How Six Young South Africans Crossed the Atlantic and Made History

The Cape2Rio Yacht Race is one of the toughest offshore races on the planet, but for Sibu Sizatu and the Alexforbes Angel Wings crew, it became something much bigger than a sailing competition… it became a story of courage, teamwork and South African hope.

South Africa (27 May 2026) – This week on “Good Things with Brent Lindeque”, I get to chat to Sibusiso “Sibu” Sizatu… and what a privilege that was.

I followed the historic Alexforbes Angel Wings voyage really closely through Good Things Guy, sharing updates as this remarkable team tackled the gruelling Cape2Rio Yacht Race, one of the toughest offshore races in the world. Over 3,300 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean, against international crews and impossible conditions, this South African team carried an entire country with them.

Then, in the middle of the crossing, disaster struck.

Their boom snapped during a gybe while they were leading the race by nearly 25 hours. For most crews, that would have been the moment the dream ended. But Sibu and the team did something extraordinary. They adapted, stayed calm, re-hoisted the mainsail without the boom and kept racing across the ocean with courage, skill and unbelievable teamwork.

And then they won.

Not just any win, either. The Alexforbes Angel Wings crew claimed first place on handicap at the Cape2Rio Yacht Race, earning international respect and making South Africans incredibly proud.

Their story is so incredibly inspiring. These are young sailors from Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park and Athlone are proving what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity. Through the RCYC Sailing Academy, doors were opened, dreams were nurtured and now a South African team has crossed an ocean and inspired a nation.

“I’m incredibly proud of this crew,” Sibu said after the race. “They were tested properly out there, especially after the setback, and the way they stayed calm, solved the problem and kept racing was impressive.”

That spirit runs through every part of this story.

This isn’t just a conversation about sailing. It’s about belief. It’s about backing yourself when things break. It’s about teamwork, leadership and refusing to give up when the odds shift overnight. And after chatting to Sibu, you walk away feeling like maybe all of us are capable of a little more than we think we are.

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Sources: Good Things with Brent Lindeque 

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