13/08/2026
LDYC Stadt 23 Provincials held 8th & 9th August
Pictures and report by Pierre Van Rensburg from the cockpit of Top Notch, DAC entered Stadt 23
“Just Make the Date” - LDYC Stad 23 Provincials
So the Stadt23 “Free States” appeared on the calendar, a mate’s S23 had just received an overdue hull paint job, and Chris & I made the date, found a young 3rd crew member, Dawson, and submitted an entry. After minimal planning we were ready……
To Make the Date….
The big day came and after launching we headed to to the sailing area at LDYC, and it was decided, Dawson kick off on the stick, any place less than podium in early races, we would consider change of helm, just keep Dawson on the stick in the fear of what Chris or I may wreak if granted the responsibility! He remained on the helm, maybe thankfully to the rest of the fleet too!!
Day one saw very light winds, nevertheless Edward and crew on Bridge eked out four windward-leeward races and the the Boskop entry “Chantilclere” entry proved un-catchable with the exception of one race!
Saturday night the customary LDYC hospitality with Braai and fellowship over a few cold ones was enjoyed by all. When the published course for day two came out along lines of a square course with a loop, we (Top Notch crew) thought great, a bit more time for us to compete with the Boskoppers as well as the rest who were not having the hiccups we were-being mostlty older, slower, and unpractised.
However, day two brought on good wind in the 10knots range and we awaited the course set up in anticipation. With course set complete we started day 2 race1 and then our bodies felt the load. The first full course was completed in around twenty minutes, more hoists, jibes, douses and quick tacks whilst and after two races we were on the Boskoppers’ transom at the finish - just not enough for an elusive first position!! The young Boskop Team was being capably mentored by Hans Mans – this is basically the Boskop Lipton Cup Team, slick, well trained and practiced. One can only congratulate and wish them well on their quest.
With reference to the title of this article “Just make the Date” Boskop Yacht Club have done exactly this… gaining experience on the water, which shall never be learnt in any class, from any book, You Tube or other– they will make the date for Lipton! Just as the eight Stad23 entries did at this LDYC regatta, enter, arrive and race, enjoy the weekend and the”Jol!”. Thanks and well done to the entire list of entries, details of all and results are listed below.
A big thanks to the host club LDYC – well done and thank you.
For those who “missed it” and all who may read this, be reminded to
“Just Make The Date” post it on the fridge / calendar / diary – get your kids, a mate or two, a fellow club member that may be wandering around, get them onboard, no racing fit, or got to win attitude, merely the fun and fellowship on and off the water!
