Young South African sailors take on transatlantic challenge in Cape2Rio 2025

Johannesburg, 5 November 2025 – Alexforbes has announced the six young sailors who will form the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew for the 2025 Cape2Rio race, reinforcing the company’s commitment to youth development. The crew is one of several South African teams taking part in the iconic transatlantic race, which also features entries from countries including Brazil, Germany and Switzerland.

The Alexforbes Angel Wings crew, drawn from the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy, will compete in the race departing Cape Town for Rio de Janeiro on 27 December 2025. The fleet will cover approximately 3,300 nautical miles over a journey of three to four weeks.

The 2025 crew includes Skipper Sibusiso Sizatu (33), Philasande Gwala (24), Yonela Temela (25), Sesona Ntsaluba (21) and Renaldo Mohale (32), with Yobanathi Klaas (20) serving as the reserve sailor. Four of the six sailors are women, marking an important step in promoting gender diversity in the sport.

Skipper Sibusiso Sizatu, who also serves as coach and mentor at the RCYC Sailing Academy, brings valuable offshore experience to the team. He previously led the Alexforbes ArchAngel crew to a podium finish, third place, in the 2023 Cape2Rio race, an impressive achievement for a young team. His role extends beyond leadership, focusing on mentoring the next generation of sailors and increasing female participation in offshore sailing.

Leading the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew is a significant responsibility,’ said Sibusiso Sizatu, Skipper. ‘This race demands focus, resilience and respect for the ocean. My role is to guide the crew through that challenge, helping them apply what they have learnt and grow through the experience. I am proud of how far they have come and confident in what they will bring to the start line.’

‘The Alexforbes Angel Wings crew reflects the potential of young South Africans when given meaningful opportunities,’ said Viresh Maharaj, CEO of Alexforbes Retail. ‘Their dedication shows how preparation and persistence can shape stronger futures, whether in sailing or in personal development. We are proud to support a team that demonstrates what disciplined effort can achieve.’

The race also partners with The International SeaKeepers Society, contributing to the sustainability of our oceans. Participating yachts, including the Alexforbes Angel Wings, are equipped with scientific devices that collect valuable oceanographic data, combining sport with environmental stewardship.

The Cape2Rio race, organised by the Royal Cape Yacht Club and sponsored by Alexforbes, alongside the City of Cape Town and South African Airways, is one of the world’s most celebrated ocean crossings. Alexforbes is proud to support this iconic race and to partner with these South African organisations in showcasing the country’s rich sailing tradition on the global stage.

Fans can follow both the Cape2Rio race and the Alexforbes Angel Wings team’s journey via cape2riorace.com. Once the race starts, the Yellow Brick race tracker will be available for download from the website, allowing real-time tracking of all yachts.

Fans are encouraged to watch the Cape2Rio fleet’s departure from Cape Town on 27 December at 14h00. Viewing points will be confirmed closer to race day, but may include the V&A Waterfront, Atlantic Seaboard, or Milnerton Lighthouse area, depending on wind and weather conditions.