WED Night Race 24th February 2015

With a Convergence zone over the start line, the race was going to be tricky. With two minutes to the start Yolo was above the start line and made her way down to the line and to a line of boats who were sailing down the line on Starboard with Yolo sailing towards them on Port. On the gun Yolo was called as over so immediately dipped down in the light conditions which slowed the boat and eventually got confirmation from the bridge and then started sailing, by this time the fleet had sailed away, leaving Yolo in the light breeze essentially heading the wrong way. Eventually finding a puff to sail to.. and then started trying to make up time. During this time the rest of the fleet had got in the wind and had made a huge gap. Yolo worked the beat and caught up to the slower boats in the class but the faster one's remained elusive. Once around the weather mark, it was a run and fetch to the finish, with no further opportunity to catch up. Yolo managed a 4th in this race. It was a good day on the water and once the wind picked up, the sailing was great. Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane, Cath, and newbie Daniel Agulhas.

WED 17th Feb 2015

With a SE wind with perhaps a bit more East in then usual, blowing between 12-18knots and hot evening with flat sailing waters, it was the perfect evening for racing. Yolo is s class 2 boat but starts will Class one boats so one needs to be wary of the faster boats on the fleet. This week we both sailed the same course. Yolo got a cracker start with good speed and hung in with the much bigger boats to the first mark after which a downwind leg was sailed which allowed the larger class one boats to slowly overhaul Yolo.. Good mark rounding at the lee, but to clear wind Yolo tacked and made for Milnerton beach... after tacking a perfect angle for the next mark.. As Yolo progressed the wind started to lift, which benefited boats to leeward who could now lay the next mark.. Closing in on the mark a well known boat came across on Starboard started to over stand in order to Starboard us, called Starboard still a way off, so Yolo started to bear away as Yolo put their bow down they tacked which is illegal having called Starbord they needed to complete their call instead they promptly tacked in Yolo's water.. Not very nice.. What aggravated the situation is Yolo crew called protest to which the response was given in swear words.
In the end, Yolo won the race in her class and in fact technically won Class one. All well aboard. Crew: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane, Cath, Andrea, Assaf.

Pic by Jeff Ayliffe Media

Double Hander Race 6 February 2016

The start was delayed by half an hour, to allow the fog to lift.. A nice SW on the water, around 16 knots in the start zone.. Yolo getting a nice clean start and tacked away to lay landfall, the first mark.. there were a few shifts on this leg accompanied by some puffs... so worked this zone, rounding second with Tenacity two lengths behind... Hoisted the kite and made some good time downwind in the freshening breeze, putting in a gybe for the lay.. The winds got upto 25 for a little while... good strike and rounding at Milnerton followed by a comfortable upwind in the reduced breeze which had settled down to around 14. Could not pay number 8 (leading boat could) so put in two quick tacks and around the mark to the finish. In the end, Yolo won on corrected time. Aboard were: Dale and Ian.

FLING REGATTA

A firm favourite on the calendar and in our opinion the most serious of racing regattas which is always well organized. We look forward to it.

FRIDAY: We went out to the start area in light conditions, but the usual wind line was already on the water and it was blowing 30 knots at the committee boats and according to them a lot more at the weather side of the course, so racing was cancelled.

SATURDAY:
Race 1: Nice stiff breeze, we set Yolo up for strong winds, getting a good start and a good beat, followed by an enjoyable downwind leg to Sunset mark. Near sunset mark the winds softened.. Around the mark and tried to sail up the beach in order to find max breeze doing numerous tacks.. As we got close to Paarden Island mark the breeze had softed off.. so changed kites and on the downwind changed jibs as we realized there would be a wind shift.. then tired to maximize the convergence zone.... and cross the finish like under jib. In the end, we came first on corrected time in our class.
Race 2: Breeze was up over the whole course.. Getting a fair start, good beat, round the weather mark and a good downwind leg holding our own with some of the bigger boats, then a good solid beat changing gears that seemed to have worked... but pushed coming into the weather mark, winds shifted and we could not lay, touching it in the process so a 360 degree penalty turn and then another go with better angle, but we tacked fast so the jib took some time coming in, causing too much drift touching the mark AGAIN... beam on... and as we passed it, the leeward rudder clipped the mark causing damage to the rudder...  The decision was made to abort the race..

Later ashore, albeit we have a spare rudder the decision was taken not to do a rush job, and rather allow the rudder to be repaired professionally and therefore we were out of the regatta.

Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane, Cath and Mark.

Pics courtesy of: Colin Brown

WED Night Race - 27 Jan 2016

With the first scheduled race being blown out.. this was the first race to be sailed. Conditions were good on the start with a nice SW with 12 knots... Getting a fair start and immediately tacked to lay Landfall mark, as the leg progressed conditions headed for us, forcing us eventually to tack.. and try and consolidate and then a tack again, unfortunately behind a boat that was hell bent on pinching.. costing them and us. Round Landfall and gybed away to create a separation.. and then a gybe back and a lay for Milnerton.. Shortly after milnerton the wind died off.. with us trying to keep the momentum up.. lots of boats started to retire, but we chose to endure and position ourselves for the new breeze which eventually came. With us slowly moving again and sailed via Harken Mark to the finish.. In the end we scored a first in our class.. mainly due to persistence.. Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Cath, Sieger and Andrea

SUNDAY 16th January 2016 -Social Sail

A perfect perfect summers day on the water, hot temperatures and a 12 knot breeze with ultra flat water which had the perfect green colour.. Sailing took us down the coast from Milnerton to Sunset beach sailing in very close then a sail across the bay and then slowly worked back to Paarden Island Area before heading back to the club. Conditions were idyllic.. if it was always like this... millions of South Africans would be sailing.. Giving sailing the "perfect picture".. Aboard were: Dale, Bernice(Dale's wife), Monique Strydom and her son Luke, Dennis Cochrane who has been a regular aboard, but due to an injury has curtailed his sailing and his Son Stephen(Skippy).

Social Sail 30th December 2015

Last sail of the year and a scorching hot day in CT.... heading out in light benign conditions, but soon found wind on the water.. and sailed down to Blouberg in a SW. Then beat up and around Robben Island sighting a few whales alongside the island and Dolphins en route. Round Robben Island and one could see a wind switch to a SE.. Sailed the convergence Zone and then a beat into a 20 knot SE.. Sailing all the way to the harbour wall where the sails were dropped and boat packed away. A good sail to end the year. Aboard were: Dale, Ian and Marc.

CAPE TO RIO 2014 Sunfast 3200 YOLO

Cape Town Race Week cont...

With Yolo going into the last day in the lead, it was Game on.. playing a game of points..

Race 5 -Nice conditions, if a bit light.. Good start, but got slighly boxed.. but made up a bit on the downwinds.. In the end a good second place in this race.

Race 6- Nice sailing.. Good racing was had.. with the stopwatch working overtime. A few good maneuvers helped.. Albeit we got kelp caught on the rudder three times, which required removal by hand... In the end Yolo won this race with one second in hand..

Overall a good win for Yolo.. in the biggest class in this regatta,  The regatta and it's sponsors outdid themselves in running a top class shore based activities.. and for our win on Yolo a bottle of Blue Label and a Maserati watch was won.

Abaord for this regatta as follows: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane and Cathleen.
Mark on Friday, Nick Leggat on Sat and Sunday and Michael Kavanagh on the Sunday.

Cape Town Race Week 11/12/13/16

Race 1 -Being a late afternoon race, winds were a bit light for the first part of the race which had Yolo hanging in, but sailed the side with the slightly lighter breeze for the first half.. which relegated us to the back of the fleet...

Race 2- Light breeze with a nice swell to work. SW.. Yolo did well to manage a second place in this race.

Race 3-A "middle distance" race using Barker rock as a rounding mark.. Yolo started well and was looking good, while playing the shifts... but got caught on the wrong side of a shift.. which cost distance.. on the downwind though, saw the change in the winds and optimised on this after the roudnign mark and kept it up for the next leg.. giving Yolo a first in this race.

Race 4- The medium distance race.. down to Koeberg and back... perhaps a wait of 15 minutes would have allowed the winds to settle down.. resulting in there being lots of shifts and "whirlies" till half way up the beat when the breeze settled down.. by then Yolo was not in the best position.. but still hanging in there... a downwind leg to Koeberg which was pleasant.. and then a beat back.. on route back the wind shifted to SE and picked up to very strong.. this allowed the bigger boats to benefit

as they were much further up on the course when this happened.. so they needed to sail less distance in the harder breeze.. and were better suited to it...

