WATCH | Royal Cape Yacht Club officially opens sailing season

EVENT: Royal Cape Yacht Club Opening Cruise

On Saturday, the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) officially opened sailing season with its annual Opening Cruise.

The day's events started with an address by the club's commodore and a blessing of the fleet. After the opening, the boats departed from the RCYC to the V&A Waterfront, where they sailed past the Waterfront Clock Tower. The crews saluted the commodore, followed by a ceremonial cannon firing.

The rainy weather didn't dampen the mood one bit as boats and crews were all dressed in vibrant colours and Shweshwe prints celebrating this year's theme, 'Spirit of Africa'.

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The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew, who will be competing in the Cape2Rio 2023 race, also got to give the public a first look at the boat they will be racing in early next year. 

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

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

The ArchAngel won the award for best-decorated boat thanks to its colourful bunting, which adorned its mast.

You can follow the Alexforbes ArchAngel crew's journey on News24 as they are preparing to tackle their toughest sailing challenge.