MSC Week Regatta

So... while everyone is all enthused and excited about Vasco...

Why not come out and participate in this year's MSC Week?

Entries are still open. ..

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

Day entries are available too, if you can't commit to the whole week.

The competitive entry list so far stands at.
ORC Nationals
Argo / Bellissima / CFM / Free Spirit / Gambit / Impi / Regardless / Spirit of Anna Wardley / TNT Racing / Wuku
L26 Champs
Blue Tango 2 / BNR / Cheetah / Container World / Element / Esmeralda / Go Dutch / iThemba / Lindiwe / PYC Challenger / Velocity
Open Class
C’est La Vie

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

🚨New Entry Received🚨

We have our tenth ORC entry; we are delighted to announce we officially have a Nationals! Our second L34 entry, with rumours of a third entering soon: thanks to Sail Africa for entering their fourth boat – Spirit of Anna Wardley.

Ben Makhanya will be filling the familiar role as skipper of Anna Wardley. The L34 named after the British long distance, endurance swimmer will have a busy couple of months as Ben and team tackle the Vasco da Gama this weekend, kicking off their winter sailing season. It will be Ben’s fifth Vasco, having also competed in a leg in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race from Queensland to Qingdao.

Spirit of Anna Wardley was pictured participating in the recent Sunshine Series on Saturday, thanks to the awesome pix by for snapping these pix from their yacht Counter Point.

We have an expanding, competitive entry list so far.
ORC Nationals
Argo / Bellissima / CFM / Free Spirit / Gambit / Impi / Regardless / Spirit of Anna Wardley / TNT Racing / Wuku
L26 Champs
Blue Tango 2 / BNR / Cheetah / Container World / Element / Esmeralda / Go Dutch / iThemba / Lindiwe / PYC Challenger / Velocity
Open Class
C’est La Vie

Day Entries are also available...

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

🚨New Entry Received🚨

And the entries keep on rolling in. Our eleventh L26 entry has been confirmed, we welcome Simphiwe Cele, skippering Lindiwe.

Cele will be flying the flag proudly for Sail Africa, their third entry this year, so far. Competing in his second MSC Week, he has graduated to the back of the boat, having been responsible for the pointy end of Cheetah last year, this year he is calling the shots from the driver’s seat.

It’s not my first time helming; I helmed during the recent Twilight Series for Mkhanyiseni Chiliza. Thanks to MK, I learnt so much and now, I am really excited about taking on the challenge of skippering as well! My crew is looking good; I am confident we will have a great regatta.’

This week, Cele who is only 21, tackles the Vasco da Gama sailing with Ben Makhanya on Sail Africa’s L34 Spirit of Anna Wardley. It will be Cele’s third blue water ocean race, having finished both the Vasco and Tuzi last year.

Wishing you fair winds for the upcoming race, and we look forward to seeing you on the start line of our MSC Week.

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

We have an expanding, competitive entry list so far.
ORC Nationals
Argo / Bellissima / CFM / Free Spirit / Gambit / Impi / Regardless / TNT Racing / Wuku
L26 Champs
Blue Tango 2 / BNR / Cheetah / Container World / Element / Esmeralda / Go Dutch / iThemba / Lindiwe / PYC Challenger / Velocity
Open Class
C’est La Vie

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

Pix by Chris Clark / Bev Reith / supplied

🚨New Entry Received🚨

Fresh off the plane, one of the first things young Anna Correa scheduled in, sailing offshore of her beloved Durban. Anna is our tenth L26 entry and 20th entry overall, racing on Element.

The second entry representing MH Performance Sailing, Anna will be leading a young team, her second time as skipper in the MSC Week. ‘I am looking forward to good competition and, hopefully, self-improvement from last year.’

Anna was part of the small MH Performance team that ventured offshore for the Sunshine Series, asked what she most enjoyed, ‘Just the simplicity of being out on the water, and getting fresh air and sunshine.’

Matriculating last year, Anna plans to study medicine in Italy, beginning her next chapter in September. She took an opportunity to get some work experience as an ‘au pair’ spending the last four months based in Austria. ‘I definitely missed the warmth of our people and the warm weather!’ Based in Austria, arriving at the tail end of winter going into spring, the local sailor didn’t get an opportunity to get on the water there but looks forward to some Mediterranean sailing in the near future.

