All hands on deck for MAC 24-Hour Challenge

Dinghy sailors from yacht clubs, sailing schools and sea scouts will converge on Rietvlei for the annual MAC 24-Hour Challenge. The event, hosted by Milnerton Aquatic Club, starts at noon on Saturday March 29, finishing on Sunday March 30, at noon.

The sailors are spoilt for choice this year with the addition of the MAC 12-Hour Challenge being incorporated into the 24-Hour Challenge. This 12-Hour Challenge is sailed in daylight and is ideal for junior sailors who would like to get a taste of endurance sailing. They will sail from noon to 6pm on Saturday and restart at 6am on Sunday and finish at noon.

Teams of up to 12 sailors per boat will compete in the challenge which is similar to a relay race, and dinghy crews normally swop over every two hours. The idea of the challenge is to sail the most distance in 24 hours.

The event originated in Southport in the UK, at the West Lancashire Yacht Club (WLYC). They have just completed their 53rd event. WLYC held the endurance record until 2022 when a MAC GP14 – Red Baron – broke their record. 

The MAC 24-Hour Challenge was started in 1998 and has grown ever since. Spectators are  welcome to come along and cheer the sailors on, and enjoy the live music, food stalls and a very festive vibe. For more information, visit MAC 24-Hour Challenge Facebook page.