Organised cruiser sailing on Lake Kariba has over the years taken many formats. Informal racing was started in the 1980’s by John Skinner and John Chadwick which then developed into formal racing events over a week in May each year incorporating the Africa Day holiday. Cruiser Racing Nationals under the auspices of the Cruise and Racing Union of Zimbabwe (CRUZ) were held regularly and many fun runs with flotilla sailing were held over the years. In the good years up to 50 boats would compete with fierce rivalry within the prevailing dominant classes, Sweetpeas, Striders, Zeemins and Stadts. Adventurous South African sailors would trail their yachts up to Kariba and join the unbeatable experience of racing to a different venue every day and mooring on the shores of the Matusadona with guaranteed close encounters with big game.
Currently the regular organised event is a week’s sailing over the Africa Day holiday in May, to predetermined safe mooring venues, dependent on the lake levels. Each day’s sailing has a set of instructions on the route, complete with GPS way points and sailors and their crews are free to determine their speed and efficiency of navigation. With good winds the day’s sailing is generally 4 to 5 hours, leaving ample time for fishing, game watching and general leisure before meeting in the evenings at the mooring to exchange “travel notes”, share meals and drinks and continue life-long friendships.
The first and last night of the week, the skippers and their crew gather at the Dome at Lomagundi Lakeside and mid-week one night is spent moored at a safari camp (for the last 4 years Musango with the hospitality of Steve and Wendy Edwards) for a good meal and access to showers, and for a bit of a party.
Sailors carry all their provisions for the week on board and are expected to be entirely self-sufficient and responsible for all repairs and maintenance, sea worthiness and seamanship, but of course in the spirit of good seamanship, boats “in distress” are assisted by fellow sailors. Skippers need to have a current Zimbabwe Certificate of Competence issued by the Ministry of Transport (licenses issued elsewhere can be converted) and boats need to carry communication equipment, adequate life jackets for all on board, a life ring and a yellow emergency flag.
Wharram Tiki catamarans can be hired for this memorable event from Roger Chinyoka (0772 709438) at Cutty Sark Hotel.
Further details can be obtained from CRUZ (Cruising and Racing Union of Zimbabwe) contact Richard Stubbs (rstubbs@zol.co.zw) or Peter Morris (petermorris.zw@gmail.com).
To organise a package deal with add on activities and accommodation around this sailing event, contact: Bryony Scrooby (bryony@heartveldadventures.com) (we can also supply catering for you on the event).
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