Young South African sailors win 2025 Cape2Rio race on handicap

Young sailors from Masiphumelele and Khayelitsha have won the iconic 2025 Cape2Rio prestigious transatlantic yacht race on handicap.

The Alexforbes Angel Wings crew, representing the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy, crossed the line first after 3 300 nautical miles of sailing from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro.

Despite facing a broken boom mid-Atlantic, they maintained a strong pace and secured a remarkable victory - a feat rarely seen in offshore racing at this level.

They finished on Thursday, January 15, after 19 days, eight hours, and forty-one minutes, winning on handicap, which is based on each boat’s time allowance and how well the crew sailed, said Jennifer Burger, RCYC Sailing Academy manager. 

Skipper Sibusiso Sizatu, 34, from Masiphumelele, led the team with first mate Tshepo Renaldo Mohale, 32. The crew included Philasande Gwala, 24; Yonela Temela, 25; and Sesona Ntsaluba, 21, all from Khayelitsha.

For the women, it was their first Atlantic crossing, making the achievement especially memorable. Reserve Yobanathi Klaas, 21, supported the team throughout the journey.

Young sailors are selected through development programmes based on skill, commitment, fitness, and teamwork, said Ms Burger.

“They undergo structured training in offshore sailing, navigation, safety, and boat maintenance. This preparation can take several years. The race itself typically takes two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions.”

For the crew, the challenges were as much mental as physical. Sibusiso said,

“The toughest moment I personally had out there in the open ocean was making tactical decisions."

He said the team showed exceptional skill, honed through long hours of training. Each crew member was well-prepared, and winning Cape to Rio was the highlight of his career. He said the achievement could inspire the community, and urged others to finish what they start, saying giving up only means failing yourself.

Sesona said the middle of the Atlantic with huge swells and winds, was tough.

"I was handling a tricky shift at night, doubting myself. Focused on breathing, trusting training, and the crew's support got me through. Winning Cape2Rio means everything! Representing SA, proving girls can crush ocean racing, and inspiring young sailors in my community, is special."

Philasande said the boom broke on day 12 in the early hours. Morale dropped, but "our captain lifted our spirits. That moment brought us back together, and we pushed on stronger. The training truly prepared me for this journey. Winning the race gives me a deep sense of achievement and shows that anything is possible.”

Yonelas said a storm had come out of nowhere.

"Sheets everywhere, my jib dragging in the water, and I got a rope burn. Eventually, we hoisted the kite again. Winning at first was just about the experience, but now we’ve actually won - one of my core memories.”

Tshepo said, “Climbing the mast five times because of slipping halyards was tough. The preparation and bonding made the trip fun. Winning has to be the greatest thing ever - the first time I came third with another team, now part of the winning team. Always give it your all and do it till you succeed.”

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