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Warrior at the Mykonos Regatta 2008

Posted 7 months, 22 days ago

Warrior at the Mykonos Regatta 2008
Mike van Wyk reports: This past weekend was the most enjoyable regatta in South Africa, The Mykonos Regatta. The Port Elizabeth and ex Port Elizabeth contingent onboard Warrior was Phil ”The Boss” Gutsche, Michael “ Why She Ironing my Cap” van Wyk, Kerry “I think I swallowed a Weber” Bonnage, Sean “Where’s my Grinding Team” Wiseman, Dion “I’ve been Violated by a Deck Fitting” Millson, Katie “The Best BB in the World” Moore and Deon “Seaport Rules” Coetzer. The offshore race to Mykonos started on Friday at 08h30 in a light North Westerly and rain but once the boats cleared Robben Island the wind filled in from the South West and the skies cleared leaving us to decide to whether to go offshore or stay inshore, we stayed inshore and after negotiating a pod of whales we were on our way. Although a slow trip we made it to Mykonos in 8 hrs. 40 min. no record but we finished first and way ahead of the fleet and settled for 5th on handicap. For some of Port Elizabeth crowd this was their first Mykonos and their first race with Rick Nankin at the helm and with constant sail changes and spinnaker peels it was an experience second to none. On Saturday it was the Bay Pursuit Race a 25 mile race around the Bay and out to sea with all points of sail and sea conditions to encounter. The first boat hit the start at 10h00 and Warrior was away at 12h47. The race committee set the start times based on wind speeds of 16 knots but during the race we were experiencing winds up to 33 knots. It was a tough day for us with two blown spinnaker sets and then a blown spinnaker. We finished a disappointing 16th but finished in style crossing the line in 30 knots of breeze with the SA flag spinnaker pulling us along at 16 knots. Giving us 7th overall for the Regatta. Sunday was the return cruise to Cape Town with Phil electing to go back by road we were joined by Mariska “Deon se Stuk” Kriek and 11 year old James “Who has a Hot Mom” Dickman. Departure was set for 04h00 but my crew only left the Casino at 03H00 so departure was delayed until the Regmakers kicked in. We finally slipped moorings at 08h00 and headed out into a stiff South Easterly. With the wind on the nose we motored back to Cape Town in 12 hours arriving at the Cape Grace right at dark. The Mykonos Regatta is truly a great regatta, last year there were 82 entries but this year it was limited to 60 and with a couple of trailered boats and a hand full of Hobie Tigers the Bay Race had an entry of 72 boats. For our “drinkers who have a sailing problem” it was an awesome experience and something I’m sure they will do again. Full Story »

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