Mykonos Offshore 2022, by Andrew Collins
“The best regatta of the year”. “We should have this regatta more than once a year”. “The pursuit race is the most fun race anywhere in the country.” These were all comments we heard after the 32nd Mykonos Offshore Regatta this last weekend.
The Friday race started with lots of promise. Spinnakers billowing and great speed being made in the right direction. But only the inexperienced would have been booking tables for an early dinner at Club Mykonos at this early stage. Too often in recent years the wind dies near Dassen Island in the afternoon leaving the slower boats wallowing. This year was no exception.
As the wind became lighter it was critical where you were positioned. There were lanes of breeze allowing some boats to sail at good pace right past others just a few hundred metres away battling to keep moving. Some might say there was skill in choosing which course to take, but when some of the top sailors in the fleet with huge amounts of experience get caught flat-footed, it seems luck might play a much part. The retirements came thick and fast.
The forecast for Saturday morning showed the wind staying the same strength until quite late in the day. Fortunately it did build and as the day brightened so did the spirits of the competitors. As is so often the case with a Pursuit Race, with the wind conditions not being consistent for the whole race, some boats are disadvantaged. The slowest boats in the fleet suffered in this race. But the sheer pleasure of sailing a fun course in perfect conditions once the breeze filled in more than made up for a poor result.
The weekend was rounded off with the talented Louise Day entertaining us all evening. It did not take long for the dance floor to fill up and stay that way until late.
In order for a regatta of this size to run smoothly requires a huge amount of organisation and team work as well as some very dedicated volunteers. Our thanks go to all of those who ensured the 73 boats and almost 500 sailors enjoyed a successful regatta. Club Mykonos has been a loyal sponsor for 32 years and their team are a pleasure to work with year after year. Thanks must also go to Craig Leslie, the Race Officer, Robyn Patrick and Marie Saunders, David Abromowitz for the use of Ocean Princess as the start boat in Cape Town. The RCYC sailing office spend months and months preparing for the regatta. Special thanks must go to Kerry Pryde for all the admin work, race documentation and scoring.
Most importantly our thanks and appreciation go to all the sponsors who so generously support the regatta and provide fabulous prizes. Club Mykonos, Seaport Supply, Garmin, Ballistic Eyewear, Ullman Sails, Viking Life Saving Equipment, Intasure, Atlantic Yachting, Quiver Outdoor Gear, Starbrite, Eezysun, Heritage Wines.
Congratulations to our Winners –
Line Honours Lone Distance Race – Windpower 2 – Rick Nankin / Phil Gutsche
Overall Winners of the Long Distance – Cape Dancer – Saths Moodley / Oliver Shippardt
Line Honours Bay Race – Banjo – Kevin Webb
Overall Winners of Mykonos Offshore 2022 Hollard Jacana – skippered by Patrick Holloway.
To view the Mykonos Offshore Race 2022 photo gallery through the lens of Ashleigh de Villiers, click here and here.
