Southern Sun fetes teams at annual Offshore Yacht Challenge

The 2017 Southern Sun Hotel-Lagos Yacht Club boat challenge was held last week.  It is the sixth edition of the boat challenge.  23 boats contested at the all-day 6th water event, thrilling guests who were left mesmerized by the challenging weather conditions offered by one of Africa’s budding sailing environments, Lagos.

Encompassing designs reminiscent of the best of nautical heritage, this year’s Southern Sun Ikoyi offshore challenge was conducted with typical grace and sportsmanship by the sailors.

Commodore of the Lagos Yacht Club, Laurent Couderc said that despite the dull weather:  “We had a good run today. “It is often a question of boat handling and tactics as there is always a surprise with the changing wind and particularly with the rain as we’ve seen today. It is never predictable and this is what makes each race unique and very interesting.”

Applauding the efforts of the teams, Mark Loxley, General Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi, thanked the sailors for the enthusiasm and participation, saying: “This is a highly competitive sporting event and Southern Sun Ikoyi is very proud to again bring about this moment of happiness to the teams and to reviving the community spirit especially on the Lagos Island. We are indeed proud to have so many boats participate, all putting up their colourful sails for all to see on Lagos waters. We definitely will be back next year.”

The participating three teams were rewarded in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place categories with Julian Hardy emerging as 1st place winner in the Combined Monohull category. Sailors Jay and Natasha Smulders took 1st place in the Hobbie Fleet category and Onyekachi Paul Okereke and Jan Muyesen were crowned 1st place winners in the Lightning Fleet category. Ecstatic about their win, sailor, Onyekachi Paul Okereke said:  “We are immensely proud of our win from amongst so many boats. We got to the front early and it’s always good to stay there.”

Taking place at the prestigious Lagos Yacht Club (LYC) founded in 1932, the Southern Sun Ikoyi Offshore Challenge has in recent years become one of the most popular attractions in the city geared at reigniting a passion for sports, relaxation and networking within Lagos’ thriving business community.

The day’s activities ended with participants treated to delicious canapés and fine wine alongside exciting prizes of dinner for two, Sunday Champagne Brunch for four and Weekend Bed and Breakfast for two all at the hotel. Southern Sun Ikoyi remains the preferred lodging and hang out location for business and leisure travelers alike in Lagos.

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