WED NITE 2nd December 2015

With almost no wind on the start line, coming from the East and a SE windline to the South, the race was started. A struggle to get any speed.. Boats on the bridge(opposite to us) side of the line seemed to have gained an advantage as they had slightly more wind and first to the wind line.. with Yolo struggling in the initial stages, once in the wind, it was game on.. Nice firm SE.. warm wind, flat seas.. great.. Got up to the early 20's before Paarden Island.. On the downwind to Milnerton the wind picked up and touched in the early 30's and then died down to around 20 for the rest of the race.. Yolo made up some distance on the downwind with the freshening breeze, Clean gybe at Milnerton and a fast fetch to a laid mark, followed by a good well played beat back to Harken mark where lots of gains were made... and then final leg to the finish with the finish line on the wind line.. but we had enough speed to make it.. Yolo came second in the race and overall 3rd in the series... which is probably quite concerning as she did not sail three races of which only one was counted as a discard, yet came third.. Which means other boats weren't regular and the fleet size is to small... Hopefully this will be sorted out for the second half of the season. Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Cath.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT 25 November 2015

Initially ones thinking was that the race would be blown out, with strong winds throughout the day in Cape Town.. even at arrival in the port area there were strong winds, but at the yacht club, all was well.. So racing took place. Conditions were near perfect, with a nice strong breeze topping out a few times in the mid twenties, but with very flat water making for easy sailing. Getting a good clear start and holding this for the first leg to Paarden Island, then downwind to Milnerton with the jib poled out.. Initially doing well, but the boats behind caught up with fresh breeze, fortunately a good mark rounding on the inside allowed us to control the rest of the race with a upwind sail to harken mark with us rounding to starboard while the class one boats were rounding to port, not exactly what one expects on a race course....... then off to the finish. Overall Yolo won her class.. Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane and Cath. All well aboard.

WED NITE RACE 11 November 2015

Nice weather.. with a SSW blowing between 12-knots.. with a flat sea. Yolo got a ace start and sailed together with the class 1 boats.. only to realize they were going to a different mark, so had to find a gap to work to leeward.. not exactly safe when there are 50 footers nearby.. once around the mark.. pole up and a downwind sail to Milnerton, the boats behind making ground in the puffs... nice gybe at Milnerton and a fetch to a laid mark followed by a beat to Harken mark which was quite interesting with a few wind shifts.. and one of our opposition making ground, which we had to cover. in the end, we won the race. Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane, Cath.

IRC NATIONALS 6,7,8 Nov

THis regatta turned out not to be one for YOLO.. with the IRC class breakdown different with the previous year.. this year grouping the smaller lesser powered boats with much bigger boats.. it became evident with the big gaps that formed... together with the very light conditions which don't bode well for YOLO... Notwithstanding this, the YOLO team were positive throughout, giving of their best.. Boat handling was good, tactics were good.. but the conditions did not suit.
Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane, Cath, Ryno, JC with Mark Substituting

for Ryno on the Saturday.

RISA SA Regatta 23/24 October

This event is put on jointly between RCYC and the RISK SA magazine, predominately for the insurance and allied industry. This focus's on all boats having a percentage of those aboard from the industry. YOLO was teamed up with Altech Netstar.. and a good bunch they were too.
Friday night consisted of a normal Wed night format.. But the breeze was gusting 30 at times.. making for conservative sailing.. It was a one class start.. which had all the big boats sailing over Yolo's head... making for a frustrating leg... Once around Harken.. a comfortable downwind with the pole.. getting a good gybe at Milnerton and then off to Landfall.. on a reach.. which was a reasonable leg.. and then a beat to the finish..
Yolo came 5th in this race.
The evening was capped of with a cocktail function..

Saturday Race was in better conditions where kites were allowed. Yolo got out of the blocks nicely, but had to wait for the stb tackers to tack first.. they tend to hold on a lot longer then they needed to, costing them lots of time. Then a nice fetch to Landfall followed by a reach to a laid mark at Table View and then a beat to Landfall again. Yolo was having a great beat, till the winds went lighter and headed.. and then lost out some.. once around the mark, a nice tight reach with the kite to the finish. Yolo came 4th in this Race.

Overall a 3rd place.. and in the prizes.. yay.. Prize to be used to crew entertainment etc...
Aboard: Dale, Ian, Shane and Cath plus 4 guests from Altech Netstar.

Photo's to follow once available.

