At Home on the High Seas

The Durbanites may be outnumbered by a predominantly Zululand field, but Tony Cunningham, skipper of the 42-foot SA Home Loans Wynleigh believes Skitzo, skippered by Nigel Milne, and another Durban entry, the newcomer Prodigy, owned and skippered by Chris Frost, are the yachts to beat.

"Skitzo set a race record of 23hrs 39mins last year and Prodigy, although a slightly smaller vessel, is of current design and sailed by a multiple winner of both the Inhaca and Vasco da Gama races. I'm expecting a downwind race again this year and Prodigy, being a Pacer, surfs very easily off the wind because of its lighter displacement and more modern hull shape," said Cunningham.

Zululand Yacht Club's Zeus, skippered by Don Voysey, also broke the previous record when it came in second last year and is another serious contender.

"It's a strong, highly competitive field this year and I believe we're in with a good chance," said Cunningham, who salvaged second place in a drama filled race two years ago when the yacht broached and the spinnaker pole broke on the home straight.

"Thanks to the partnership with SA Home Loans we've been able to make a number of improvements to the vessel. And our crew of six is an ideal mix of youth and experience."

Cunningham's 19-year-old daughter Ashleigh is the youngest crew member and will take on the physically demanding, high stress task of manning the foredeck. "It's a daunting responsibility, but I've been sailing for nearly as long as I can remember and I'm actually quite looking forward to the challenge," said the second year graphic design student who is herself a qualified skipper.

"My Dad can be a tough taskmaster and I'm sure there will be a few tense exchanges, but we really enjoy sailing together. Not many fathers and daughters get a bonding opportunity like this."

In terms of the sponsorship agreement, SA Home Loans will provide backing to Cunningham over several events this year, starting with the Inhaca Island Yacht Race and including the prestigious Vasco da Gama Race between Maputo and Durban in May.

This year marks the 23rd running of the Inhaca race and 27 yachts have entered, more than in any previous race.

"We've studied the conditions and I believe we've got a winning strategy. Of course, in yachting anything can happen, but don't be surprised if the first sail spectators see coming over the horizon this Saturday has the SA Home Loans logo flying," said Cunningham.