The Second Annual SAS Institute Charity Sailing Challenge was held at the Royal Cape Yacht Club on 7 October.
Corporate sailing teams from around the country participated in the challenge to raise money for the Khanya project, an initiative of the Western Cape Education Department.
Says Pieter Nel, Branch Manager at SAS Cape Town: "A total of R52 500 was raised at the event, which will help the two schools supported by SAS, Eendekuil Primary School and Eendekuil Laerskool, improve their computer labs and purchase interactive whiteboard technology."
The race day dawned clear but windy; however, the bumpy seas and large swells could not dampen the enthusiasm of the sailors who turned up for this exciting event.
A total of 17 yachts sponsored by various corporates raced around the course to compete for the honour of winning the SAS Institute Charity Sailing Challenge. A handicap system was used to ensure that all teams had a fair shot at victory. Vying for the title were teams from SAS Cape Town, on the Lapwing skippered by Alan Keen, and SAS Johannesburg, on Indaba skippered by John Levin, which came in first and second places respectively.
Next in line were team Prescient, on the Gandalf with Jorg Wegner at the helm, Metropolitan Odyssey on Aurora skippered by Mel Hawtrey, Platignite on Impact captained by Jay Barnes and team Metropolitan Asset Management 'B' on Saoirse with Tony Blackwell in control.
The team from Cameo Corporate Communication came in seventh on Majimoto II captained by Lindsay Birch, followed by P Flockton's Aquavit with team Tsohle on board. Old Mutual was next across the line on the Sharyn Leigh skippered by Terry Usher, with Robin Lapping's Vortex carrying team Metropolitan Life 'A' hot on their heels.
In close succession followed Metropolitan Asset Management 'C' on Monkies in the Mist with Bernard Diebold at the helm, Metropolitan Asset Management 'A' on Morgenster captained by Jo Lambrechts, the RCS Group on Alan Whiteley's Alleycat Too, Metropolitan Life 'B' on Albacore skippered by Thomas Boecker and PIC Solutions on Avanti with Grant Saunders in control. The Khanya team claimed "Last Honours" on FTI Flyer captained by Ray Matthews. All the while the race was closely followed by VIP guests of the event who were enjoying the luxury of Panther a 77 foot yacht, skippered by Dave Elcock.
Although not all teams were fortunate enough to receive prizes for top places, all teams were rewarded for their contribution to the race. Examples of these awards include the RCS Group for "Best Dressed Team", the Tsohle team on Aquavit for "Wettest Team" and Cameo Corporate Communications received the honour of being the "Loudest Team".
Concludes Nel: "Regardless of the places the yachts finished in, a great day of sun and sea, Cape Town style, was had by all. We raised a lot of money for the two Eendekuil schools we support, and we are looking forward to helping them use this money to improve the technological resources at the schools and give the children a better and brighter future."
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