Countdown to Cape2Rio: meet the Angel Wings crew
The crew from the Alexforbes Angel Wings yacht are Yonela Temela, Philasande Gwala, Yobanathi Klaas, Sesona Ntsaluba and at the back Sibusiso Sizatu and Renaldo Mohale.
Image: Supplied
As the countdown to the 2025 Cape2Rio race begins, six young sailors will represent the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew. The crew will compete against young talent from Brazil, Germany, and Switzerland.
The crew, hailing from the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy, will embark on this iconic transatlantic voyage from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro on 27 December 2025. This remarkable journey will span approximately 3,300 nautical miles and take between three to four weeks to complete.
The crew roster 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. Significantly, four of the six crew members are women, a pivotal move towards enhancing gender diversity within the sport of sailing.
At the helm of the Angel Wings is Sibusiso Sizatu, who brings not only his leadership skills but also experience garnered as a coach and mentor at the RCYC Sailing Academy. Sizatu previously steered the Alexforbes ArchAngel crew to a commendable third-place finish in the 2023 Cape2Rio race, a testament to his capability and dedication.
“Leading the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew is a significant responsibility,” Sizatu said. “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.”
Viresh Maharaj, CEO of Alexforbes Retail, echoed Sizatu's sentiments, stating, “The Alexforbes Angel Wings crew reflects the potential of young South Africans when given meaningful opportunities. Their dedication shows how preparation and persistence can shape stronger futures, whether in sailing or personal development. We are proud to support a team that demonstrates what disciplined effort can achieve.”
The Cape2Rio race is not just a test of nautical skill; it also embodies a commitment to environmental stewardship. In partnership with The International SeaKeepers Society, all participating yachts, including the Alexforbes Angel Wings, will be equipped with scientific devices to collect valuable oceanographic data, thereby merging competitive sailing with sustainability efforts.
Organised by the Royal Cape Yacht Club and sponsored by Alexforbes, alongside the City of Cape Town and South African Airways, the Cape2Rio race is one of the most celebrated ocean crossings in the world. Alexforbes is honoured to support such an iconic event and to partner with local organisations in showcasing South Africa's prestigious sailing tradition on a global platform.
Fans are encouraged to follow the Cape2Rio race and track the journey of the Alexforbes Angel Wings team through the official website, cape2riorace.com. As race day approaches, a Yellow Brick race tracker will be made available for real-time tracking of all participating yachts.
Mark your calendars and gather at the viewing points confirmed closer to race day to witness the Cape2Rio fleet’s departure from Cape Town on 27 December at 14h00. Anticipated hotspots include the V&A Waterfront, the Atlantic Seaboard, or Milnerton Lighthouse, weather permitting.