Viking red sails coming to Durban

Sophie Thompson

It’s official: Durban’s Point Yacht Club will host the 2025 Mirror World Championships offshore of Durban from April 14-19.

The club received the news while they were hosting the highly successful ILCA Laser Nationals recently. Reputed to be the world’s most popular double-handed sailing dinghy, the Mirror has a huge following in South Africa. In the Mirror Worlds in Ireland in July 2023, five teams from South Africa competed, with the duo of Howard Leoto and Lisa Madlewa from Cape Town finishing fifth overall.

South Africa is also hugely proud that brother and sister duo Michaela and Ryan Robinson have twice won the Mirror Worlds, the first time at Lough Derg Yacht Club in Ireland in 2013 and on their home waters in 2015.

Easily recognisable with its bold Viking red sails, the Mirror is one of the most popular design for introducing people to sailing. Described as being a “proper little boat with its deep sit-in cockpit”, the Mirror appeals to sailors of all ages and abilities.

“We are extremely excited with the announcement. We have recently hosted the Laser Nationals with more than 50 boats on the water,” said Point Yacht Club Commodore Robin Hulley enthused.

“Two years ago, we had two dozen world-class teams compete in the J22 Worlds. As so many sailors know, offshore of Durban is one of the best sailing locations in the world.

“We are honoured that the International Mirror Class of South Africa entrusted us with the event and look forward to welcoming a large fleet to our shores in April 2025.”

This will be the third time South Africa has hosted the Mirror Worlds, first in Port Elizabeth in 2007 and then inland at Theeswater Sports Club in 2015.

The organising committee expects a large fleet, with container loads of Mirrors from all over the globe set to invade Durban for this prestigious regatta.

Entries are already open, with details on the regatta website http://mirrorworlds25.co.za