KAZIMLA MFIKILI
The SA Youth National Sailing Championships are coming to the Eastern Cape for the first time in nearly a decade, bringing excitement, competition, and a boost to local tourism.
From December 15-19, Wriggleswade Dam, will host this prestigious event, marking a significant return for youth sailing to the province.
“This is a big moment for us,” East London Yacht Club commodore and chief event organiser Lawrence Haw said.
“We haven’t hosted this event since 2015, and for a long time, it was said that our region lacked the capacity. But we’ve proven ourselves, and now we’re ready to showcase what the Eastern Cape can do.”
Spanning an impressive 17km and covering 1,000ha, Wriggleswade Dam provides a stunning backdrop for the championships. Around 85 young sailors under the age of 19 are expected to compete, with about five local participants among the mix.
Competitors and their families — an estimated 300 to 350 visitors — will travel from across SA, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
“This event doesn’t just spotlight sailing,” Haw said. “It’s also a fantastic opportunity to support local tourism.
“With families staying in nearby accommodations and exploring the area, it’s a win for our community.”
One of the highlights of the championships will be the optimist class, the world’s largest single-handed sailing class for youth aged eight to 15. This race promises fierce competition and high energy on the water.
Optimist Class of SA chair Alister Keytel is confident about the event’s success. “The East London Yacht Club has put in a lot of work to make this happen,” he said. Keytel’s son, Joshua, 14, is among the hopefuls vying for a top spot. Fresh off his experience at the African Continental Championships, Joshua shared his excitement.
“I feel confident but know the competition will be tougher this year.”
With young sailors dreaming of glory and the Eastern Cape pulling out all the stops, the championships promise to be an unforgettable spectacle.
