From a confidence-boosting third-place offshore finish to selfie walls, send-offs and a 3,300 nautical mile challenge ahead, the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew are turning anticipation into action ahead of Cape2Rio 2025.
Cape Town, South Africa (23 December 2025) – You have already met the incredible sailors who will be representing South Africa at one of the world’s toughest ocean races, and now, the countdown to their biggest adventure is officially on.
As the start of the Cape2Rio 2025 draws closer, excitement is building around the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew, a youth-led team preparing to take on the 3,300-nautical-mile journey from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro when the race gets underway on 27 December 2025. It all began as a dream at the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy, and now it is becoming a full-scale ocean challenge, with the team ticking off key milestones ahead of the start gun.
As previously shared, all six sailors come through the RCYC Sailing Academy, a programme that has opened doors to the sport for young people from communities where sailing is often out of reach. With three women on board, the fourth a reserve, the crew reflects a powerful shift toward inclusivity and youth leadership in South African sailing.
That belief was reinforced recently with a strong performance in the West Coast Offshore Race, an important qualifier for Cape2Rio entrants. The overnight race, which covered approximately 120 nautical miles, started at 10h00 and saw the fleet sail north to St Helena Bay before turning around a virtual mark offshore from Cape Columbine and finishing in Saldanha Bay. With light winds forcing a shortened course, conditions tested both patience and strategy. Nothing the team couldn’t conquer!
Alexforbes Angel Wings crew rose to the occasion, finishing third overall. The result not only secured a crucial qualification but also added confidence and momentum as preparations for Cape2Rio continue.
With launch day approaching, supporters are encouraged to get involved and soak up the pre-race atmosphere. One of the most exciting ways to do that is by visiting the Cape2Rio selfie wall, located near Nobel Square at the V&A Waterfront. From 5 December, fans can snap a photo at the installation and stand a chance to win an unforgettable trip to Rio de Janeiro. It’s a fun, interactive way to show support for the crew while becoming part of the Cape2Rio story yourself.
To enter, simply post your selfie on Facebook using the hashtag #Cape2Rio2025 and tag any of the official sponsors: @cape2rioyachtrace and @alexforbes, anytime between 5 December 2025 and 30 January 2026.
The excitement will continue to build as Cape Town prepares to send the fleet off in style. Locals and visitors alike are invited to line the coast on 27 December at 14h00 to watch the yachts depart, with popular viewing spots including the V&A Waterfront, the Atlantic Seaboard and Milnerton Lighthouse. Fans will also be able to track the crew’s progress throughout the race using the Yellow Brick tracker on cape2riorace.com, following every mile of their journey across the Atlantic.
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Before they set out into the open ocean, the Alexforbes Angel Wings team, alongside teams from South Africa, Brazil, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and the USA, were all celebrated at the special farewell event.
was celebrated at a special farewell gathering. This was an opportunity to acknowledge their hard work, dedication and the support that has brought them to this point.
With a strong recent result behind them, the open ocean ahead, the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew are counting down the days to launch and hopes to see you there!
Sources: Supplied
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