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Optimist sailors prepare for IODA African Championship
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| IODA African Championship - Optimist sailors prepare for IODA African Championship |
| PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA-(30-3-2003) Saturday was the first measurement day, and the early arrivals took advantage of this to get their boats through the measurement as early as possible. The day started with little to no breeze, but this picked up as the day progressed and the USA, ZIM and RSA teams took advantage of this to put in some on the water training in light wind. Later in the day the remaining teams arrived safely in Port Elizabeth, although a number of sails went missing en-route and arrived on later flights.
Sunday was the first official day of the regatta and the remaining teams went through measurement and registration in the morning and a tune-up race was held in the afternoon. The wind strength was around 15 knots giving everyone a good opportunity to put in a good run on the water. Kenya still has missing sails and they are due to arrive tommorrow morning. They nevertheless sailed the tune-up race with spare sails borrowed from other competitors.
After the tune-up race the competitors, officials and supporters left for the opening ceremony at the Shark Rock Pier, where a flag procession took place after which the waters of the competing nations were mixed, blessed and poured into the Indian Ocean. Thereafter, everyone returned to the Yacht Club for the flag ceremony and welcoming speeches by dignatories and officials.
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Source: Event editor |
