The Lake Malawi Sailing Marathon is an annual 8-day sailing adventure that takes participants along the western shore of Lake Malawi from Cape Maclear in the south to Chinteche in the north. This unique event combines competitive sailing with exploration of Malawi's beautiful lakeshore.
Established in 2010, the marathon has become one of the most challenging and rewarding sailing events in Southern Africa, testing both sailing skills and endurance while showcasing the stunning landscapes and welcoming communities along Lake Malawi.
| Time | Activity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Registration and Opening Ceremony
Check-in, boat inspections, and welcome event |
Chembe Eagles Nest | Mandatory |
| 2:00 - 4:00 PM |
Safety Briefing
Mandatory safety instructions and race rules |
Eagles Nest Beach | Mandatory |
| 7:00 PM |
Welcome Dinner
Opening night social event |
Eagles Nest Restaurant | Confirmed |
| Time | Activity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM |
Race Start
Departure from Chembe Eagles Nest (Cape Maclear) |
Cape Maclear | Confirmed |
| 5:00 PM (approx) |
Arrival at Senga Bay
Overnight stay at the Wheelhouse |
Senga Bay, Salima | Confirmed |
| Time | Activity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM |
Race Start
Departure from Senga Bay to Nkhotakota |
Senga Bay | Confirmed |
| 5:00 PM (approx) |
Arrival at Nkhotakota
Overnight stay at Nkhotakota Pottery Beach Lodge |
Nkhotakota | Confirmed |
| Time | Activity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM |
Race Start
Departure from Nkhotakota to Dwangwa |
Nkhotakota | Confirmed |
| 5:00 PM (approx) |
Arrival at Dwangwa
Overnight stay at Dwangwa Beach Cottages and/or Kasassa Club |
Dwangwa | Confirmed |
| Time | Activity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM |
Race Start
Departure from Dwangwa Beach to Likoma Island |
Dwangwa | Confirmed |
| 5:00 PM (approx) |
Arrival at Likoma Island
Overnight stay at Mango Drift |
Likoma Island | Confirmed |
| Time | Activity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM |
Race Around Likoma Island
Circumnavigation race around Likoma Island |
Likoma Island | Confirmed |
| 5:00 PM (approx) |
Return to Mango Drift
Second overnight stay at Mango Drift |
Likoma Island | Confirmed |
| Time | Activity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM |
Race Start
Departure from Likoma Island to Chinteche Beach |
Likoma Island | Confirmed |
| 5:00 PM (approx) |
Arrival at Chinteche
Closing ceremony, prize giving and overnight stay at Chinteche Inn |
Chinteche | Confirmed |
| Time | Activity | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning |
Departure
Participants make their way home or extend their stay |
Chinteche Inn | Confirmed |
Note: Race start times may vary with weather conditions. A map showing the race routes is provided to all participants during registration. All times are approximate and subject to change based on sailing conditions.