RADIO YACHTING - MORE TO IT THAN MEETS THE EYE

AUGUST 2011

Unfortunately two Saturday afternoon 36” Shipmate Class League races during July and August did not take place but the IOM and 36” Shipmate Provincials did. At the end of August the 36 League positions were very close with Martin Stephens and Des Fairbank tied on 22 points followed by Joe Robbertse on 31 and Keith Gerson on 35. Peter Simons and Alex Gracie are also tied on 43 points in 5th place.

The IOM Provincial Championship was sailed on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July 2011. Unfortunately no one from the Cape managed to attend but there were entrants from the FreeState and Gauteng making up an entry of 16 boats. The conditions on Saturday were ideal top suit sailing conditions allowing OOD Dave Rushton to get in 12 races in the afternoon. Sunday was very light and variable make it difficult to keep the races going and one race was abandoned when all the boats drifted backwards. Dave still managed to get in 7 races giving a total of 19 races. Des Fairbank managed to defend the trophy once again. Top places were Des 41, Gerhard Ras 58, John McKerchar 78 (Both from Gauteng) Peter Simons 82 and Joe Robbertse 108.

Des Thanking OOD Dave The IOM Competitors
The 36” Shipmate Provincials was sailed on Sunday 21 August and attracted 11 entries. Conditions were ideal for this very competitive one design class and the regatta was only won on the last of 15 races. Peter Simons retained the Trophy with 21 points followed by Des Fairbank on 23. 3rd was Norrie Taylor on 44 beating Joe Robbertse on a count out.

We have both new and second hand 36” Shipmates available if anyone is interested. For further particulars please contact Des Fairbank on 0741802824 or 033 3472385.


Peter Simons with the 36” Shipmate Trophy

Barry Loubser and Des Fairbank competed in the IOM World Championship held at West Kirby in July and the lack of regular competition sailing became apparent in what was an extremely competitive field of 78. Des found himself sailing in “C” fleet with past world champions making it extremely difficult to get promoted.



A typical start at the worlds