Michael Avery, LinkedIn, 08 March 2023. "Six months ago I met six incredible young South Africans who dared to dream beyond the confines of their birth. They refused to settle for history and circumstance. Smiles as wide as their ambition. Six young sailors who had come up through the ranks of the Royal Cape Yacht Club Academy programme, which offers young South Africans from disadvantaged communities the chance to dream of a life outside of grinding struggle. Their dream was to sail and win the 50th Anniversary Edition of the Cape 2 Rio Yacht Race. I’m sure you’ll agree that’s about as audacious as they come.
And I had the privilege of working with them these last few months, watching them grow. I’ve a felt like a proud father.
Their yacht, the Alexforbes ArchAngel, left Cape Town for Rio on the 2nd of January 2023 sailing 3 300 nautical miles across the South Atlantic Ocean, and they ended up placing 3rd overall. A podium finish and truly remarkable achievement given just how heavily the odds of success were stacked against them.
The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew comprises skipper Sibusiso Sizatu (30), first mate Daniel Agulhas (29), Renaldo Tshepo Mohale (29), Thando Mntambo (23), Azile Arosi (22 and the rose among the thorns) and Justin Peters (21).
And I thought, if these six inspirational South Africans could conquer the Cape Flats and the Atlantic Ocean, then surely anyone can find the reserves of discipline and grit to achieve their financial freedom."