YACHT SERVICES and the A-TEAM

A brief history by Charles Paice

Way back in 1968 a group of yachtsmen were discussing the future of South Africa in the international yacht racing. The success of Bruce Dalling in the Trans-Atlantic race where he sailed Voortrekker to a splendid second place was an inspiration. Ray Hartman, who had been largely instrumental in that project came up with the suggestion of an ocean race starting at Cape Town. Initially a course to Australia was mooted, but ultimately it was decided that an Atlantic crossing to Rio de Janeiro would be a better choice. And so the Cape-to-Rio Race was conceived, to be born on 16th January 1971. Under the auspices of the CASA (Cruising Association of South Africa) chaired by Gordon Webb and under the patronage of Admiral Biermann it was to be one of the great successes of yacht racing in South Africa. One of the essentials was that a Yacht Services committee should be formed. Leon Policansky was called in to initiate this section. Functions of the organization were many and varied as they groped their way through the formative stage. The requirements of yachtsmen included liaising between shipwrights, sailmakers, radio and diesel technicians, compass adjusters, chronometer rating, gas and diesel supplies - you name it, they had an answer - or would find one. Hein Schipper was one of this group and is currently a senior member of the A-Team. The spirit of camaraderie which developed among this initial bunch of cheerful volunteers was such that they decided to continue the association with regular weekly lunchtime gatherings until they might be required to assist with further races or regattas. Over the years they serviced Rio races in 1971, 1973, 1976 and Uruguay races in 1979,1982, 1985, Whitbread Round-the-World races in 1981 and 1985, a Lisbon race, the Parmelia race to Australia, numerous Single-Handed BOC Round-the-World. They were also called upon to assist in local events. Typical was when the Lipton Cup was staged in Cape Town. Yachts from Durban formed an essential part of this event. Yacht Services arranged with MSC to transport them and courtesy of the generosity of Salvatore Sarno this was done free of charge. SA Stevedores attended to the loading and off-loading and Jack Clark ensured that there would also be no charge. Jack is currently a member of the A-Team. In 1993 the original team and its successors were put out to grass. They were not required for the Rio race of that year. Presumably they had reached their "sell-by" date! They were called back for one more Rio race when the club was in a spot of bother and they gladly assisted. But this was really the last one. Never-the-less, the tradition of the Tuesday lunches continued and as they were no longer officially Yacht Services, the A-Team (the A stands for Ancients) was born. Over the years colourful characters have been members of this august team. Many have passed on, but always there have been youngsters of about seventy years of age who have the same interests at heart. The only active event in which they still participate is the annual Seniors Race at the Royal Cape Yacht Club. Back in 1986 this event was fading out - they were down to about 6 entrees - and the current club committee asked the A-Team if they could assist in organizing the race. Gladly they agreed and took over the reins with their usual enthusiasm. As at this year's race they had 51 starters. A prize was available for every skipper and an excellent party sponsored by the A-Team and the Club was held after the race. Drinks and snacks on the house. Joy was unconfined and with Hein Schipper aged 97 (he won the 90+ category in the race) it seemed an appropriate moment for the A-Team to point out that its members were this time really approaching their "sell-by" date and would be handing over the reins.