MINI WORK PARTY -21 Oct

With IRC Nationals around the corner and Wednesday night racing cancelled due to the strong winds.. the crew met aboard to do some odd jobs in preparation:

• Cleaned boat.
• Removed any unnecessary items.
• Repacked interior
• Removed all sails not required for IRC Nationals.

See pic of sails being taken off the boat for storage.

ROUND ROBBEN ISLAND RACE 17 October 2015

As a crew, we were unsure as to whether to race this race. We were aware of the weather conditions and the potential to be played with by the winds.. making for a frustrating day. Eventually Cath made the call to race.. stating that we will still have fun sailing and so right she is. Almost no wind on the start line, making for a slow crossing and trying to pick up the wisps of wind coming through, putting in a few tacks to get into the clear.. The decision was taken to round the island to Port.. One in the wind, Yolo set of for a Soldiers course.. working to keep as much speed in the boat as possible... hoisting a downwind sail when getting closer the the island. A bit less wind in the lee of the island and then perhpas a early shift back to the jib, only to find the wind shifting around the island. a few tacks and then around the island, after which the winds shifted and when getting close the the coast again the winds started dropping.. Up till this time we were set for a second over the line.. winds were coming from all sides.. with some of the smaller boats picking up a SE and making their way over the line.. On Yolo we could see NW puffs on the water... and had to just sit and wait for it.. which came with other boats behind us who were able to ride it in.. then we got going again.. and crossed the line. IN the end we scored a 3rd in our class. Nice sailing.. Perhaps the last 30 minutes were a bit frustrating. Aboard: Dale, Shane, Cath and  two guests.. Wesley and Luke supplied by the club.

WED NITE RACE -14 October 2015

First Wed night race of the season. Conditions were blustery with gusts and shifts.. We opted to take things conservatively using our J4 for the racing which was about right. A good start with Yolo working hard to try and hang in with the Class one boats as long as possible. Around PAarden Island and a downwind leg, which was quite mundane.. A gybe at Milnerton and then a superb fetch across the bay to Number 4 mark, with YOLO really holding her ground.. Lots of trimming and hiking happening... Winds ranged between 12-25 knots during the race. Nice rounding of Number 4, cleared our air and tacked to lay the finish. YOLO won the race in her class. Aboard were: Dale, Sieger, Shane, Cath and Guests from the UK Army and Royal Navy, TIM and Steve. All well aboard.

RCYC Opening Cruise 10 October 2015

The biggest event of the Sailing Social calendar every year is the RCYC opening cruise. This year the chosen theme was Oktober Fest... with the usual formalities, followed by the sailpast which was in good attendance and then back to the club for a proper Oktober party.. Bratwurst and all. These events continue to draw numbers.. with the Yolo crew having a good time. This year under the leadership of Cath, the boat went full swing to dress up, with her and Shane working till midnight the previous night to "wrap" the boat... unfortunately overnight winds destroyed all their efforts.. Aboard were: Dale, Sieger, Shane, Cath, Guests Sophie and Jimmy Melville.

IRC NATIONALS

Check out www.ircsa.co.za for info on the upcoming IRC nationals.

DELIVERY -Simonstown to Cape Town.

On Team Yolo, everyone takes their turn on getting involved with Deliveries. This time it was Dale, Cath and Shane's turn....(or volunteered) on this occasion it was Shane's birthday, so kudo's to him for giving up his special day. Morning started with Sieger who had volunteered to assist with the lifting getting all to Simonstown... Immediately aboard and casting off lines at around 06h45 with a really great Motor to Cape Point with Glassy flat seas.. and the sun making itself known.. Around Cape Point and a gentle 5-6knots SW with a SW swell, so continued motoring with the Mainsail up.. and cutting in over SW reefs as the conditions allowed... once over the winds picked up a bit, but because of the direction and the worsening sea state the decision was taken to continue to motor sail in order to make good progress... motor sailing as close to the wind as possible. Vulcan and Rockstar were also out with us all rounding Cape Point within minutes of each other.  The clouds were overcast with rain from time to time... Around the Slagkop area the winds increased to 25knots for a short while.. and then gradually started to taper down.. with the last hour in under 6 knots.... with the final good winds coming at Green Point Lighthouse to the harbour.. With Yolo docking at around 4:45pm.. making for quite a long crossing. Aboard were: Dale, Shane and Cath. All went well aboard.

