The only South African entry competing in the Ocean Globe Race recently had a change of leadership. However, Melissa Du Toit has stepped up as skipper as Sterna the yacht sails on resiliently!
Global (05 December 2023) — Beating against the current of change and circumstance as part of the Ocean Globe Race is a South African skipper and the crew’s trusty steed, Sterna (a Swan 53).
As the second stretch of the Ocean Globe Race unfolds, sailors from around the world continue to vie for the leading position. There is only one South African entry in the mix, Team Sterna—a crew who have charged on resiliently despite a big change in leadership.
After undergoing repairs in the Cape, Sterna’s original skipper, Rufus Brand, had to withdraw due to family medical reasons. The big role of being the skipper who’s leading South Africa’s navigation now falls on Melissa Du Toit, who joined the journey as first mate in August.
As anyone who’s ever been part of a crew or team, knows that changes in leadership are a big shift. However, Sterna is going strong as Melissa currently navigating the second stretch of the race heading to Auckland, New Zealand.
For the third and fourth stretches, another committed skipper, Jeremy Bagshaw, will take over. Jeremy flew South Africa’s flag high earlier this year as part of the Golden Global Race—a solo skipper challenge that traverses the world with no GPS or crew.
In the future legs of the race, Sterna will cruise around the Cape Horn before heading back to the race’s starting point—Southhampton.
We wish Melissa, Sterna and all the crew the best of luck (and smooth sailing!).
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