Alexforbes Angel Wings is currently claiming first place on handicap in the 2025 Cape2Rio Race, which started in Cape Town on December 27, 2025, completing the transatlantic crossing in 19 days after overcoming a significant technical setback in the Atlantic Ocean.

The youth-crewed yacht, representing the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy, led the fleet for much of the race and retained her advantage even after suffering a boom failure during a gybe in the early hours of Saturday, January 10, while holding a lead of approximately 25 hours. The incident required the crew to drop both the spinnaker and mainsail and secure the damaged boom below deck.

Following a careful assessment, skipper Sibu Sizatu and the crew chose to continue racing by re-hoisting the mainsail without a boom – an unconventional but effective solution that allowed Alexforbes Angel Wings to remain stable, competitive and firmly on course for Rio de Janeiro. They crossed the finish line on January 15, 2026, concluding a 19-day campaign that demonstrated how opportunity, preparation, and perseverance can come together to deliver exceptional outcomes.

“This campaign was about far more than winning a race,” said skipper Sibu Sizatu, who also skippered the first Alexforbes ArchAngel team in 2023. “It was about giving young sailors – three of whom are women – 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. My dream is to see more women included in the sport of sailing, and this crew is a step toward that vision. The way they responded to the setback shows just how much they’ve grown through this experience.”

This crew is the second team from the RCYC Sailing Academy to compete in this yacht race, following the first team, Alexforbes ArchAngel, which achieved a podium finish in the 2023 Cape2Rio Race.

The Cape2Rio race, organized by RCYC, places strong emphasis on offshore racing to encourage seamanship, endurance, and sound decision-making over a longer than average 3,300 nautical miles of open ocean. “Alexforbes Angel Wings is a powerful example of what this race represents,” said Vitor Medina, Race Chairman. “This was a young crew given the opportunity to test their skills at sea. Their ability to manage a major equipment failure and still go on to win speaks to the quality of their preparation, their teamwork, and the inclusive spirit that the Cape2Rio Race continues to champion.”

The Alexforbes Angel Wings campaign is supported by Alexforbes, with a focus on creating access, opportunity and practical learning for young sailors through offshore racing. “This result reflects the importance of investing in people and giving talent the space to grow,” said Viresh Maharaj, CEO Retail at Alexforbes. “By backing youth development and inclusivity, this campaign created an environment where learning, resilience and shared responsibility could thrive. The crew’s achievement is a direct outcome of that approach.”