Iconic Mossel Bay welcomes seafarers on wind-still Southern Cape

GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - A tough Mossel Bay Race (MBR) came to its conclusion on 1 October, in a glittering bay devoid of the breezes prevalent when participating yachts left Simon’s Town last Thursday.

The crews then made slow progress to Cape Agulhas, with strong headwinds doubling travel time along this arduous stretch of the 200-nautical mile course.

The event is hosted jointly by False Bay Yacht Club (FBYC) and Mossel Bay Sailing Club, and in attendance to welcome finishers into the bay on Saturday morning was FBYC race officer Steve Casey, who shared facts on the event’s rich history.

“MBR is an offshore race founded in 1955 by Dale Kushner and Ted Kuttel, and revived during the past decade with the purpose of promoting offshore racing in South Africa, getting as many boats and their crews on board,” said Casey, adding that the course is truly challenging, requiring extreme physical and technical expertise on the yacht.

Media in attendance at the MBR’s iconic end-destination included a national TV crew and members of the regional press, whom enjoyed the company of FBYC and Mossel Bay town representatives, notably Planning & Integrated Services director Carel Venter and councillor Mark Furness, director of Tourism at Mossel Bay Municipality.

Said Furness: “Although the weather hasn’t been ideal, crews were energised when landing in our bay after completing one of the toughest courses in the world. Yachts then immediately prepared for the return journey to False Bay, with non-existent wind conditions pointing to a slow start back to the Cape.”

He added that the event provided excellent publicity for Mossel Bay. “It’s an iconic race, and now enjoys worldwide exposure as a qualifier for the Cape to Rio. Not only does it put Mossel Bay on the international offshore racing map, but is also a shot in the arm for tourism. Our town relies heavily on tourism as a booster of transformation, employment, and general economic growth.”

Geoff Genricks is owner and skipper of Serendipity – an Elan 444 Impression, originally more suited to the tranquil Med than stormy Cape coast – and reached Mossel Bay in third place after fellow MBR veterans Makers Mark and Wallbanger. Genricks was full of praise for his crew, among them Mossel Bay native and Cape maritime industry expert, Deon Coetzer.

Before hitting the track back to their home base at FBYC, the crew had time for quick interviews with local media and SABC news. Coetzer said it was his fourth MBR completion and third opportunity to do so with Genricks.

“Geoff has added equipment and enhancements to ensure that Serendipity is completely up to the task, and it’s always a pleasure to sail with him on this beautiful yacht. Once back in the Cape, we’ll start our preparations for a race to St Helena in December. The Mossel Bay Race once again tested our abilities in all sorts of weather and wind conditions,” said Coetzer.

Crew members must have steady sea legs indeed when tackling this challenging but scenic route, and Genricks told SABC News how his crew was tested by a 35-knot southeaster at the start before drifting in breeze-free waters past Cape Agulhas for two hours.

“But then the wind picked up and it was a good sail down, with no damage other than a spinnaker and one or two sails requiring minor reparations.”

Overlooking the Iconic Mossel Bay harbour, Café Gannet served as the perfect vantage point to witness the yachts’ arrival. MBR champion JJ Moorcroft, who supports the historic sailing competition in his capacity as owner of Protea Hotel Mossel Bay and the innovative Cape Saint Blaze Artisanal Distillery, hosted a lavish brunch to hail the end of MBR ‘22. Central Boating and North Sails further contributed toward making this year’s race a reality.

Email info@visitmosselbay.co.za for further details and if you plan to visit the iconic town of Mossel Bay these holidays, click on www.visitmosselbay.co.za or call 044 691 2202 to reserve your stay.

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Photos: Supplied