On Saturday 01 October, Odyssey was represented at the inaugural SAS Institute Charity Sailing Challenge which took place at the Royal Cape Yacht Club. A team of eight led by Jacque Coetzer, a keen sailor, took part in this exciting 'round the cans' style race. Other members of the team were Lynn Witten, Kathy Stewart, Terry Haywood, Paul McKillen, Jacques Vivier, Eric Van Rensburg and Lynne Bisognio.

The weather turned decidedly un-spring like, the clouds came over and the wind made for challenging racing conditions. The Odyssey team, aboard the Yacht "Aurora" skippered by Mel Hawtrey, had a great sail, and in spite of being beaten over the line by the two larger bigger boats, they out-sailed the competition and were the overall WINNERS on handicap. WELL DONE AURORA and to the Odyssey. All the ladies and gents of the team had some exciting moments - and got more than a little bit wet in the process. Fortunately no one went for a swim!

The SAS Institute ensured that 100% of the race entry fees went towards the Khanya project which is a Western Cape Education Department initiative that provides under privileged schools with computers and other IT Resources to improve their learning experience. SAS has chosen to adopt two schools in a small town called Eendekuil from different backgrounds and bring them together using technology.

The SAS Institute Charity Sailing Challenge was such a success that it is going to become an annual event and based on the feedback received from those who participated in the race and the festivities of the day, it is sure to be a highlight on the calendar of many companies. The Odyssey team were adamant that they would be back next year and that they were going to challenge others within the Metropolitan group to enter teams too as "it was a great experience that we will remember for a long time to come".

SAS Sailling Challenge feedback