A big thank you to all the sailors, spectators and sponsors who participated in the Sogakope Race this last weekend! Also a big thank you to our social committee who did a sterling job in organising the event, and the club manager, Isaac and his staff who worked very hard to make everything run as smoothly as it did.

It was a huge success with 16 yachts on the start line and everybody had a wonderful weekend! The elements threw everything at us, from an ill timed line squall at the start of the race on Saturday morning which resulted in a few spectacular capsizes (including an esteemed sailor who managed to capsize before the start line) to pouring rain for most of the day with some winds at times, to no wind at all towards evening which resulted in a few boats having to be towed into Sogakope.

The results of the first leg of the race from Ada Foah to Sogakope, was as follows:

1st - Pawel and Maria on Ocean Nations
2nd - Duncan and Meskia on Spanker
3rd - Jan and Victoria on Victoria’s Secret

The cold and wet conditions did nothing to dampen the spirits though, and after a hot shower and a well deserved drink, everybody was ready for a party. The fires were lit for the barbecue buffet, and Tall Horse and Game kindly sponsored some wine for the tables and Game some prizes for the games, which was a lot of fun. Check the pictures in the gallery Sogakope Race 2013.

We woke up to a beautiful sunny morning on Sunday, but no wind! So the start of the down leg of the race to Subhi’s Island, was delayed until 11 am. Even then there was a lot of paddling going on to avoid being swept down past the start line before the starting hooter, as the tide was much stronger than the wind. But after a slow start, the wind picked up nicely and it was a keenly competitive race. When we arrived at Subhi’s, the party was in full swing with a wonderful spread for lunch as usual, and lots of Moet & Chandon flowing.

The result of the second leg from Sogakope to Subhi’s Island was as follows:

1st - Sergei and Anton
2nd - Pawel and Maria
3rd – Paul and Melissa

Subhi presented the trophies for the overall winners (the elapsed times of the 2 legs combined) which was:

1st – Pawel and Maria
2nd – Duncan and Meskia
3rd – Paul and Mellissa

Third and fourth places were closely contested with Jan and Victoria being a mere 4 minutes behind Paul and Mellissa.

For those who want to know how they fared in the two races and overall, check with the Sailing Secretary.

On a lighter note you will no doubt smile as your Commodore ably crewed with Olaf had to be towed in for the up-river leg resulting in a DNF but not to be outdone was determined to put in a spirited performance for the down-river leg. After a well timed start off the beach and a frantic paddle across the ebbing river, the yacht reached the start mark and gracefully floated off down-stream on the ebbing tide. After a good sail, when the wind came up, we arrived at the finish in a very competitive time to be told that we had been disqualified for crossing the starting line on the 1 minute signal!!! So to all Hobie sailors watch out for next year, We will get a new fancy racing watch and try and start on time. So for us it was a DNF and a DSQ not much to cheer about.

We would like to thank Subhi and his family once again for their wonderful hospitality, as well as the main sponsors being Auto Parts Limited with Mercury along with Cowbell and Moet & Chandon.

Subhi also announced that they will be sponsoring the race again next year, and we have decided to have it in April as the weather is a bit more predictable and the winds more constant. We will set an exact date well in advance and advise the members so that you can put the date in your diary and not miss out on this exciting event! For those who did not take part you missed a really great weekend which I would urge you to enter next year.

Our next race day is coming up on Sunday 2nd June please do come along and support your club.

We are also planning a fun sailing day on Sunday 16th June where it is intended to sail down towards the mouth and pull in to a sheltered bay where there is a nice beach, good swimming in salty water and we will organise barbecue fires for a social lunch. It is intended to have some fun races from the bay into Subhi’s channel where we usually get some good wind.

So please make a note in your diaries and come along and enjoy the day out, we will send out reminders nearer the time.

Yours in sailing
John Geddes
Commodore