SPRING REGATTA -FBYC 24,26,27 September 2015

Spring Regatta in the first regatta of the Season... Normally getting a good turn out.. but it seemed that some were just caught unawares with the timing.. and others chose to sail Club or Cruising class where there would be less competition. Our goal this season was to stick to IRC racing in order to improve our skills.. and even though the few IRC boats that there was were all 40 foot or over.. we remained with IRC..

Racing was good, well run, courses were true.. the only gripe, because you are so much slower the the rest of the fleet you have no idea how you are doing as you are just chasing the clock. Saying that, Team YOLO put their best effort in.. and was able to push the boat as hard as possible.

Overall ending 3rd overall, which considering the size difference was very good.
Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane, Cathleen, Rian Turner and Anthony Cassar.

Pics, Courtesy of Trevor Wilkins

SPRING REGATTA TRAINING SESSION -20 September 2015

With the full crew and Dave Rae from the Sailmaker, we went out sailing and sail testing. With a light fickle breeze we ended up motoring eastward to pick up the new breeze.. Once in the breeze it was hard on the wind sailing.. with the crew bedding in with some basic training while we were checking the new sails.. with 23 knots wind speed on the upwind, the boat felt great.. eventually bearing away for a kite ride back. We tested a new kite for this with the wind topping at 25 knots. All went well with a positive debriefing. Aboard: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane, Cath, Tony, Rian, and Dave from the loft.

SPRING REGATTA CREW ANNOUNCED

Spring Regatta Crew on Xtra-Link YOLO for the 2015 Spring regatta as follows:

1. Ian Coward - Foredeck (must be one o the oldest foredecks currently in the game)
2. Sieger Smink -VAccum and Halyard Second
3. Anthony Cassar -Halyards
4. Rian Turner -Cockpit/Trim
5. Shane Hendrickse -Cockpit/Trip
6. Dale Kushner -Skipper/Helm
7. Cathleen Hughes -Traveler/Navigation

Albeit, under the SA IRC rules an additional crew member can be taken aboard, the final decision has yet to be taken if it is required for this event.

DELIVERY -CT to Simonstown Sunday 13 September

As planned, the intention was to get YOLO to Simonstown two weeks before Spring regatta so as not to put pressure on time to deliver and possible adverse weather conditions... It also allows the opportunity to have a training session in Simonstown.

Due to the weather conditons, departure was planned for 08h30.. following the rounding of the breakwater, a motor sail till just past Llandadno where a SE was picked up, with a good beat in 16knots of wind to Slangkop where the breeze died away and back to motor for a while an then back on the beat in 12-16 knots till just short of the point when it started to increase. It topped out at 29 knots...
Once around the point, good downwind sailing, topping out at just over 15knots of boat speed.. Eventually the wind died out in the Millers Point area with a motor sail the rest of the way.. Arriving at 17h30.
Given the amount of upwind sailing, a reasonable sail.. The boat is now ready for the training session.

Aboard were: Ian(skipper) Sieger, Shane and guest-Ian's father in law..

YOLO Bar

As one is aware, from time to time it seems that the YOLO way is growing with others taking our lead.. Yet again another one has been spotted.. This time When the YOLO  skipper was on a visit to Shanghai.. this YOLO bar was seen just off Nanjing Road(Nanjing Road is the big hub of social)

Saturday 29th August 2015 -Work Party

With the Racing Season Close by, it is time to do the odd jobs aboard in preparation. The most important being: Realignment of the rudders. Being a Twin ruddered boat, it is vital to have the rudder alignments correct for the the anticipated conditions. Time was also spent trying to solve a problem on one of the winches aboard

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Saturday 22 August 2015

With no racing planned for this weekend, Yolo still goes sailing. Ideal conditions, flat sea and a warm 18 knot south eater, one of the great sailing days, with fast sailing, no water over the deck.. Just good to be on the water.. Most of the sail was spent chasing Tenacity around the bay

.. Aboard were:Dale, Ian and Sieger. Pics, courtesy:Marc Bloch

SOCIAL SAIL - 10 August 2015

Yolo had not been out sailing for some time, some two months. Winter, family and work commitments etc.. In the interim,Various jobs had been done on Yolo. Conditions were varied, initially making to a Strong Southerly on the South Side of the bay blowing in the Mid 20's, but quite cold, so opted to sail to the Granger Bay Area where a gentle SW was blowing and a nice relaxing sail was had. Discussion ensued about the upcoming season. Aboard were: Dale, Ian and Sieger. Boat performed well.

