Skill over speed as sailors battle light winds at MAC challenge

Light and often absent winds turned this year’s MAC 24 Hour Challenge into a true test of patience, precision and endurance at Milnerton Aquatic Club (MAC) over the weekend.

Despite 25 boats entering the race, one vessel was damaged en route, leaving 24 teams to take on the demanding 24-hour challenge. While moderate conditions ensured all remaining boats finished, long stretches of near windless conditions forced sailors to rely on technical skill and strategy rather than speed.

The tricky conditions saw the overall race develop into a close contest between Sonnet dinghies from Zeekoevlei Sailing Centre and an Enterprise dinghy from the host club.

With minimal wind, precise helming and careful crew positioning became critical to maintaining momentum.

A standout performance came from 24-year-old Johan Visser, a former Durbanville Scout, who sailed the full 24 hours solo in a Saldanha dinghy. His endurance and energy at prize giving drew admiration from fellow competitors.

Sea Scouts played a major role in the event, fielding 11 Saldanha dinghies, with teams travelling from Knysna and Saldanha to participate. Sailors ranged in age from just eight to 78, reflecting the inclusive nature of the race.

The energy on shore matched the determination on the water. Teams such as TS Saldanha and TS Woltemade Scouts kept spirits high with singing, dancing and constant encouragement, even after the race had ended.

READ ALSO: Rietvlei waterbody closed to water activities for MAC 24-Hour Challenge

Results

Overall results (handicap):

• 1st – Team Electra Glide (Enterprise) – 94 laps – Milnerton Aquatic Club

• 2nd – Team MAC 1 (420) – 88.35 laps – Milnerton Aquatic Club

• 3rd – Team ZVSC 1 (420) – 87.40 laps – Zeekoevlei Sailing Centre

Final overall (line honours – raw laps):

• 1st – Team ZVSC 2 (Sonnet) – 94 laps – Zeekoevlei Sailing Centre

• 2nd – Team Electra Glide (Enterprise) – 94 laps – Milnerton Aquatic Club

• 3rd – Team MAC 1 (420) – 93 laps – Milnerton Aquatic Club

• 4th – Team Maroon Machine (Sonnet) – 93 laps – Stellenbosch University

(Top two tied on laps, with ZVSC 2 finishing seconds ahead)

Class results (handicap)

Sonnets:

• 1st – Team ZVSC 2 – 83.66 handicap laps (94 raw)

• 2nd – Team MAC 2 – 82.88 handicap laps (85 raw)

• 3rd – Team Maroon Machine – 82.77 handicap laps (93 raw)

Saldanha dinghies (Sea Scouts/Cadets):

• 1st – Team 2nd Plumstead – 85.43 handicap laps (67 raw)

• 2nd – Team 18 Plus – 80.32 handicap laps (63 raw)

• 3rd – Team TSW01 – 79.05 handicap laps (62 raw)

• 4th – Black Magic – 79.05 handicap laps (62 raw)