The MAC’S Shipping 24-Hour Challenge is the only dinghy sailing event of its kind in South Africa.
Its story begins in 1983, when James Tutton became the first South African sailor to complete a 24-hour nonstop sail in a Laser dinghy through 15–20 knots of wind and rain. Unfortunately, his remarkable achievement went largely unnoticed at the time.
📑 Table of Contents
- The Origins of the 24-Hour Challenge
- The Birth of the MAC 24-Hour Challenge (1998)
- Rietvlei – A Unique Venue
- How the 24-Hour Challenge Works
- Dinghy Classes & Race Course
- The Magic of Night Sailing
- Almost a World Record (2000)
- A Growing Event
- Organisation & Safety
- An Event for Sailors & Spectators
- The 2008 Challenge – “Local is Lekker”
- Prize Giving
The Origins of the 24-Hour Challenge
In 1984, 16-year-old Ian Downing from Milnerton High School read the only news article about James Tutton’s sail and boldly declared:
“Simple – anyone who can sail can do it!”
His Scoutmaster, Dutchie von Nieuwburg, challenged him to prove it.
With a large support team, Tutton’s guidelines, and Guinness Book requirements, Ian sailed from 16–17 March 1984 at the Milnerton Aquatic Club.
He achieved an incredible 29 hours, 38 minutes and 10 seconds, completing 156 laps and a total of 180.81 miles — an especially remarkable feat considering he had undergone open-heart surgery as a child.
SAYRA recognised the record officially — but the Guinness Book rejected it.
The Birth of the MAC 24-Hour Challenge (1998)
In 1998, passionate sailor Mark Algra decided to create an endurance race that could be officially recognised.
The goal:
To challenge the long-standing world record held by the West Lancashire Yacht Club (UK), where dinghy teams had been competing in 24-hour races since 1967.
At that time, the record stood at:
- 253.94 km in 24 hours (GP14, later matched in Enterprise)
On 14–15 March 1998, the first MAC 24-Hour Challenge was held in South Africa — the beginning of a new tradition.
Rietvlei – A Unique Venue
Rietvlei has a fascinating history:
- In the 1970s, it was expanded into an artificial lake
- approx. 70 hectares in size
- 9 meters deep
- now part of the Rietvlei Nature Reserve, the largest wetland in the southern Cape
The setting is perfect for a 24-hour sailing challenge:
- sheltered yet windy
- wide open water
- rich birdlife
- incredible views of Table Mountain
How the 24-Hour Challenge Works
The event is a non-stop 24-hour endurance race where teams sail a dinghy in rotations.
Each team consists of:
- 6–7 sailors
- 2 sailors on the boat at a time, alternating in shifts
Primary goals:
- sail as many kilometres as possible
- challenge the world record
- promote dinghy sailing
- build teamwork & enthusiasm for outdoor sport
Sailors of all ages participate — even children as young as 6 have taken part.
Dinghy Classes & Race Course
Participating dinghy classes include:
- Enterprise
- GP14
- Bosun
- Mirror
- Sonnet
- 420
The triangular course is set on the 70-hectare lake, only a stone’s throw from the ocean.
The Milnerton Aquatic Club, founded in 1976, provides ideal conditions:
- year-round dinghy sailing
- windsurfing
- water-skiing
- wakeboarding
- RC yachting
- clean water & vibrant wildlife
- reliable wind conditions
The Magic of Night Sailing
Sailing for 24 hours straight means experiencing:
- inky black water beneath the hull
- a sky full of stars overhead
- morning mist rising over the lake
- flamingos and pelicans taking flight at dawn
- the dramatic colour shifts on Table Mountain at sunrise & sunset
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every sailor.
Almost a World Record (2000)
In 2000, the GP14 team “Diel Too”, skippered by Gerry Aab and Judy Provoyeur, came within 10 kilometres of breaking the world record.
A Growing Event
The Challenge has become a major event on the South African sailing calendar.
Participation over the years:
- 1998: 10 teams
- 2002: 39 teams
- 2006: 34 teams
Schools and sailing clubs actively support the event — enthusiasm grows each year.
Organisation & Safety
A 24-hour challenge requires a large team of volunteers, including:
- lap & time recording teams
- NSRI & MAC rescue teams on the water
- paramedics & fire brigade on standby
- weather monitoring, especially when the strong South Easter (“Cape Doctor”) blows
Safety is the top priority.
An Event for Sailors & Spectators
The turning buoy is just a few metres from the shore — making it one of the best vantage points for spectators.
Highlights include:
- Navy vs. Airforce teams
- the iconic Airforce “barrel roll” crew changes
- Irish teams bringing traditional energy
- international teams (UK, Italy, New Zealand, Germany possible)
- women’s teams eager to “show the guys the rudder”
- youth development teams from sailing foundations
The 2008 Challenge – “Local is Lekker”
With the right wind conditions, a South African team could break the world record — provided they sail a GP14 or Enterprise.
Otherwise, the goal is to surpass the national record set in previous years.
Prize Giving
Prize giving takes place on Sunday around 13:15, once all computer-logged results have been finalised.
