Commodore Robin Hulley poses with the Mirror dinghy at the Point Yacht Club Beach Club, the venue for next year’s Mirror World Championships. Picture: SUPPLIED
The date is set, the Point Yacht Club has officially announced that it will be hosting the 2025 Mirror World Championships offshore of Durban from April 14 to 19.
The Durban-based yacht club received the news while they were hosting the ILCA Laser Nationals recently.
Reputed to be the world’s most popular double-handed sailing dinghy, the Mirror also has a huge following in South Africa.
In the Mirror Worlds held 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 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 then on their home waters in 2015.
Easily recognisable with its bold Viking red sails, the Mirror is probably responsible for introducing more people to sailing than any other design. Described as being a “proper little boat with its deep sit-in cockpit”, the Mirror appeals to sailors of all ages and abilities.
Commodore for Point Yacht Club, Robin Hulley said they are excited about the announcement.
“We have recently hosted the Laser Nationals with over 50 boats on the water. 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,” said Hulley.
“We are honoured that the International Mirror Class of South Africa entrusted us with the event. We look forward to welcoming a large fleet to our shores in April 2025.”
This is the third time this century that South Africa will be hosting the Mirror Worlds, having hosted it in 2007 in Port Elizabeth and then inland at Theeswater Sports Club in 2015.
The organising committee are optimistic to have a large fleet lining up on the start line. Container loads of Mirrors from all over the globe are due to invade Durban to battle it out for the honours in this prestigious regatta, said Mr Hulley.
Entries are already open for the event, with details available via the regatta website http://mirrorworlds25.co.za
Non-Mirror owners are encouraged to charter boats and join in the action.