Young SA crew prepares to hoist sail for iconic Cape2Rio race

EVENT: Cape2Rio

With just a few weeks to go until the starter’s gun fires for the 2023 Cape2Rio, the Alexforbes ArchAngel team is putting final touches to their boat and packing for the race across the South Atlantic Ocean. 

The crew, from the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy, comprises skipper Sibusiso Sizatu (30), first mate Daniel Agulhas (29), Renaldo Tshepo Mohale (29), Thando Mntambo (23), Azile Arosi (22) and Justin Peters (21).

Onerous amounts of paperwork have been completed, new sails hoisted and inspections completed, but preparing to sail 3 300 nautical miles aboard a tiny vessel takes mental as well as physical preparation. The team has completed enneagram personality tests to gainpersonal self-knowledge and do ongoing self-development. "You mentally pace yourself to spend a long time out at sea,” Sizatu said. “We know we are in for the long haul - between 24 and 27 days."

The crew, all passionate about sailing, was selected due to their commitment to the Academy programme as well as their experience. "Azile, for example, has a 100% attendance rate for the past three years," said Jennifer Burger, Cape2Rio Race Administrator. "The team didn’t know Rio was an option, they committed because they enjoyed what they were doing."

All members have their basic skipper’s ticket and three of the men have their offshore skipper’s ticket. The crew have also completed several yachting programmes, such as personal survival techniques, and competent crew courses. "Justin and Sibu completed a diesel mechanic course enabling them to work on the boat in the case of engine failure."

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Life aboard the Alexforbes ArchAngel will entail racing 24 hours, with the crew