[RESULTS] Solid Swell And Plenty Of Wind In South Africa
Awesome conditions for race #6 of the PRIMI Naish Downwind Dash Series in South Africa today.
Winds gusting to 35 knots and solid 6-8ft (2-3meter) waves made for another epic Cape Town downwinder. Due to the high swells, the surfski field was whittled down to 12 boats – while 31 SUP’s lined up for the challenge.
The first group of starters got off without a hitch – a lull in the sets allowed everyone safe passage and off they went. However the second start coincided with a solid 6 wave set, which had everyone pausing mid-break. Francois Frick stormed out and brilliantly succeeded in duck-diving through one of the set waves to get a clear head start. The Bertish Brothers, Chris and Greg, snuck upwind seconds before the start and found a gap, while others were not so lucky (or smart) and took 5 to 10 wave drubbings…
Downwind Dash Series Race #6 // © Jane Amory
Downwind Dash Series Race #6 // © Jane Amory
Downwind Dash Series Race #6 // © Bruce Johnston
Eventually everyone got through and the ocean was offering some of the best runs of the season. Chris and Greg took control of the lead with Dylan Frick, Colin Heckroodt and Francois Frick trying to hang on. Chris managed to drop Greg coming through Small Bay to take another great win and cement his lead in the series. Small Bay did not live up to it’s name today – virtually everyone that chose this route got cleaned up, though Colin Heckroodt somehow managed to sneak past Greg to snatch a fine 2nd place. Dylan followed suit to take 4th and Ivan van Vuuren, who was one of the victims of the carnage at the start, worked his way up to take a fine 5th place.
Chris Bertish crosses the line first // © Bruce Johnston
Young Mishka Steyn was giving Brigette van Aswegen a good run for her money this week, but eventually Brigette pulled out another win with Monika Wohlgemuth coming in third just behind Mishka. Only 2 juniors with Ethan Koopmans again taking a few minutes out of Joshua Robertson.
Cape Town once again delivered the goods, meaning 6 out of 7 Wednesday night SUP races have now been completed. Despite Chris Bertish pulling away at the front of the Leaderboard, the rest of the field is getting increasingly closer and we look forward to the last 3 races of this season!
– Peter
Cape Town downwinders… // © Bruce Johnston
PRIMI Naish Downwind Dash Series – LEADERBOARD
PRIMI Naish Downwind Dash Series – Race #6 RESULTS
Date: 21st November, 2012
Wind: SE 23-35 knots
Swell: Big
Course: 10.1km
Sponsors: PRIMI, Naish, SUPHQ, Vitaminwater, Coreban/Xpression, SWOX, BulkSMS, Buchulife, Watersports Warehouse
Ivan van Vuuren // © Bruce Johnston
Downwind Dash Series in South Africa // © Jane Amory
Dave Maxwell // © Bruce Johnston
Colin Heckroodt crosses the line ahead of Greg Bertish // © Bruce Johnston
