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History has been made on the international sporting stage for a young South African team competing in the Southern Hemisphere’s longest continent-to-continent yacht race.
Alexforbes Angel Wings, a youth team with sailors from the Cape Flats representing the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy, has claimed first place on handicap in the 2025 Cape2Rio race. In doing so, they have made history as the first such team to earn their place and take victory in the 3,300-nautical mile transatlantic crossing.
The crew, led by Skipper Sibusiso Sizatu and First Mate Renaldo Mohale, included Philasande Gwala, Sesona Ntsaluba and Yonela Temela, with reserve sailor Yobanathi Klaas supporting the team throughout training and preparation. Of note, the three women on board had never crossed the Atlantic before, making this achievement even more remarkable.
Resilience in action
On Saturday 10 January, the team faced a major setback when the boom broke during a sailing manoeuvre mid-Atlantic. As a critical component of the rig, its failure placed the crew in a severely compromised position and would typically force retirement from a race of this nature. Faced with that reality, the team made the bold decision to continue, racing without a boom and spinnaker – the large, balloon-like sail used to maximise downwind speed.
What followed was an extraordinary demonstration of seamanship, leadership and the South African spirit of never giving up. Despite the damage, Alexforbes Angel Wings not only remained competitive but extended their 25-hour lead by several hours, arriving in Rio ahead of their expected finish time – a feat rarely seen in offshore racing at this level. The crew maintained speed, control and composure throughout, without compromising safety, ultimately securing a historic victory against the odds.
Reflections from leaders
Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Hon. Peace Mabe, congratulated the RCYC Sailing Academy and the Alexforbes Angel Wings team, “This victory is about far more than winning a race. It is about young sailors who were given the platform to apply their training in a real-world environment, make critical decisions in difficult conditions, and support one another when things did not go according to plan. The RCYC Sailing Academy, through this team, has shown the world what South African youth can achieve when talent is matched with structure, discipline and belief. Alexforbes Angel Wings are champions, and their story will encourage young South Africans to dream bigger, train harder and believe that they belong on the world stage.”
Sibu Sizatu, Skipper of Alexforbes Angel Wings, reflected on the journey, “I’m incredibly proud of this crew. They were tested, and the way they stayed calm, solved problems and kept racing was impressive. The support from home and other crews along the way meant a huge amount, and I hope this shows young people in South Africa that with commitment and teamwork, even things that seem impossible can be achieved.”
Viresh Maharaj, CEO Retail at Alexforbes, highlighted the broader significance, “Drawn together by a shared love of adventure, our sailors serve as a reminder: with preparation, a growth mindset, and the right team in your corner, the impossible becomes possible.”
The Alexforbes Angel Wings team is an example to each of us that if they can cross the social divide from the township to the yacht club, if they can cross the Atlantic and do so as champions … then, dreams can and do come true.