Backed by Alexforbes and shaped through the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy, this determined crew is preparing for 3,300 nautical miles of challenge, growth and global representation.
Cape Town, South Africa (25 November 2025) – Sometimes opportunity looks like an open ocean, and six determined young sailors are getting ready to chase it. The Alexforbes Angel Wings crew will take on the Cape2Rio 2025, one of the world’s longest and most iconic ocean races. Imagine a transatlantic challenge stretching 3,300 nautical miles from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro. The race begins on 27 December 2025, and with international crews from countries such as Brazil, Germany, and Switzerland also set to compete, they are up for a true test of endurance and strong competition.
All six sailors come through the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy, which has provided access, training, and mentorship to many young people from communities where sailing is not a common sport. This year’s crew is almost entirely youth-led, and with four women on board, it highlights a growing shift toward greater inclusion and female leadership in the sport.
Meet the six sailors who will carry the Alexforbes Angel Wings flag across the Atlantic.
Sibusiso “Sibu” Sizatu – Skipper and Mentor
Sibu Sizatu leads both offshore teams and young sailors as an instructor at the RCYC Sailing Academy. He previously guided the Alexforbes ArchAngel team to success in the 2023 Cape2Rio, earning a podium finish and respect across the sailing community. He says what matters most now is guiding this crew through the pressure of the open ocean.
“My focus is to help them apply everything we’ve trained for and stay mentally steady out there, that’s when true growth happens.”
Renaldo Mohale – Bringing Experience to the Team
Renaldo Mohale brings more than 15 years of experience to the team and is known for his composure under pressure. He holds a Day Skipper licence and has already completed a Cape2Rio race in 2023. His goal is to open more doors in sailing for the next generation.
“There’s space in sailing for young people especially women but they need to know these opportunities exist.”
Sesona Ntsaluba – Finding Confidence on the Ocean
After being introduced to sailing just three years ago, 21-year-old Sesona Ntsaluba has worked hard to earn her place on the crew. She competes in major regattas and confidently builds her offshore skills.
“It’s both scary and exciting, but that’s what I love about sailing. You grow every time you push beyond your comfort zone.”
Yonela Temela – From School Excursion to International Competitor
A school excursion to the Royal Cape Yacht Club changed everything for Yonela Temela. From that moment, she pursued sailing with determination and has since competed in the Mykonos and West Coast races, travelled internationally, and represented South Africa as a sailing instructor in the United States.
“I’ve always wanted to do this race but doing it with this team makes it feel even more special.”
Philasande Gwala – Focused on the Finish Line
Based in Khayelitsha but originally from Durban, 24-year-old Philasande Gwala discovered sailing at university and never looked back. She now holds a National Diploma in Maritime Studies and a Day Skipper licence, and is in the final process of completing her Yachtmaster Offshore Skippers ticket.
“I keep picturing us arriving in Rio and seeing the Christ the Redeemer statue that moment will make every challenge worth it.”
Yobanathi Klaas – The Reserve with Big Vision
Yobanathi “Yobs” Klaas is a reserve sailor and will step in if needed. She was introduced to sailing through an education programme. This was a surprise discovery that shifted the direction of her life. She believes the sport has the power to uplift communities.
“Sailing has shown me what resilience looks like. More young people from our neighbourhoods deserve access to this experience.”
Alexforbes has continued its support for the team, who will also be contributing to environmental research through a partnership with the race organisers and owners, and the International SeaKeepers Society, to collect valuable ocean data throughout the race.
Fans will be able to follow the sailors’ progress using the Yellow Brick tracker on cape2riorace.com, once the fleet begins its journey. Local supporters are encouraged to watch the departure from Cape Town on 27 December at 14h00, with potential viewing spots along the V&A Waterfront, Atlantic Seaboard, or Milnerton Lighthouse.
Supporters won’t want to miss a fun way to get involved. A Cape2Rio selfie wall will be set up at the V&A Waterfront near Nobel Square, where visitors can take part in a selfie competition running from 5 December. By snapping a photo at the wall, fans stand a chance to win an exciting trip to Rio de Janeiro. This is a perfect way to celebrate and support the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew as they take on the 2025 Cape2Rio race.
Post your selfie on Facebook using the hashtag #Cape2Rio2025 and be sure to tag any of the official sponsors (@cape2rioyachtrace, @alexforbes, @FlySAA, @vandawaterfront) to earn your entry from the 5th of December 2025 to the 30th of January 2026.
The countdown is underway, and these six sailors are charting a new course for what young South Africans can achieve at sea.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 