SA sailing team to make history at iconic Cape2Rio yacht race

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The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew seated from left to correct in the front: Azile Arosi, Sibusiso Sizatu (Skipper), Daniel Agulhas (1st mate). Standing from left to proper in the back: Thando Mntambo, Justin Peters, Tshepo Renaldo Mohale. (Image: Provided)&#13

• Six sailors are all set to make Cape2Rio historical past in January following 12 months.
• The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew, all from marginalised communities, are using component in the event for the initially time.
• The crew was experienced by the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy for their epic journey throughout the South Atlantic Ocean.

Six young South Africans will be creating record at the impending Cape2Rio race as the first Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy full crew from marginalised communities to just take component in the iconic celebration.

The sailors, hailing from Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park and Athlone in Cape City, have been educated by the RCYC Sailing Academy and are sponsored by Alexforbes.

Their yacht, the Alexforbes ArchAngel, will go away Cape Town for Rio on 2 January 2023 sailing 3 300 nautical miles across the South Atlantic Ocean, relying not only on the capabilities of the crew but also the aid of South Africa behind them.

The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew comprises of skipper Sibusiso Sizatu (30), very first mate Daniel Agulhas (29), Renaldo Tshepo Mohale (29), Thando Mntambo (23), Azile Arosi (22) and Justin Peters (21).

“The RCYC academy was founded in 2012 with the goal of exposing youth from marginalised communities to the sport of sailing and building occupations in the maritime market. The academy has touched the lives of hundreds of youthful individuals by providing specialized capabilities as well as developing teamwork and honest perform as life capabilities,” examine a statement launched to the press.

The 2023 running of the Cape2Rio yacht race will mark the 50th anniversary of the race initially received by Ocean Spirit. The yacht was co-skippered by earth-renowned sailor, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the 1st male to sail solitary-handedly non-halt all over the earth.

The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew look for to emulate the pioneering spirit of the initial race by becoming the very first crew from their communities to make the crossing and, in undertaking so, act as a image of hope to all other people who face the issues of inequality, poverty and marginalisation.

“Likely to Rio with the academy sailors has been my aspiration. I have no text to describe how I truly feel about taking part in the race…it’s just an remarkable experience. It broke my coronary heart that we have been not able to take part in the very last Cape2Rio race as we had currently promised our college students,” mentioned skipper Sibusiso Sizatu.

He added, “But I constantly hoped that 1 day our dream will be fulfilled…sure, there ended up instances when I thought that this is never ever heading to happen but our team did not give up hope. We experienced, persevered and ongoing planning even even though our path to Rio was not crystal clear. I am shocked by the matters that we have obtained just by remaining present and keeping our heads up despite the worries faced.”

According to Commodore Neil Gregory of the RCYC “the grit and determination of the RCYC Sailing Academy crew combined with the self esteem demonstrated by Alexforbes as their sponsor is turning what is by now a person of the bucket-record ocean races into an practical experience that all of South Africa can join with”.

Viresh Maharaj, Executive: Strategy and Customer Expertise at Alexforbes, describes the six as South African heroes in the building since they are defying their backgrounds to participate in the race.

“The crew are all individuals born without privilege and who have faced hardships, but as a result of hope and courage, they are prepared to endeavor what was previously not possible for them since of exclusion, not since of ability, mind-set or competence. The crew of the Alexforbes ArchAngel link us with the risk of tomorrow inspite of the problems of these days, and that is why we are fully on board,” he explained.