Cato Manor bowman engraves bold mark offshore of Durban
Cato Manor resident ups his sail mark at the 49th running of the MSC Week, working as the bowman on the L26 Element.
Although the visiting sailors claimed the top honours in the main event in the 49th running of the MSC Week hosted last week by Point Yacht Club offshore of Durban, local names were among the week’s wins.
Nearly 200 sailors from around South Africa participated in the weeklong offshore event with varying yachting experience across the fleet. The Cape team notched eight wins out of the 12 races sailed.
The weather throughout the week was typically glorious Durban moderate winter conditions, which proved challenging for the fleet of 28 yachts.
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In the L26 Championship, an almighty duel commenced for podium positions. Eventual winner was leading local lady, Anna Correa competing for MH Performance Sailing on Element.
“Finishing the last race and our whole crew screaming for joy certainly was a standout moment. Seeing my crew so happy made everything worth it,” a thrilled Correa stated.
“The second race of the series was also very memorable, as it was my very first time helming to a ‘first place’ in a MSC Week. Of course there were challenges, including some protests and penalties, but we navigated them well, thanks to some outstanding teamwork,” added Correa.
Cato Manor resident Sakhile Mthombeni is winding down a busy winter season, completing the dash down the KZN coast in the Tuzi Tekwini, followed by his fifth MSC Week. Working as the bowman for Correa on Element, Mthombeni enthused.
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“Sailing off of Durban, I enjoy the calm sea and constant winds. We have had some great events here, the Marriott Mirror Worlds and now this year’s MSC Week!
“Race 11, our team was so in sync – rounding the top mark, we dropped the spinnaker so smoothly, it was probably the fastest and neatest drop in my career – a simple but proud moment that I am so pleased with!”
Point Yacht Club is gearing up for a momentous summer season as they prepare to celebrate their 135th birthday, host the 56th Vasco da Gama Ocean Race, followed by the 50th MSC Week.
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