Excitement builds as Sail Africa team prepares for the Vasco da Gama Ocean Race
- Maryke Dickinson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Excitement is growing in Durban as the Sail Africa youth sailing team puts the finishing touches on its preparations for the upcoming Vasco da Gama Ocean Race, one of South Africa’s most respected offshore sailing events.
The race, scheduled to set off from Durban on 24 May 2026, will take competitors along the challenging KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape coastline to East London, where crews are expected to arrive after roughly 36 hours at sea. Known for its demanding conditions, the event is often described as one of the toughest tests of endurance and skill in South African sailing.
This year, attention is on the Sail Africa team aboard the Spirit of Anna Wardley, a Lavranos 34 yacht that has become a key platform for youth development in the sport. The crew includes young sailors from communities such as Inanda and Clermont, many of whom are taking part in the race for the first time.
Among them is 20-year-old Snethemba Khumalo, who says she is ready for the challenge and eager to gain experience at sea. Other team members have also spoken about the intense preparation underway, including training sessions along Durban’s coastline to adapt to unpredictable ocean conditions.
Skipper Ben Makhanya, an experienced sailor who has completed multiple offshore races, leads the team. He emphasised the importance of preparation, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure, especially when conditions shift rapidly offshore.
The Vasco da Gama Ocean Race, hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club, is the oldest coastal offshore race in South Africa. It regularly attracts competitive yachts from across the country and is known for its unpredictable weather, including strong winds, heavy seas, and sudden changes in conditions along the Wild Coast.
For Sail Africa, participation goes beyond competition. The organisation focuses on introducing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to sailing, using the sport as a tool for development, discipline, and opportunity.
According to organisers, the 2026 edition is expected to draw strong entries and continue the race’s legacy as a highlight of the national sailing calendar.
As race day approaches, the Sail Africa crew remains focused on preparation, teamwork, and completing what is widely regarded as one of the most challenging coastal sailing races in the region.
