Youth crew defies mid-ocean breakdown to win 2025 Cape2Rio on handicap

The ocean is a great equalizer as the saying goes. It doesn't care where you come from; it only cares what you are made of when things go wrong.

This past weekend, six young sailors from the RCYC Sailing Academy proved they are made of championship material, securing a historic victory for Alexforbes Angel Wings in the 2025 Cape2Rio Race.

Despite a mid-ocean mechanical catastrophe that would have ended the campaign for many, the youth-led crew claimed first place on handicap, completing the 3,300-nautical-mile crossing in just 19 days

The Cape2Rio is one of the world's most grueling offshore challenges, stretching from Cape Towns’ Table Mountain to the vibrant coast of Rio de Janeiro.

And for much of the race, Angel Wings dominated the fleet, holding a commanding 25-hour lead.

However, in the early hours of Saturday, January 10th, disaster struck.

During a gybe in the middle of the Atlantic, the yacht suffered a boom failure. In ocean racing, the boom is critical for controlling the mainsail and maintaining speed.

A snapped boom often signals the end of a competitive run, but for the crew hailing from Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park and Athlone, surrender was not an option.

The crew performed a rapid assessment and chose an unconventional, "gutsy" path. They re-hoisted the mainsail without the boom and while technically difficult and physically demanding, this solution allowed the yacht to remain stable and competitive.

They sailed thousands of kilometers with a compromised rig, refusing to let their lead slip.

The victory has resonated far beyond the docks of Rio.

MORE THAN A RACE

For the RCYC Sailing Academy, this campaign was a masterclass in youth development and inclusivity. 

The crew featured three women, highlighting a shift toward a more diverse and representative future for South African sailing.

"This campaign was about far more than winning a race," said Sibu, the crew leader. "It was about giving young sailors the opportunity to apply their training in a real-world environment, make decisions under pressure, and rely on each other when things don’t go according to plan."

The race chairman, Vitor Medina, echoed these sentiments, noting that the crew’s ability to manage a major equipment failure speaks to the high quality of their preparation and teamwork.

The South African government has joined the chorus of praise for the young champions. 

Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, hailed the result as a proud moment for national sport.

"What stands out about this achievement is not only the result, but the manner in which it was achieved," said Mabe. "It speaks to the maturity of a young crew that stayed focused, calm, and strategic under pressure."