PORTUGAL DAY RACE 13 June 2015

Always a favourite event.... with a medium distance course and a Pursuit Race.. Always a winner as all types re happy to enter. Winds were light but the seas were relatively flat. Yolo had not been raced for a while so good to be back on the water with a full crew. Getting a good start at full speed where we wanted to be.. giving us a nice quick leg fetching to Landfall nearing Landfall the fog set in, so a bit of navigation was required, Once around and hard on the wind and we passed the first boat... Soon after that the fog thinned as we closed in on the shoreline. We rthen started to play the shifts upwind as we weaved our way through the fleet, the winds had died down at BArket Rock with a big surge. We rounded nicely in the lead of our class.. Hoisted the kite and gybed immediately but struggled to set thre kite as we were in the backwash of the rock.. eventually gybing back and started getting going, alas this maneuver cost us our lead.. The rest of the race was a mundane downwind leg with a few gybes, while always trying to ensure we were in the breeze. Yolo came second in our class.. All had a great Time. Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Mark, Cath and Sarel

SATURDAY SAIL -30 May 2015

With no racing on the program, it was felt that a sail was still in order to keep the boat active etc...
Starting with the traditional lunch in the club house.. followed a sail on the bay. Unfortunately winds were light and the sea very lumpy so not much excitement to be had.. Eventually working our way back to the harbour and a motor through the Waterfront and back to the club for a pack away. Boat performed well. Aboard: Dale, Ian, Sieger and guest Antonio.

Double Handed Race -Sat 17th May 2015

Last Race of the Double handed Series.. Conditions were light with a SW slop.. Conditions not ideal for Yolo.. with lots of Kelp in the vicinity.
Course was a Start at Granger Bay, Barker to Stb and finish off Green Point Light.
A conservative start was had.. with a few tacks on the upwind, which dodging some of the kelp.. everyone trying to best position themselves. About halfway there we noted a shift which kept us in the game and then later noted the fog on the horizon and wind on the water to sea.. so split from the fleet to these conditions which paid.. with a nice fast leg into the rock.. as we arrived at the rock, the fog had filled in, we also had to give the rock a healthy clearance as there was a lot of wash.. Once round, kite up.. we were in full fog.. but still had the boats ahead in visual.. eventually putting in two gybes on the downwind as we caught puffs so we could hold for longer.. the wind filled in and we started to make ground.. The fog cleared just short of the finish line.. and then filled in again..
In the end we won the race and won the series. Aboard were: Dale and Ian. Boat performed well.

TLC for Yolo

Things have been quite on the Yolo front with not much racing on the calendar….

It was decided to give YOLO some TLC and have a few jobs done on the hard.

Diving and Yachting were commissioned to attend to a few tasks, namely:

·         Both rudders were removed, stripped, reshaped and faired, treated and antifouled.

·         Rudders refitted and calibrated(twin rudders) to designer spec.

·         Prop to be replaced(Top racing prop to be used only for the offshore racing, otherwise the original prop)

·         New anode.

·         Spray touch up antifouling.

·         Buff top sides..

Boat then returned to the water.. work was executed on time, great quality and the rudder reshaping was done with precision. We are very happy with the work.

Double Handed Race 18 April 2015

With a SW on the water and lighter winds for the start, Yolo started a bit off the line, which inhibited an immediate tack as there were star boarders, eventually tacking and making one's way to Barker Rock. Sailing was good on the upwind leg, with Yolo playing shifts to slowly claw back into the game. Once at the rock, a Quick set of the Kite, soon after a gybe on a wind shift... while playing the advantage on the downwind.. Followed by another two gybes till reaching Landfall, where Yolo hardened up for a tight reach for Woodbridge mark.. but there was a convergence zone with the late afternoon SE filtering in.. So Yolo Stopped and lost the advantage as a boat behind caught up, once the new wind was in, we were off again, but Yolo was to lee so a bit lost there as well.. Once Around the mark, Another downwind sail set, and powered to #8, but there was another convergence zone, so jib up, sail down.. and we struggled through.. eventually rounding the mark and hoisting a downwind sail again and worked on the final leg to the finish in near no breeze.. In the end, Yolo came first over the line and a few seconds off line honours... so not a bad day on the water. Boat was going well. One of those idyllic days to be on the water...Aboard were: Dale and Ian.