Anna, good to have you back. We will be rooting for you as your next exciting chapter starts.

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

We have an expanding, competitive entry list so far.
ORC Nationals
Argo / Bellissima / CFM / Free Spirit / Gambit / Impi / Regardless / TNT Racing / Wuku
L26 Champs
Blue Tango 2 / BNR / Cheetah / Container World / Element / Esmeralda / Go Dutch / iThemba / PYC Challenger / Velocity
Open Class
C’est La Vie

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

Pix by Bev Reith / Chris Clark / supplied

🚨New Entry Received🚨

As Early Brid Entries closed, we were delighted to receive a flurry of last-minute entries screeching in just before the cut off time. Our ninth L26 entry is in, back for more after a successful campaign last year winning the Nationals, Nicolene Henkeman skippering Velocity.

With a twinkle in her eye, Nikki is keeping her cards close to her chest in regards to crew lists. ‘Ah crew, crew crew - crew will be released in due time. We may or may not have our secret weapon on board – time will tell!’

‘I am looking forward to having a strong L26 fleet for this year's MSC Week. I enjoy the camaraderie amongst the L26 sailors both on and off the water. The entries are looking good thus far and it should be a good week. I think the addition of the East London L26s will bring an interesting twist to the regulars.’

A small contingent of the MH Performance team ventured offshore on Saturday on Velocity to participate in the Sunshine Series. Post race, Nikki raved, ‘Best thing was the change of the sailing area! It is very cool to see the Bluff from the other side every now and again.’

Wishing team Velocity and Nikki a fantastic MSC Week, trusting you will enjoy it – and we look forward to Nikki’s bar slide.

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

We have an expanding, competitive entry list so far.
ORC Nationals
Argo / Bellissima / CFM / Free Spirit / Gambit / Impi / Regardless / TNT Racing / Wuku
L26 Champs
Blue Tango 2 / BNR / Cheetah / Container World / Esmeralda / Go Dutch / iThemba / PYC Challenger / Velocity
Open Class
C’est La Vie

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

Pix by Chris Clark and supplied

🚨New Entry Received🚨

The tussle for the ORC Nationals has just got a whole stack more interesting with the first Cape Town entry, that of Tony Norris on his Cape 31, TNT Racing.

Sailing out of Royal Cape Yacht Club, Tony has competed in big events like the 52 Super Series campaigning with Phoenix but more recently, he has been focusing more on the Cape 31 racing in Cape Town. ‘A few years ago, we did the Round the Island Race on the Vaal with the Cape 31 which was fantastic fun. We thought it would be great to bring it to Durban and enjoy the warm weather and water.’

‘The team consists of friends who have been sailing together for many years. James Largier, Justin Clark, Greg Thijsse to name a few of the regulars.’

‘I have done a few MSC Weeks over the years but that was a while ago. We are looking forward to the upcoming trip to Durbs.’

This will be the second time a Cape 31 splashes out in Durban, the first during the Lipton Challenge Cup. We look forward to seeing this high-performance yacht racing offshore of 031. See you this side soon Tony and crew.

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

We have an expanding, competitive entry list so far.
ORC Nationals
Argo / Bellissima / CFM / Free Spirit / Gambit / Impi / Regardless / TNT Racing / Wuku
L26 Champs
Blue Tango 2 / BNR / Cheetah / Container World / Esmeralda / Go Dutch / iThemba / PYC Challenger
Open Class
C’est La Vie

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

Top pic by Matthew du Toit and the others supplied

🚨New Entry Received🚨

On the hunt for the L26 title, Mkhanyiseni Chiliza skippering Cheetah is our eighth L26 entry, and our 17th overall.

The second entry representing Sail Africa, Mkhanyiseni or MK will be competing in his fifth MSC Week, his first as the ‘main man’ onboard. Currently working as a Senior Instructor at Sail Africa, MK is honing his sailing skills between contracts as a cadet on the ships. He studied Nautical Studies at DUT and has been sailing for nine years.

