Sailing update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Owing to a strong southerly wind, only the larger boats taking part in the Western Cape Sailing Championships took to the water earlier today. The sailing start was postponed to about 11:30, rather than the scheduled 10:00.

The smaller boats were kept from going out on the sea for safety reasons earlier today. The gusts were up to 20 knots, which is dangerous for the smaller boats. At 14:10 the call was made to send the smaller boats out to race after it was deemed safe, according to Elfie Holden, commodore of the Mossel Bay Sailing Club and local organiser of the championships.

Larger boats such as the 505s, 29ers, Ilca 6 and Ilca 7s and the Mosquito were sent out earlier.

Decided

Then it was decided at 14:10 that the smaller boats could go out to race. Racing started at about 14:30 for the smaller classes of boats.

The smaller classes of boats sailing in the champs, which could only take to the water this afternoon, include the Optimists, Mirrors, 420s, RS Teras, Toppers, Ilca 4s and one Feva and two Qubas. These smaller boats sail offshore of the old yacht club building, where it tends to be more sheltered in the bay, Holden says.

The larger classes of boats sail out at sea, off the harbour and off Beacon Point.

Smaller boats in the championships, racing in the bay at 14:45 today.