Ongoing enthusiasm for racing prompted the Vice Commodore in 1975 to institute an annual regatta “Algoa Bay Week” a regatta that has been held every year since then. The first one was prefaced by a boat show. It was held at the swimming bath at St.George’s Park. A small yacht was launched into the swimming bath itself for inspection by the public, various displays of yachting equipment were laid out and entertainment was provided by the Grey High School band. The piece de resistance of proceedings was a demonstration by the NSRI which, together with the South African Air Force performed a rescue operation. An inflatable dinghy floated in the swimming pool and from it a patient was air lifted into a helicopter. Unfortunately in one corner of the compound the band was playing at the time and as the helicopter hovered over the pool the downdraft from its rotor played havoc – with sheet music, music stands and uniform caps scattered far! The band was not amused but the spectators in the grandstand greatly appreciated the diversion.
Prizes for that first Algoa Bay Week took the form of various commodities solicited from local business people. This created a problem for Bertie Reed, the Port Elizabeth born and educated , well known South African yachtsman who had came up from Cape Town for the event. He won the major race and was confronted with the problem of having to transport a large room divider home!
The second half of the 80′s saw steady growth in the club both in membership and boat owners. This resulted in the clubhouse being doubled in size to provide a new ward room, offices, improved ablutions and the Chart Room restaurant. The boat owners were not idle either and got together to start the first phase of a new marina development, the first East-West walk-on being opened in 1989 and which saw the beginning of the end of the majority of the trot moorings.
The early 90′s brought continued steady growth and financial stability but a dearth of sponsors for the annual Regatta, Algoa Bay Week, after losing the last major sponsor Opel (GMSA). The marina continued to grow, the restaurant flourished and sailing was very active under a succession of good sailing committees. 1995 saw Continental Tyre becoming a major partner and bringing Algoa Bay Week up to National standards and attracting visiting yachts from all over the country to sail in our magnificent bay. This strong partnership sadly came to an end in 2000 but despite this we continued to attract good entries to Algoa Bay Week each year as Conti Week had been a very good promoter of sailing in Port Elizabeth.
Recent Sailing Chatter