Algoa Bay Yacht Club

ABYC - Port Elizabeth's Friendly Sailing Club

Cape St Francis

Cape St Francis Race Cancelled

The scheduled Cape St. Francis 3-in-1 race unfortunately had to be called off at the eleventh hour due to the “fishing fleet” returning earlier than anticipated and thereby reducing the amount of mooring space available to the PE yachts.

At the skippers briefing on Thursday evening the sailors voted for an alternative option i.e. to do the “Great Circle Race” as the wind conditions favour that course.

Racing will start at 00h05 on Saturday 18 January.

The fleet will round St. Croix to starboard and then Bird Island to starboard hoping to pick up a homeward run back to Port Elizabeth.

ABYC relocates to Cape St. Francis

Saturday 18 January 2014 @ 05h00 sees the start of the annual Port Elizabeth to St. Francis race. This year the fleet will “over-night” in the Port of Port St. Francis with the race back to Port Elizabeth resuming on Sunday morning, 19 January.

In order to ensure sufficient moorings at the port of Port St. Francis, will interested contestants confirm their entry as soon as possible and before the skippers briefing on Thursday 16 January @ 18h00.

Contact John: 0828543961

The weather outlook at the time of this notice looks very favourable for a great sail and an exciting race. Look here – South Atlantic and Indian Ocean Winds – and here – Weather – each day this week to get a feel for what the weather holds.

Many members are expected to travel down on Saturday for the arrival of the fleet and enjoy the festivities of the evening that follow.

If the 2011 expedition was anything to go by then this year’s event will certainly be a memorable one. For further information be at the “skippers” briefing on Thursday 16 January @ 1800.

Port St Francis Harbour Entrance
The Port St. Francis Harbour entrance. Photo: Craston Wilson.

Notice of Race – Cape St. Francis 3 in 1

This is a “Stop-over” race. Each leg is a race, and the combined 2 legs incorporated as a race.

Scheduled for the weekend of 18/19 January 2014, weather permitting. (Reserve weekend: 25/26 January 2014)

Skippers: Thursday 16th January 2014 @ 1800

Important Notes:

  1. This is a SAS sanctioned race. The skipper has to be a paid up SAS member.
  2. The Port of Port St. Francis has very kindly opened their mooring to us at a nominal fee of R120.00 per boat for the night of the 18th. Payable at Skippers briefing.
  3. The carrying of “Life-rafts” is not mandatory but is encouraged.
  4. Boats with less than a “Cat C” clearance certificate wishing to participate, to contact Vice Commodore Sailing John Tudehope ASAP, who will take your request to the review committee.
  5. Skippers with a “Day Skippers” ticket wishing to participate, to contact Vice Commodore Sailing John Tudehop ASAP, who will take it to the review committee.

This is an ideal opportunity for the “cruising” sailors to enjoy a real week-end of sailing plus enjoy an evening of fantastic “togetherness” & gees!