Please select your home edition
Edition
Stoneways Marine 2021 - LEADERBOARD

Youngest Cape2Rio crew have high hopes as 2023 race starts

by Cape2Rio Race 2 Jan 2023 19:01 UTC 2 January 2023

The Cape2Rio 2023 start gun has been fired, and the Alexforbes ArchAngel, with the youngest average crew in the race - and the first complete crew trained by the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy - has departed our shores.

Skipper Sibusiso Sizatu (30), first mate Daniel Agulhas (29), Renaldo Tshepo Mohale (29), Azile Arosi (22) and Justin Peters (21) had their dreams of sailing the iconic race come true when Alexforbes stepped forward to sponsor their effort. The sailors, hailing from Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park and Athlone, respectfully, in Cape Town are race-ready and hungry for victory, with fridges and bags packed for the three-week journey.

"It's the day we have all been waiting for - the most exciting moment of my life," said Alexforbes ArchAngel skipper Sizatu. He said challenges were expected in the form of high swells from the south easterly wind during the first three days of the race, as well as strong currents as they neared Rio. "Our game plan is to stay more south on the Atlantic, closer to the coast to keep the wind with us. After Namibia we sail in and go as close as St Helena, before changing course to stick with the winds," Sizatu said.

No outside assistance or information that could assist the team in winning, is permitted. "We only have a tracker so we will know where we are in the race." Sizatu said the team had taken a few days break from each other, ahead of spending three weeks in close quarters on their 12m boat.

Sixteen boats are competing for top honours in this year's race, to see who can sail 3 300 nautical miles to Rio in the shortest possible time. "Two are multihulls which are racing against each other, and the remaining 14, including Alexforbes' ArchAngel, are monohulls which are competing against each other in a handicap system," said Jennifer Burger, Cape2Rio Race Administrator. "On the water, they are in their own isolated world where all they have to worry about is their boat, the weather and themselves. I have a strong feeling that the Alexforbes ArchAngel will do well as they are excellent sailors; their boat is ready and they are motivated to act as examples to others from their communities." Burger said challenges the crew would face were the heat and lack of wind later on, and, at times, sheer boredom.

In wishing the team well in their quest for success in the race, Viresh Maharaj, Alexforbes Executive: Strategy and Customer Experience, said Alexforbes identifies with their pioneering spirit of determination to triumph over obstacles and challenging backgrounds.

He concludes: "Their grit has embodied their personal journeys towards to starting line, which have been more difficult than the one from Cape Town to Rio. You don't have to be a sailor to connect with the symbol that these young people provide to us and we wish them all of the best in their race."

Supporters can follow the team on the live tracker at cape2rio.live.

Related Articles

New cruising rally for 2026 - ARC Baltic
Five countries, one month and 1,000 miles in the Baltic Sea World Cruising Club has launched a new cruising rally for 2026 - ARC Baltic. Open to sail and motor yachts, ARC Baltic takes place over 28 days in July, cruising almost 1,000 nautical miles and visiting five countries. Posted on 8 Aug
Haven Knox-Johnston Specialist
For when you need Insurance out of the ordinary We all have insurance for our yachts and boats, but there are times when what you need is a little bit out of the ordinary - you may be going somewhere or making a passage that's not covered by a standard insurance policy. Posted on 7 Aug
Get a £20 voucher for referring your friends!
GJW Direct are delighted to announce the launch of their brand-new referral scheme GJW Direct are delighted to announce the launch of their brand-new referral scheme. Now, you can earn a £20 voucher from a choice of 6 retailers for telling your friends about them*, and they decide to take out a policy with GJW for the first time. Posted on 6 Aug
Advanced Rigging & Hydraulics partner WCC
Proud to announce a new partnership with World Cruising Club Hamble-based rigging specialist, Advanced Rigging & Hydraulics is proud to announce a new partnership with World Cruising Club - the world's leading organiser of sailing rallies, including the internationally renowned ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). Posted on 6 Aug
Go Further. Go Faster. Go North.
Global footprint and local focus keep you connected Wherever you sail, North Sails is there—with you and for you. From your home waters to world-class regattas, our global footprint and local focus keep you connected. Posted on 5 Aug
PredictWind launches PredictRain
New app From PredictWind delivers hyper-accurate, short-term rain predictions PredictRain is a groundbreaking standalone app that combines advanced AI modelling with intuitive tools to provide timely and precise rain forecasts for all types of outdoor activities. Posted on 5 Aug
Nigel Calder to headline SSCA Chesapeake Bay Gam
The three days have something for every boater, cruiser or want to be cruising boater The 2025 GAM/seminar by Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) is September 26-28, 2025 at the Maryland Yacht Club in Pasadena, MD, two weekends before the Annapolis Sailboat Show. Posted on 4 Aug
Bulwarks and Bulldust – watch the new season
First show of the new season is Michaela Claes from Pantaenius Insurance Michaela Claes came into boating just 13 years ago. A lifelong passion for horses is still there, but she has added boating to her fluent German and English as her third language, and now has her boat licence to prove it. Posted on 4 Aug
Experience the Outbound 5360
Watch the latest highlights video Discover what sets the all new Outbound 5360 apart in our latest highlights video. Posted on 2 Aug
Novara update from Greenland
The landscape here is so stunning After arriving in Paamiut, Greenland on 12 July we've made our way north past towering glaciers, deep fjords and endless archipelago of islets that dot the west coast. Posted on 1 Aug
Noble Marine 2022 SW - FOOTEROcean Safety 2023 - New Identity - FOOTERSunstorm Marine - Cup Holders - Sail