South African Sailing 75th anniversary celebration aims to be largest sailing event in Africa

8 December 2022 – A massive boating extravaganza will set sail this month as South African Sailing celebrates the 75^th anniversary of organised sailing in the country.

In keeping with the 75-years celebration, the goal is to attract more than 750 yachts, more than 7500 participants and more than 75 000 social media hits using the hashtag #SASailing75^th.

“My dream is that this will be the largest sailing event ever in Africa, said SA Sailing president Michael Robinson. “The intention is to display that sailing is a fun family sport and, thanks to the many incredible programmes and initiatives around the country, it is accessible to all South Africans.”

As a precursor, the inter-university regatta will be held at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal from 6-9 December and a dinghy regatta will be hosted on 11 December by Zeekoe Vlei Yacht Club – a premier dinghy club on the Cape Peninsula which is celebrating its 90^th year of existence. The official prelude takes place in the afternoon of 14 December at Royal Cape Yacht Club. This Wednesday night race already has more than 75 yachts entered with at least 300 participants.

The core event will take place over the long weekend (16-18 December) on the Vaal Dam and will include: the South African Sailing Youth National Championships, a number of dinghy-class national championships, several multi-class national championships, long distance keel-boat racing and a massive cruise for non-competitive yachts which will include a stop at every club on the Vaal Dam.

At the same time, satellite events will be hosted at the following Yacht Clubs: Zululand, Henley Midmar, Point and Royal Natal, Buffalo River, George Lakes, Theewaters Kloof, Gordon’s Bay, Houtbay, False Bay, Saldanha Bay and Port Owen, Boskop, Pretoria and Gqeberha.

For more information of the various events taking place or to get involved, head to https://www.sailing.org.za/events/139351/