While the MSC Week regatta brought high-octane racing to Durban’s waters, a quieter but equally significant development was unfolding onshore.
Image: Nqoba Prosperity Mswazi/Facebook
South African sailor Nqoba Mswazi, who now works as a first mate on a superyacht in the Mediterranean, returned to his hometown not only to compete but also to chart a new course for young local sailors, as per IOL reports.
The 49th edition of MSC Week marked the official launch of MH Performance Sailing, Mswazi’s new initiative aimed at empowering youth in KwaZulu-Natal through high-performance sailing.
Speaking from the Royal Natal Yacht Club ahead of the regatta, Mswazi shared the motivation behind the launch:
“The sport of sailing has given me so much. It has opened so many doors I never dreamed possible,” he said. “I am hoping that through MH Performance Sailing, I will be able to give back and open some doors for a few others that share my love for this amazing sport.”
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The newly established outfit debuted with two L26 yachts—Velocity, acquired in 2023, and Element, formerly the Point Yacht Club’s Lipton Cup challenger, recently brought out of storage. Both vessels flew the MH Performance Sailing flag for the first time during MSC Week.
Born and raised in uMgababa, south of Durban, Mswazi first entered the world of sailing through the Sail Africa Foundation, a programme established by Clipper Round the World sailor Craig Millar. His journey since has spanned prestigious competitions like the Lipton Cup, the Vasco da Gama Ocean Race, and even the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Despite his global experience, Mswazi remains committed to fostering talent at home:
“Durban is an incubator for amazing talent,” he said. “I want Durbanites to remain on their local waters and, from our beautiful home base, go and make waves on the international scene.”
MH Performance Sailing aims to support young sailors who already have basic training but need structured guidance and opportunities to advance.
For this year’s MSC Week, Mswazi’s crew consisted entirely of local youth—some newcomers, others with international experience such as the Mirror Worlds—all eager to grow their skills and take the next step.
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