The Sail Africa team gears up for the prestigious Vasco da Gama Ocean Race, in May 2026, onboard the Spirit of Anna Wardley
DURBAN’s reputation as a leading sailing and watersports city is under growing pressure as sewage pollution, foul smells and deteriorating water quality in the bay drive away boat owners and water users.
It comes as one of the country’s oldest and most iconic sailing events, the Vasco da Gama Yacht Race from Durban to East London, gets underway this weekend under mounting concern over conditions in the harbour.
The situation has become so severe that the traditional Saturday send-off dinner, usually held in a marquee overlooking the water, has been moved indoors because of the smell.
Nine vessels will compete in the 250-nautical-mile race, which has been running for more than half a century. A tenth entry from Cape Town withdrew due to technical problems.
