7 Mar 2025 SOUTH AFRICAN’S SET TO SAIL HOME THE LONG WAY AS THEY TAKE ON THE CLIPPER 2025-26 RACE Photo Credit: clipperroundtheworld.com The Clipper Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, and this year, ten South African adventurers are set to take it on. This unique event sees eleven teams of non-professional crew, battle extreme conditions as they race around the globe in a true test of fortitude and determination. And for five of those South African’s, they will also get to experience the pride of sailing into or out of their home nation as the race plots the sailing hotspot of Cape Town on its race route, with the fleet set to arrive this November. They will be following in the tracks of Nathali Immelman from Somerset West, Cape Town, who sailed into her motherland as part of the 2023-24 edition. She took on Leg 2, sailing from Punta del Este, Uruguay to specifically experience sailing into her home. Like Nathali, many of the Race Crew, who hail from broad nationalities and professions, have no prior sailing experience before taking part in this adventure. They take on an intensive compulsory four-stage training programme before going on to tackle some of the most challenging conditions that Mother Nature can serve up, from freezing temperatures and 40-foot waves to the blistering heat and flat calms of the tropics. Looking back on her experience, Nathali said: “The Clipper Race is very challenging in many ways, and even though it was part of the reason I joined, sailing home to my family waiting for me was a great motivational factor. It was going to be a new chapter in my life, and I knew I would arrive in Cape Town a different person to who left Uruguay. “When we first sailed into Cape Town, I remember the moon shining brightly on the backdrop of my home country. To come first was a dream come true, of course. But the appreciation you feel for life, your crew, and the support from your family is hard to put into words. I was home, and I felt a great sense of belonging. “There is nothing like a warm African welcome. The music, culture, food, wine, beauty, and welcoming nature of South Africans is truly unique. No one day is the same. Cape Town will be your home from home once you’ve experienced its glory.” It’s also a stopover that creates race history, as for the first time in the race’s 30-year legacy, the 2023-24 edition saw the leg into Cape Town won by a Capetonian Skipper, RyanGibson. On leading the way and sailing the boat home, Ryan said: “This is definitely a highlight of my career, and it will be forever.” Fellow Capetonian and Clipper Race Director, Dale Smyth, has had the privilege of sailing into his home city twice as part of the Clipper Race, and will eagerly be awaiting the fleet’s arrival this November. This will be the first edition of Clipper Race where the fleet will be managed by a South African after he took on the role last year. Dale has previously held roles as Deputy in the Race Management Team and Skipper of the Dare To Lead yacht on the 2017-18 edition. Talking about being a South African who has sailed home, he said: “It’s always good sailing home. For those that haven’t done it, sailing into Table Bay is incredible. “With a long and unique history of being connected to some of the world’s greatest ocean sailing races like the Cape to Rio, the Ocean Race, the Whitbread and Around Alone, South Africans have always had an understanding and connection with the sea. “It is common for South Africans to also deeply respect the sea, knowing that from the Wild Coast to the Skeleton Coast to the Cape of Good Hope, the long and dramatic coastline produces some of the most fearsome conditions. The Clipper Race provides an opportunity for crew to become part of this history and legacy, and to put their name among the list of greats that have approached and departed this iconic ocean destination.” The Host Port at the V&A Waterfront is a firm favourite on the Clipper Race route, and for the Race Crew who will be arriving on the back of a gruelling South Atlantic crossing over from South America. They will be relieved to lap up some sunshine and all the culture the vibrant city of Cape Town offers. David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, said: “The V&A Waterfront is no stranger to hosting global sailing events, and we are excited to be the Host Port for the Clipper 2025-2026 Race once again, welcoming the crews back to the V&A for the fleet’s 12th visit. Ocean racing is one of the toughest sports in the world, enigmatic in pursuit and a showcase of the spirit of adventure. Clipper celebrates a community legacy, highlighting the transformative nature of sailing over the years which we note this year brings to our shores a strong South African contingent, providing a platform for the growth of the sport with Cape Town firmly at its heart.” The fleet is expected to arrive into port in early November this year. The stopover will mark the end of Leg 2: The South Atlantic challenge, which will see Race Crew take on a furious downwind battle as they make the 3,600nm crossing from South America. Notes to editors For more information or to arrange an interview with any of the crew and professionals quoted above, please contact Natalie Hill, Senior Communications Executive at nhill@clipper-ventures.com or the wider Communications Team at communications@Clipper-Ventures.com A selection of images to accompany the story are available here please credit any use with clipperroundtheworld.com About the Clipper Race The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race was founded in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world. One of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, the Clipper Race is a unique event that sees teams battle extreme conditions as they race more than 40,000 nautical miles around the globe in a true test of fortitude and determination. It is the only event of its kind that trains people from all walks of life to become ocean racers, and most Race Crew have no previous sailing experience before signing up for the intensive four levels of training. Led by a professional Skipper and First Mate, Race Crew can complete the full eleven-month circumnavigation or choose to test themselves on one or multiple legs. More at: clipperroundtheworld.com
