Bellissima’s Halloween-themed race brought laughs to the harbour as the Point Yacht Club kicked off a busy sailing season.
Durban, South Africa (04 November 2025) – Durban sailors took ghosting to a new level! Durban’s yachting scene kicked off the summer season with a hauntingly hilarious twist. Bellissima, a yacht from the Point Yacht Club set sail as a “ghost ship” complete with a skeleton crew. Dressed in white sheets, wearing shades, and joined by their skeleton crew mate “Clover,” the team turned heads across the harbour and gave a whole new meaning to spirited sailing.
Sophie Thompson helps Point Yacht Club with publicity and comes up with “fabulously fun ideas” to get sailing noticed.
“The Halloween one was a middle-of-the-night lightbulb moment after seeing the viral ghost trend. The mind went to Ghost… Ship… Then the day before, the phrase ‘skeleton crew’ popped into my head. Enter Clover!”
Clover, who is on loan from the talented artists at Umcebo Design, took to the high seas like a natural. We saw him hanging off the boom as the team sailed through the harbour’s Twilight Series race.
“The guys that saw us on the water certainly laughed a lot and teased us off the water. All good fun! I think the lads were simply jealous!”
Behind the humour, Team Bellissima is a mix of experience and enthusiasm. They race on Point Yacht Club’s Honorary Life President Vernon Goss’s beautiful yacht, captained by seasoned sailor Luke Wagner, who has competed in major events both locally and abroad.
“We have a core of about four regulars and then we mix and match the rest.”
According to Sophie this is a group that is “incredibly easy-going” and they are always up for her creative antics.
For Durban’s sailing community, there is plenty more to look forward to. The club will again host the MSC Week next July, marking the event’s 50th anniversary. One of South Africa’s longest-running regattas.
And for those who have never sailed before the club’s Bums on Boats initiative welcomes newcomers. And Sophie encourages people to hop aboard for a Wednesday race.
“Be brave. Try it. Sailing really is a moving experience.”
Sources: GTG Interview
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