‘One of the most enjoyable parts about sailing is the feeling of freedom and peace that comes from being out on the open water. Sailing allows me to connect with nature, feel the power of the wind, and escape the stress of everyday life.’

This weekend, MK sets off to compete in another Vasco, also having competed in the USSAS and Tuzi Tekwini. ‘I’m looking forward to the upcoming VASCO and MSC because it will be an exciting opportunity to improve my sailing skills, work together with my team, and experience the thrill of competition on the water. I’m also excited to meet other sailors, enjoy the atmosphere of the event, and challenge myself in different sailing conditions. Most of all, I’m looking forward to the fun!!’

Wishing you and your Vasco team fair winds for this weekend MK - go get em!

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

We have an expanding, competitive entry list so far.
ORC Nationals
Argo / Bellissima / CFM / Free Spirit / Gambit / Impi / Regardless / Wuku
L26 Champs
Blue Tango 2 / BNR / Cheetah / Container World / Esmeralda / Go Dutch / iThemba / PYC Challenger
Open Class
C’est La Vie

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

🚨New Entry Received🚨

Our second entry featuring a leading lady has been received. Welcome to Snethemba Khumalo, skipper of iThemba, an L26.

The first entry from the Sail Africa stable, Snethemba will be skippering her first major event. A delighted Sne shared, ‘I am sailing for Sail Africa, but I am sailing for myself and using this opportunity wisely so that I can become a better skipper for my crew and, of course – me. I am looking forward to it.’

This is her third MSC Week that she will be racing in, having sailed on Spirit of Anna Wardley in 2024, and crewed on iThemba last year. ‘Last year’s regatta was really tough. The long-haul race around the anchored ship especially, it was a roller coaster. But a good experience – one I am grateful for!’

With most of her sailing happening here in Durban, Sne has disappeared beyond the horizon, completing last year’s Tuzi Tekwini on Spirit of Anna Wardley. ‘I have only been sailing for two years but hope to sail for many more. I would love to participate in the Cape to Rio. I am well aware of the things that might happen, but I am not frightened. I believe I've got it in me and dare I say I am quite brave.’

‘I look up to is Sibusiso Sizathu and Jessica Watson, I've watched both their documentaries on Netflix – their stories are inspiring. My story is quite similar to theirs, and learning about them showed that I too can achieve great things!’

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

**EARLY BIRD ENTRIES EXTENDED – NOW CLOSES 17 MAY**
Early Brid entry fee is R800 per boat, includes skipper fee & shirt, thereafter it is R200 per crew member (includes shirt). Day entries are available too.
All fees include Race Entry to the Commodore's Cup on Sunday 5 July, & entrance tickets to both the opening & closing ceremonies.

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

Pix by David Know-Whitehead / Chris Clark / Bev Reith

🚨New Entry Received🚨

Some might argue that his boat’s name is quite apt... One thing you cannot argue is his passion – our newest entry for the ORC Nationals, we welcome Nigel Milln on CFM.

Nigel, a true stalwart of sailing not only in Durban but South Africa, will be finishing off a busy blue water season with his dedicated crew, sailing offshore of Durban. He kicked off the season breaking the tape in the Inhaca Island Yacht Race over Easter. Next weekend CFM will be bolting through the start line for the Vasco da Gama where he hopes to defend his title. Then in Mid-June he will be back to defend his gun-to-tape victory in the Tuzi Tekwini.

Wrapping up his season, he will be tackling the MSC Week, ‘I can’t recall how many I have sailed but if I had to fathom a guess, it would be well over 20!’

Asked what he most enjoys about sailing offshore of Durban, he responds, ‘I don’t know how to answer this question. Sailing offshore of Durban offers you everything. Year-round conditions that challenge you. Winter sailing is perfect – good breeze and you can still wear a t-shirt! It really is good.’

Nigel continues to muster and rally the sailing community, getting boats on the water, tirelessly trying to keep the great sport of sailing alive. He most enjoys introducing newbies to the sport, and of course, making boats go faster as he pushes the limits on the East Coast of South Africa.

Then who knows, maybe after two decades – conquering a Mauritius to Durban race?

