SAILING CLOSE to the wind is the latest story about Garth Loudon, director of Access in Durban. But in his case, this was not a business matter, rather the tale of him and son Blaine taking part in the Hobie 16 National Championships in Durban bay – and notching up a creditable 8th place overall in a 50-strong field. While 12-year old Blaine has only been sailing for a few months, his father has been sailing since the same age – and is a holder of Springbok colours. The father-and-son team was also not too disappointed about the winners of the event – father-and-daughter team, Blaine and Roxanne Dodds from Plettenburg Bay. The link is the name Blaine, with the younger version being named after the winner – often described as one of SA’s “legendary” sailors. “A strong finish here at the Nationals definitely boosts our confidence for the World Champs in Fiji in September,” said Loudon (senr).
