49th MSC Week at Point Yacht Club

49th MSC Week at Point Yacht Club - Wrap up

by Sophie Thompson 12 Jul 10:05 PDT 6-10 July 2026

Powering their way down to the bottom mark, Tony Norris on TNT Racing and crew are pictured competing in the 49th running of the MSC Week hosted offshore of Durban by Point Yacht Club © David Knox-Whitehead

Visiting sailors claimed the top honours in the main event in the 49th running of the MSC Week hosted from 6 - 10 July by Point Yacht Club offshore Durban; Tony Norris and his team on TNT Racing from Cape Town dominated the ORC Nationals right from the get-go.

The Cape team notched up eight wins out of the 12 races sailed. The weather throughout the week was typically glorious Durban winter conditions, which proved challenging for the fleet of 28 yachts with the moderate conditions.

Eye on the prize. Nigel Milln steers his beloved CFM II during the MSC Week hosted by Point Yacht Club offshore of Durban. Having had a very busy winter season, Milln had guest crew member, Michael Pammenter assisting during the weeklong regatta - photo © David Knox-Whitehead

Nearly 200 sailors from around South Africa participated in the weeklong offshore event with varying yachting experience across the fleet: from a two-time Volvo Ocean Racer to local legends, a fair few old salty sea dogs and a sprinkling of complete novices. The youngest sailor, 12 year old Rebekha Grung from Richards Bay crewed on the ORC cruising class entry, Gambit, finishing third in their category. 'Marvel Milln' clocked in as the most experienced sailor, turning 80 this September, a highly competitive candidate, Nigel Milln steered his team on CFM II to third place overall.

After his historic second place in the 55th Vasco da Gama Ocean Race in May and his most recent victory in the Tuzi Tekwini, Milln shared, 'The competition in the ORC fleet was fierce, really intense with the Cape 31 from Cape Town; Regardless and Bellissima both from Durban and MSC Donna Mia, a Durban boat with an imported Cape crew all vying for top honours.'

The decorated sailor, Milln reported, 'The winds, whilst not strong were better than a lot of the very light winds in previous MSC Week Regattas. Durban really is the best place to sail during winter and a world class sailing venue - which we are lucky to have on our doorstep! It was encouraging to see a resurgence in the L26 fleet. All round, a fantastic regatta!'

Heading up to the top mark in light winds, Anna Correa and her team on Element are pictured competing in the 49th running of the MSC Week held offshore by Point Yacht Club. The youngsters managed to hold off closest rival, Blue Tango 2 up from East London - photo © David Knox-Whitehead

Making a welcome return to his home waters, two-time Volvo Ocean Racer Michael Pammenter crewed on CFM II, finishing third overall in the highly competitive ORC Nationals. The professional sailor who grew up north of Durban, has just returned to South Africa taking over as the CEO of the North Sails loft after being based in Europe, 'The last time I raced offshore Durban would have been a shade over 20 years when I was 20 or 21. Durban has some incredible sailing conditions, and you forget how special it is to race offshore Durban. We were very fortunate to have some incredible weather and perfect wind to get in 12 races!'

Stepping on CFM II, skippered by Nigel Milln, Pammenter stated, 'I've raced against Nigel back when I used to race L26's in Durban but this is the first time I have raced with Nigel.'

'Our fleet consisted of a big range of boats that all had their conditions to perform well. A lot of boats throughout the fleet got solid results in individual races and that shows the skill level throughout the fleet. It was also great to see some representation from the Western Cape and I'm sure the visitors enjoyed what Durban had to offer.'

Continuing, he enthused, 'A highlight for the event.... there are a few. One was definitely watching the whales in the long-distance race. That was very special. Another highlight has to be Durban's typical winter days. Very special indeed!'

The fine art of balance. Sakhile Mthombeni multitasks as he loads the pole in preparation to hoist the spinnaker as Anna Correa powers the L26, Element around the top mark. 28 yachts from around South Africa have been battling it out offshore of Durban - photo © Chris Clark

Concluding, the vastly experienced global competitor shared, 'A special mention must be made for the L26 fleet! The racing looked incredibly tight and there was an excellent atmosphere throughout the yacht club spearheaded by the youth teams on the L26's. Huge congratulations to them all!'

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.

Reporting back, Correa shared, 'The first race of the last day has to be my favourite race, knowing we had the possibility of either securing first place or giving it up to the highly competitive East Londoners was nerve wracking. The race started with dolphins following us alongside the boat, which was extremely special.'

Going through the gate, CFM II is pictured round the mark gearing up to hoist the spinnaker during racing on day four of the MSC Week hosted by Point Yacht Club offshore of Durban - photo © Shane Elliott

Continuing, the up-and-coming skipper said, '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.'

Concluding, a thoughtful Correa revealed, 'What is next? I'm not too certain, but I hope I can continue to grow in sailing and have more opportunities to learn and experience.'

On the run, CFM II skippered by Nigel Milln starts to head over a swell as they compete in the 49th running of the MSC Week hosted by Point Yacht Club offshore of Durban - photo © David Knox-Whitehead

Adding to the impressive trophies up for grabs, Honorary Life President of Point Yacht Club, Vernon Goss donated his 'Choose Life Trophy' awarded to the most improved youth team throughout the regatta. The inaugural winner went to a young Henley Midmar Yacht Club sailing on Waldecia.

The keelboat sailing community goes into winter hibernation now, with the opening cruise falling in conjunction with the biggest sailing event in the world, Bart's Bash. 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.

For more info follow the club's social media or visit www.pyc.co.za.