Nico Kroucamp, a senior IT technician at the North-West University (NWU), is not just a whiz with computers - he is also a talented sailor! Nico and his team recently made waves when they secured second place in the J22 Keelboat Nationals, hosted by the Lake Deneys Yacht Club in Deneysville.

Competing against the top 30 teams from across the country, Nico and his crew showcased exceptional skill and teamwork on the Vaal dam from 9 to 11 August.

The J22 Keelboat Nationals is a prestigious event on the sailing calendar, drawing the best of the best to compete in a thrilling series of races. Each race consisted of three laps around a windward/leeward course, a true test of tactical sailing and crew coordination.

The races began with all boats lining up between the committee boat and the start mark, awaiting the countdown signalled by a series of flags. The tension was palpable as sailors waited for the class flag and the start flag, which signalled just four minutes to the start, says Nico.

“With all boats starting simultaneously, strategy was key. Timing is everything in sailing; cross the line too early, and you're called back for a restart, with the dreaded ‘U’ flag warning that any premature start after that results in disqualification from the race.”

Each race, lasting between 45 minutes to an hour depending on wind conditions, demanded not just physical endurance but also mental acuity to navigate the course efficiently.

After three laps and the final rounding of the leeward mark, teams sprinted back to the finish line between the committee boat and the start mark. The stakes were high, as the overall winner would be determined by the boat with the fewest points at the end of the regatta.

In this sport, consistency is key, and teams are allowed to discard their worst race points if at least five races are completed. Nico's team not only completed eight successful races but did so with impressive consistency, earning them a well-deserved second place on the national stage.

What makes Nico and his team's achievement even more remarkable is the level of competition they faced. Competing against ex-Olympians and highly experienced sailors, they held their own, proving that they belong among the elite of the sailing community. Out of the 30 boats registered, only 24 made it to the start line, highlighting just how tough the competition was.

The success of the team was no doubt a collective effort. Under the skilled leadership of Skipper Dirk Manten, with Nico managing the midship and 17-year-old Dawson Ellis handling the foredeck, the crew demonstrated flawless coordination.

Nico and his team have shown that dedication, skill and a little bit of daring can take you to the top. Their remarkable second-place finish at the J22 Keelboat Nationals is a testament to their hard work and passion for sailing. Here’s to many more successful regattas ahead for this talented crew.

Nico Kroucamp and his teammates Dawson Ellis and Dirk Manten secured second place in the J22 Keelboat Nationals.

A diagram of the course.

The course is a true test of tactical sailing and crew coordination.