Double Handed Race 14 March 2015

With Ian off to the UK on a business trip, Yolo was fortunate to get Clarence Hendricks who was on holiday in Cape Town(He lives and works in Dubai). Having done some sailing before with Clarence it was easy.. and things worked very well. The racing was good, but the winds were a bit fickle and during the course of one leg, the lead boat managed to pick a few puffs that the rest of the fleet did not get which gave them a separation to the fleet, they used this well and played a good race thereafter. The bay was flat, so the sailing was a pleasure, if not a bit light. On the last leg to the finish, Yolo was doing well and then picked up a piece of kelp on the keel which immediately affected performance.. with the kite up, it was decided not to backwater as it would cost more... In the end Yolo came second in her class. Aboard: Dale and Clarence.

WED NITE RACE-11 MArch Flag Officers Race

The last Wednesday night race of the season. Boats are randomly allocated into teams headed by the flag officers. Walm balmy evening with almost no wind at the start area... On Yolo, as it was the last Wed night race of the season... we did it a bit differently and allocated a new helmsperson. Cath took up the challenge... A good start was had, with the boat making a very good leg to the first mark overhauling some of the division one boats as Yolo managed to maintain way. Good kite hoist and kite leg but winds were fickle, so eventually a gybe and a peel to a Codey... and then later to a J2 as Yolo entered the light SE. Around the mark and a nice kite run to Woodbridge and then a beat back upto top mark and a kite back to the transition zone.. where Yolo lost her lead as the boats behind came in on the breeze while Yolo was stuck without wind. they entered in a different space and managed to pass. Yolo struggled in the almost non existant winds... But before one complains, it was a fantastic night to be on the water.. and one must realize, it was the last Wed night race of the season.. so nice to get some finishers. In the end, one needs to be accepting it was a fun event and fun was had out on the water. Yolo managed a 3rd in this Race. Aboard were: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Mark, Shane and Cath.

WED NITE RACE- 4 March 2015

The last race of the series. 4 Races had been sailed(rest had been cancelled due to weather conditions) with Yolo scoring three firsts and one DNC.. With the 5th race, it would mean a discard and the opportunity to discard the DNC.. Yolo would need a 4th place or better to win the series. Jut prior to the start a nice NW of about 12 knots was blowing.. but at the five minute gun the wind had died and the sea had gone flat.. On the gun Yolo was still not making anyway.. It took about seven minutes before any breeze came through.. Coming from the SW... it gradually built up to 11 knots.. and gave for a nice, if not patchy sail to the laid mark off three anchor bay. Yolo was able to get nicely ahead of her class.. and consolidate her lead... Round the mark and kite up... with Yolo trying to stay in the breeze as it looked as if it was dying, it started dying at the leeward mark and once round way was very difficult to make.. and soard... Aboard won afterwards the race was abandoned. So there we have it... IN the end, mainly due to the poor size fleet Class 2 is having, Yolo still came third in the series.. having had to carry a discard: Dale, Ian, Mark, Ross, Shane and Cath.

MYKONOS RACE 20/21 February 2015

A popular Race amongst Cape Sailors.. and last Race of the IRC series. For some peculiar reason they did not seperate IRC into it's class's as normal, that meant Yolo had to square up to to boats some 60 foot long which perform totally differently and therfore not normally paired up in terms of international IRC reccomendations.

The races were split up as follows:
Race 1- Cape Town to Dassen Island Gate
Race 2-Dassen Island GAte to Mykonos
Race 3-Total of Cape Town to Mykonos.

This means, that if you have a bad leg one or two.. it will carry forward into Race 3. A different way of calucuating.

Race 4- A Popular Pursuit Race in the Saldhana Bay.

FRI:
The start in Cape Town was in very light conditions with perhaps the odd NW puff carrying the boats till they met with the SE just before the first mark(Paarden Eiland) Once round this mark, it was kites up and a easy sail down the coastline... minding that one did not fall back into the lighter conditions again to the West. At some point the SE started to run out with a very light Westerly meeting the fleet at the convergence. Yolo transitioned well... but later while passing Robben Island Yolo ran out of wind, with the boats ahead just manaing to hang on a bit longer and pulling dramatically away. Yolo then spent well over an hour drifiting slowly with the boats ahead getting close to the horizon.. Eventually a Southerly filtered through.. and progressively increased with Yolo using the kite and managing some really good fast sailing.. just before Dassen, dropping the kite for about 15 minutes to lay the GAte and thereafter kite up again and a fast sail to South Head.. Knowing the conditions we changed to a J4 in anticipation.. A good gybe angle for South HEad was found and a fast sail between South head and Jutten Island.. with gusts in the 30's and Yolo managing the kite. A kite strike and rounding close to the landsend... and a fast sail across the bay to the finish. This was a good race and Yolo would have done well if not for the light patch which Yolo got stuck in.. but hey... that that is what yacht racing is about.. Race 1-15th, Race 2-4th, Race 3-11.

