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Some people dream of sailing the Mediterranean. Others actually do it.
For Umgababa-born sailor Nqoba Mswazi (34), life has become one incredible voyage from Durban Harbour to some of the world's most exotic locations. But no matter how far the wind carries him, he always returns to Durban.
Every year, Nqoba drops anchor back home to compete in MSC Week, one of South Africa's premier yacht racing regattas, while investing in the next generation of local sailors through his own performance sailing academy.
From the KZN South Coast to the high seas
Growing up on KZN’s South Coast, Mswazi attended Bellair Primary School before matriculating from Rossburgh High School.
"I got involved with sailing in 2008 under Sail Africa, and that's when I got the taste for the sport," says Mswazi.
After completing his Yachtmaster Ocean qualification at 2 Ocean Maritime Academy in Hout Bay, Cape Town, he set sail for an international career.
Working aboard luxury superyachts isn't all sunsets and champagne. Like any worthwhile voyage, it takes hard work to reach the top.
Mswazi started as a deckhand before progressing to Second Engineer aboard a 45-metre Perini yacht, where he spent three years. Today, he's First Mate aboard a beautifully restored 42-metre classic yacht cruising the Mediterranean.
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Giving back to young sailors
Nqoba has also been quietly pioneering a performance sailing academy in Durban with the help of his dear friend, Nicolene Henkeman. This performance academy is dedicated to developing competitive sailors in Durban.
Named ‘MH Performance’, he explains the M is for Mswazi while H stands for Henkeman.
The academy has grown rapidly, allowing aspiring sailors to race regularly while learning from experienced competitors.
At this year’s recent MSC Week, the MH Performance Sailing teams dominated the L26 fleet, claiming both first and third overall... a remarkable achievement for an academy launched only last year.
"I have to admit, I feel like a proud father watching my team grow with experience," he says. "Watching them race so well and pull away from the fleet is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to keep MH moving forward and hopefully one day compete in the Cape to Rio Race under the MH banner."
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Around the world... literally
His own crew aboard Orion climbed from sixth place to finish third overall in MSC Week after fine-tuning the yacht throughout the regatta: "We finally ironed out all the flaws and tweaked her to how we wanted. She started performing beautifully, and we began picking up the pace."
If competing in South Africa isn't enough, Nqoba also has serious international miles beneath his keel. Among his proudest achievements are competing in two editions of the prestigious Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, including the demanding leg from Uruguay to Cape Town.
"Our team finished second, less than an hour behind the leaders after thousands of miles at sea. That's one of the races I'll never forget."
Durban is his base
Despite spending much of the year sailing across the Mediterranean, Durban remains where he’s most at home. He owns three racing yachts in Durban, mentors the local sailors, and continues investing in growing the local sailing community.
His return this year was made even more special by spending precious time with his young daughter, Onnalena Bellatrix, whose middle name is inspired by the Orion constellation - fitting for a father whose life is guided by the stars.
No matter where he is in the world, Nqoba continues proving that South African sailing talent can compete among the best!
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