And if you don’t know what C.F.M stands for, ask him – it’s a great conversation starter!

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

**EARLY BIRD ENTRIES EXTENDED – NOW CLOSES 17 MAY**
Early Brid entry fee is R800 per boat, includes skipper fee & shirt, thereafter it is R200 per crew member (includes shirt). Day entries are available too.
All fees include Race Entry to the Commodore's Cup on Sunday 5 July, & entrance tickets to both the opening & closing ceremonies.

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

Pix by Ross Kramm / Richard Hipkin / Robyn Ambler / Stuan Campbell

🚨New Entry Received🚨

Our next L26 entry has landed, taking it up to six for the L26 Champs. We welcome Mthobisi Ndovela and crew on BNR.

Mtho will be tackling his fourth MSC Week, his second skippering BNR. He is the third entry for DUT Sailing Club where he is currently finishing a diploma in Nautical Studies. Mtho began sailing in 2023 and has since fallen in love with the sport, ‘I enjoy that sailing has connected me with so many different and interesting people. The culture of this fantastic sport has opened my eyes to so many great things, and every time I go out, I learn something new!’

Most of Mtho’s sailing has been offshore of Durban, but he does have a Tuzi Tekweni under his belt, participating in the inaugural one on Spirit of Anna Wardley. He is hoping to compete in the Tuzi this year too. Mtho has competed in two USSAs, the most recent one in December as skipper and in February this year, he broadened his sailing skills participating in the Pacer Match Racing Invitational. ‘I think it a unique style of racing and it’s fun, and you only have the one opponent which make it interesting and a bit challenging. You have to come up with strategies and think on the go. Of course you want your boat to be first through the finish line. I enjoyed it and I would probably do it again if I got the chance.’

Asked how his team is looking for MSC Week, he responds, ‘My crew we are not the most powerful team but we are trying our best and working hard to achieve our goals. We are getting there!’

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

**EARLY BIRD ENTRIES EXTENDED – NOW CLOSES 17 MAY**
Early Brid entry fee is R800 per boat, includes skipper fee & shirt, thereafter it is R200 per crew member (includes shirt). Day entries are available too.
All fees include Race Entry to the Commodore's Cup on Sunday 5 July, & entrance tickets to both the opening & closing ceremonies.

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

Pix by Robyn Ambler / Bev Reith / Chris Clark

🚨New Entry Received🚨

Our next ORC Nationals entry has landed, Siphosenkosi ‘Paul’ Nkwanyana will be competing on the Pacer 27 - Impi.

Asked to describe himself in one word, he responded – determined! Having graduated from DUT last year, completing a diploma in Nautical Studies, the determined youngster will be helming the second DUT entry competing in his fourth MSC Week. ‘My team are an eager group and have some experience sailing offshore. They are always ready to learn and want to go sailing so I’m glad to be racing with them.’

Siphosenkosi’s yachting CV is expanding nicely as he gains experience in a variety of events after four years of sailing. He has a Vasco under his belt, finishing last year’s race on Spirit of Anna Wardley; a couple of MSC L26 Nationals, the recent USSA’s and the Pacer match racing invitational. ‘I haven’t done a lot of racing in the Pacer class; the only event was the match racing in February – which I am proud to say – I won!’

His next item that he will be inputting into his CV is the upcoming Tuzi Tekwini where he will be crewing on Impi for Shamir Rampersadh. Asked if he could sail in any event, his response, ‘I would love to compete in the 52 Super Series in Italy!’

We hope you achieve your dreams Siphosenkosi, we will be rooting for you.

📆 6 - 10 July
📍: Offshore Durban
MSC Week incorporating the ORC Nationals & L26 Champs hosted by Point Yacht Club

**EARLY BIRD ENTRIES EXTENDED – NOW CLOSES 17 MAY**
Early Brid entry fee is R800 per boat, includes skipper fee & shirt, thereafter it is R200 per crew member (includes shirt). Day entries are available too.
All fees include Race Entry to the Commodore's Cup on Sunday 5 July, & entrance tickets to both the opening & closing ceremonies.

🖱 To enter go to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/330403 🖱

Come & with us as we

Pix supplied