Cape Town - Preparing to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, Nqobile Khuzwayo, 19, is heading to Senegal to join an all-female crew who will sail an 18m aluminium yacht, Maiden, down the West Coast of Africa, into the Port of Cape Town.
Straight from writing her crucial final exam in maritime economics, Khuzwayo, who hails from Mayville in Durban, will be heading to Cape Town on Saturday and fly via Dubaito Dakar in Senegal.
Khuzwayo and the crew are expected to arrive at the V&A Waterfront, in the first week of January.
When Maiden sails into Cape Town, Vuyisile Jaca, 24, from KwaMashu in Durban, will also be on board.
Jaca has been sailing with Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation since 2015.
Khuzwayo said she was exposed to a future on the ocean when she joined Sail Africa.
Sailing piqued her interest in the maritime industry and, in Grade 9, she applied to study at the Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simon’s Town.
She was awarded a bursary to attend Lawhill by Marine Inspirations, which was steered through the SATS General Botha Old Boys’ Association Bursary Fund.
Affiliated to Simon’s Town School, the Lawhill Maritime Centre is a 100% industry-funded programme, which gives learners the opportunity to include subjects such as marine sciences, nautical sciences and maritime economics in their curriculum.
“I am still trying to wrap my head around the incredible opportunity for me to sail on Maiden. It is going to be an unbelievable experience that will impact my life forever,” said Khuzwayo.
“But it has also made me realise I am a sailor, and I’m so excited to sail with these experienced women from all around the world to improve and hone my skills.
“I still have a lot to learn, both in sailing and life, so am looking forward to being out on the ocean in the open-air classroom.
“I know it will be a wonderful training ground for my future, which I hope will be in the super yacht industry.”
Skippered by Dame Tracy Edwards, Maiden was sailed by the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989/1990, winning two of the toughest legs on the course and finishing second overall.
It was a landmark moment for the sailing world and opened the door for competitive female sailing.
This time around, Maiden will be on a 90 000 nautical mile circumnavigation, aimed at empowering women in sailing and raising money for girls’ education.
The yacht and crew will visit upwards of 60 destinations in around 40 countries over the next three years.
Captain Phil Wade of Marine Inspirations said: “This industry provides so many opportunities for young people and our mentoring programme is all about introducing these prospects to youngsters from disadvantaged or less-advantaged backgrounds. We are thrilled that two of our South students are sailing on Maiden, it’s not only a wonderful experience for them but also helps open doors for other females in the maritime industry.”
Cape Times