) 39pts, 6 Hans Rogotzki (505) 61pts, 7 Rob Tarboton / Nick Matter (29er) 64pts, 8 Albrecht Holm (505) 66pts
Optimist
1 Keagan Nel 18pts, 2 Tristan Tomlinson 20.5pts, 3 Duncan Hawksworth 27pts, 4 Iain Bowman 33.5pts, 5 Helen Janse Van Vuuren 34.5pts, 6 Scott Bowman 39.5pts, 7 Ingrid Holm 44pts, 8 Cameron Diesl 54.5pts, 9 Lena Holm 59.5pts, 10 Alex Wiederhold 72pts, 11 Ethan Hooper 74pts, 12 Jessica Fennessy 77pts
Open Catamarans
1 Rob Samways (Dart) 18pts, 2 Mark Kopel (Dart) 19pts, 3 Mark Witjenburgh / Brandon Witjenburg (Hobie Tiger) 27pts, 4 Gavin Wadsworth / Geetjie Wadsworth (Dart 2) 34pts, 5 Francois De La Fleuriot / Eli Brphy – Tintinger (Hobie Tornado) 48pts
Photo Credit: Sophie Thompson
Author: Durbanite
Get ready for the ultimate family outing! South Africa’s legendary musical icons, Mango Groove will, light up the stage at Chris Saunders Park, on Friday 2 May, kicking off at 4pm.
This isn’t just a concert; it’s a fantastic opportunity to create lasting family memories filled with incredible music, delicious food, and exciting activities for everyone.
Join Mango Groove as they bring you the iconic hits that have been the soundtrack to South African life since the 80s. From the moment the first note drops, you’ll be swept away by their smash hits “Special Star,” “Dance Some More,” and all the timeless classics that have defined generations. This is your chance to experience the magic of Mango Groove in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
What’s in store for the kids?
We’ve got so much lined up:
- Blaster Wars Arena – Ready, aim, and battle it out in a safe and exciting space.
- Jumping Castles – Let them bounce the day away.
- Lego Area – Creativity unleashed with endless building fun.
- Target Shooting – Perfect for little sharpshooters.
- Treasure Hunts & Fun Games – Adventure awaits.
- Dedicated Toddler Zone – Safe and fun play for the tiniest festival-goers.
Tickets to this unmissable family event are a steal, priced between R100 and R250. With convenient, fully stocked bars for the adults and a delicious array of food stalls offering something for everyone, your taste buds will be as happy as your ears!
Date: Friday 2 May
Time: 4-10pm
Venue: Chris Saunders Park
Book your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable day of music and fun!
Tickets are available for purchase online at WebTickets.
Follow In The Park here for more upcoming music events. You do not want to miss out on the rest of the events they have planned for you!
Author: Shelley
It’s fresh, bright and chockfull of surprises! It’s the 2025 East Coast Radio House & Garden Show, and we’re talking fresh spaces. bright living! A giant breath of fresh air will sweep through the Durban Exhibition Centre when the Show rolls out from Friday 28 June to Sunday 6 July.
fresh spaces. bright living is all about how to tweak or transform your home into one which brings you joy, and allows you to be you! Whether it’s little touches of stylish decor or large sweeps of bold colour and pattern, you’ll leave the Show bursting with new skills from the experts, bright ideas from different brands… and loads of goodies and parcels. Jump on board, the 2025 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show promises to fill your head with creativity to create your own fresh spaces. bright living.
Calling all cooks and homemakers!
This year’s Test Kitchen is the kitchen of the future! Hirsch is at the helm and The Kitchen Studio is creating a space that’ll knock your socks off. Top celebrity chefs (surprises up our sleeve), fabulous personalities (guess who?), crazy cooks (laughter is the best medicine)… the line-up is as long as it is sensational! If cooking’s your happy place, the Hirsch kitchen is the only place to be.
The 2025 East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is going to be child’s play!
This is Durban’s true family show, and we’ve got you well covered for the first week of the school holidays! From littlelies to larger, this year’s kids zone has mushroomed into its own dedicated hall, and has way, way more of what they love! And parents, this one’s for you. Drop and shop – there’s now a super-safe, well supervised drop-off zone, so you can do your thing, while they do theirs. A dedicated Kids Zone in the Coast of Dreams, with a whacky wonderland of activities. Packed with fun, yet competitive, activities and challenges, teens can put their skills to the test! From the incredible Monster Manor to fairytale characters to face-painting, wrestling and bowling, the kids just won’t want to go home.
The East Coast Radio House + Garden Show is always full of winners…
And why shouldn’t it be you? With competitions big and small, you could carry home anything from the coolest kitchen appliance to the hottest sound system, a tantalising voucher to something or somewhere sensational or bags full of your favourite products.
This season, the Show is shining a full spotlight on fresh spaces, bright living, both outdoors and in! Plants, landscaping and new tricks and tools for garden lovers; boys’ toys and bits and bobs for outdoor lovers; and goodies and gadgets for those who live to braai! Renovating, restoring or dreaming of adventure, the Show will take you where you want to go.
We can’t wait to see you there!
www.housegardenshow.co.za
Author: Shelley
Wackadoo!
Bluey is heading to Gateway in real life!
Get ready for an UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE at Gateway Thetre of Shopping from 29 April to 4 May and join them for a FREE Meet & Greet with Bluey.
Snap a photo, share a high-five, and make magical memories.
Bring the whole family for some Heeler Bluey fun. Stay connected to their social media page here for more information.
Author: Shelley
-
Uncategorised4 weeks agoParlotones in the Park: Family Fun & Live Music at Chris Saunders Park!
-
Attractions3 weeks agoNOW OPEN: Westown Square Shongweni
-
Attractions3 weeks agoKenny G is coming to Durban, South Africa in October!
-
Business3 weeks agoSani Springs Natural Spring Water Delivered Straight to You from the Drakensberg
-
Businesses3 weeks ago90s Mania: The Ultimate Throwback Party Hits Durban! (Kids Under 12 are FREE in April!)
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoBluey is coming to Durban for the FIRST TIME!
-
Attractions2 weeks agoGet Ready for the Supertech Torque Motoring Festival
-
Art2 weeks agoThe East Coast Radio House & Garden Show 2025