Hi Rob
"Sterkies" is the affectionate name Sterkfontein Dam near Harrismith in the Free State Province has been given by sailors many year ago.
There are 17 chalets at the dam and there is still plenty of accomodation available as there have been several last minute cancellations. You can book at chalet on 0586223892 or 0713002559.
If they say nothing is available or you're on your own, then contact me on 0828536384 and I'll organise a place for you to stay as I know of several chalets that still have places available.
There are many Vaalies going there this weekend, so you can probably get a lift there if you fly to Joburg and notify me soonest.
It's a fun speed event that will be held this Saturday and Sunday.
We'll have a circuit (approx. 400 meters) denoted by 2 chop breakers upwind and a downwind buoy.
We'll split competitors into 2 groups so that the water does not get too crowded, as the bay is small (300 meters), and we'll have short heats initially (30-40 minutes).
I expect that we'll do away with heats after a few hours when some competitors take a break.
Each rider will have a GT-11 GPS and there are 2 division, namely twintip and speedboard. You may enter one division or both. Ranking will be based on the highest average speed over 200 meters.
If we get wind on both days (as is expected), points will be awarded per day to derive an overall ranking.
The directions, race notice and entry form can be found at www.ellada.co.za
A detailed thread about the event can be found at http://xsport.co.za/forums/index.php?topic=1563.msg12156;topicseen#new