Saturday:
This was the Pursuit Race. As race rules disctate that you cannot change crew numbers each day.. we sailed with the same 5 as we did no the Friday which meant for the conditions the Yolo crew were a bit light.. Full main and a J4. A perfect start, good first beat raplidly hauling the smaller boats... round the first mark, up with the Kite and a blast off to the next mark.. getting good speeds on the way with the wind gusting. A kite strike at the mark and a beat to Number two mark just laying it on one tack, then a fetch to North Bay where the winds were a bit lighter and Yolo feeling a bit underpowered again, beating out of the bay, Yolo optioed to sail to the puffs working her way upto Jutten Island where the winds were better... Once roudn Jutten Island, Kite up and a fantastic blast down to the next mark with the boat getting some super speeds.. behind us, some of the boats were struggling with their kites.. 33 knots of wind was recorded.. Then around the mark on the last beat the big boats started to come through... but Yolo managed to pass a boat on the last beat.. and only a 49 footer and a 40 footer from IRC passed Yolo on this leg.. round the weather mark and a good downwind kite run to the finish.. Great race.. 3rd in this race.

Overall Yolo got a 7th in this event, which the crew are satisfied with... such is this event.

Ashore crew stayed at the Farmhouse Hotel in Langabaan... and meals were taken there.

The race crew as follows: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane and HAns(from Dubai)

The boat was delivered back departing at 11pm on the Saturday evening. Reports were of high winds on departing and head winds of around 21 knots till close to Dassen after which it progressively reduced to 8knots towards the end.. Boat arrived late morning on the Sunday. Aboard were: Ian, Sieger, Shane and Newby aboard Warwick Strutt.

Day 2 and 3 Fling Regatta 2015

Day 2

Race 3, 4, 5

Races were well run, with Yolo managing to sail as optimally as possible. In Race 4 which Yolo won, Yolo was protested by another boat which resulted in a DSQ for Yolo. The crew were a bit disappointed as the protesting boat were in our opinion misleading in their facts in the room and as they had retired from that race in any event as they did not sail the proper course their protest could be considered by some an act of malice. Either way.. Yolo crew does not dwell on these things.

Overall Yolo had a good day on the water with the following results:

Race: 2  -4^th Place

Race: 3  -1^st Place –Later a DSQ

Race: 4  -2^nd Place

Day 3

Last day of the event. The  Bridge was out early as there was fog on the water and they were preparing for it to lift.. Kudo’s to the bridge for being ahead of the game.. They did a magnificent job.. and the point that really stood out was their crystal clear communication to the fleet.. leaving us without doubt on what was happening and when….

Yolo was the first boat out and in the race area.. to acclimatize to the conditions. Again three races were had.. and Yolo was on form for all the races. The crew who are by now are used to the boat having done some miles on her.. a few adjustments here and there helped… together with some very good tactical calls from the afterguard… allowed Yolo to keep the pace up.. and keep Yolo up with boats that are well above her weight band..

Results of the day as follows:

Race 5:  3^rd

Race 6: 1st

Race 7: 1^st

Overall Yolo would have come first in this event.. but for the DSQ.. which relegated Yolo to second place.

Boat is now under preparation for the Mykonos Offshore Race..

FLING REGATTA 2015 Friday

Race One:
With a 5pm start and a mild South Easter forecast.. we were all set. With a few changes aboard we were keen on a couple of good days racing and we weren't disappointed.. We set the boat up conservatively for the conditions. Yolo got away to a clean start and made good progress on the upwinds.. and maximized on the downwind legs getting good speed in the puffs. Perhaps sailing a bit too deep and on the first downwind calling they gybe early which necessitated an extra gybe.. The rest of the race was good with us making good calls and working the breeze as best as possible.
Yolo won this race. CREW: Dale, Ian, Sieger, Shane, Ma

rk, Simon.