Cape2Rio 2025: Sailors embark on an epic 3 300-nautical-mile adventure

Skilled sailors set sail from Cape Town on a challenging 3,300-nautical-mile journey to Rio de Janeiro as part of the prestigious Cape2Rio race.

The event, which kicked off on Saturday, December 27, 2025, connected two of the world’s most iconic cities, showcasing the resilience and determination required for one of the most demanding offshore sailing challenges.

First held in 1971, Cape2Rio attracts world-class sailors and adventurers from across the globe.

The Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) organises the event, with support from headline sponsor Alexforbes, the City of Cape Town and South African Airways.

Brazil will be represented by two boats in the 2025 fleet, Audaz, which competed in the 2023 race, and Esperança. Both yachts are already on their way from Porto Alegre, Brazil, to Cape Town for the start of the race.

A highlight of this year’s race will be the Alexforbes Angel Wings, a youth development crew from the RCYC Sailing Academy, taking on the transatlantic challenge. Their journey represents resilience, opportunity and the next generation of South African sailors.

Other notable entries include Solitaire, raising awareness for neurodivergence in support of Vista Nova schools, and Lifgun, a single-handed entry from Switzerland.

The Alexforbes Angel Wings crew is one of several South African teams taking part in the iconic transatlantic race. The 2025 crew 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. 

Four of the six sailors are women, marking an important step in promoting gender diversity in the sport.

Skipper Sibusiso Sizatu said leading the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew is a significant responsibility. 

“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.”

In a one-on-one interview, back in February, Temela said that she started sailing in 2016 when she was 16 years old. She said that when starting something new, “you don't know what's happening,” and that was what it was like for her.

“We used to get bruises, but then as time went by, the bruises stopped because I understood what was happening, and then I made friends as well.”

Temela said that a lot of preparation goes into training to be ready for the Cape2Rio race, including training during night hours.

She had explained that there was some fear attached to participating in the challenge due to injuries. 

“It's kind of scary… We worry about stuff like that, but if there is ever a case where that happens, we're going to be able to help that person. Safety is much more important, and also having fun while doing it.”

CEO of Alexforbes Retail, Viresh Maharaj, said: “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 in personal development. We are proud to support a team that demonstrates what disciplined effort can achieve.”

Cape Town mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, said: “Cape Town is proud to host Cape2Rio, one of the world’s most prestigious ocean races. This event showcases our city on the global stage and celebrates its vibrant maritime culture and heritage.”

Fans can follow both the Cape2Rio race and the Alexforbes Angel Wings team’s journey via cape2riorace.com. Once the race starts, the Yellow Brick race tracker will be available for download from the website, allowing real-time tracking of all yachts.

Fans are encouraged to watch the Cape2Rio fleet’s departure from Cape Town on 27 December at 2pm.

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