Cape Town - Two young local yachties hope to reign in Spain.
Nhlanhla Phakathi and Menelisi Mkhize of Durban have been selected to join a race, sailing about 100 nautical miles from the Spanish island of Mallorca to the world’s party capital – the island of Ibiza.
The Ibiza Rendezvous, from October 7 till 10, is open to yachts longer than 20m and Phakathi and Mkhize will be aboard the Aloha-J of Cariba, a 24m classic schooner.
The race, which is in its second year, coincides with the end of the party season on the island.
Phakathi and Menelisi owe their island racing adventure to the efforts of two semi-retired South African yacht captains, Anthony Just and Phil Wade.
Just and Wade are on a mission to give back to young South African sailors. Last year they took people from Cape Town to the race; this year it’s Durban’s turn.
To find the right candidates they roped in Sail Africa, a non-profit organisation that teaches young people about sailing.
Sail Africa’s Tim Wickham said of Phakathi and Menelisi:
“We selected these guys because they put in the effort.
“The experience they will get from participation in the race will do wonders for their confidence and will be a ‘life-long experience’,” he said.
Phakathi and Menelisi leave for Spain on Wednesday and will be away for two months.
On arriving in Mallorca they will be made familiar with the classic wooden yacht that will be their home for the duration of the adventure. Phakathi, 21, said the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He was introduced to sailing through Sail Africa in 2008, and fell in love.
He is doing Maritime Studies at the Durban University of Technology and said the constant change in the industry excited him: “You always have to be on your feet.”
The Inanda resident said he would be learning “a little Spanish” in preparation for his adventure.
He said he was also looking forward to flying the South African flag high on his trip.
Menelisi, 16, said he was told two months ago that he had been chosen to be a part of the race: “It is important as it opens up a lot of doors in my life.”
The Rossburgh High School pupil said he was up to the challenge of sailing.
“Everything can be learnt,” he said.
Cape Argus