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Ahoy Durban!
The winter sailing action isn't slowing down any time soon.
Fresh off a hugely successful MSC Week, the sailing competition continues at the ILCA KZN Regional Championships taking place at Point Yacht Club from 8 to 10 August.
You can expect the country's top Olympic-class sailors for three days of exciting racing.
Around two dozen ILCA dinghies (one of the world's most popular Olympic sailing classes) are set to battle it out on Durban's winter waters.
READ: From deckhand to first mate: Meet the KZN sailor making waves on the world's superyachts
Sailing stars on the horizon
One of the sailors to keep an eye on is Daniela Cantarelli, the talented Karkloof teenager who continues to make waves on the national sailing circuit.
The St John's DSG matric pupil recently finished as the first youth female sailor at the ILCA National Championships in Langebaan, following an impressive season that includes victory at the Richards Bay Grand Slam and line honours in the demanding 9 Hour Endurance Race.
"I'm most excited to be attending Youth Worlds in Portugal this December," says Cantarelli.
She regularly travels to Durban to train offshore with coach and sailing legend, Rudy McNeill, who hopes to add a regional title to his impressive résumé, having already secured six national and 12 regional championships during his career.
"It has been an honour coaching Dani," says McNeill. "It's been fun, and she is getting faster after each session."
He'll face stiff competition from several accomplished sailors, including:
- Thomas Funke, fresh from competing at the 505 World Championships in England.
- Luke Wagner, who recently claimed podium finishes during MSC Week and the ORC Nationals.
- Alistair Keytel, travelling from Cape Town with his son Josh, the reigning IODA Optimist African Champion who has already begun collecting ILCA titles.
READ: Thousands heading to Durban for Totalsports Women's Race
A spectacular spectator sport
Even if you've never sailed before, ILCA racing is fascinating to watch.
These lightweight, single-handed dinghies rely entirely on skill, tactics and athleticism, with sailors constantly adjusting sails and body position as they battle shifting winds and Durban's ever-changing sea conditions.
With races taking place just offshore, spectators along the beachfront can often enjoy excellent views of the colourful fleet in action.
READ: What’s MPA Day and why should you care?
What you need to know
- Dates: Saturday, 8 August – Monday, 10 August 2026
- Venue: Point Yacht Club, Durban Harbour
- Cost: Spectating is free.
If you’re looking for something different this Women's Day long weekend, the ILCA KZN Regionals promise fast racing and another reminder of why Durban is a premier sailing destination!
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