Yachties turning the tide

A GROUP of previously disadvantaged sailors have bought a 43ft yacht to compete in one of the world’s top ocean races.

The Cape Town group combined their own finances with investor capital to buy the racing sloop Gryphon, which is moored in front of the Royal Cape Yacht Club. They hope to achieve a sailing milestone by becoming the first development team to win the Cape to Rio race, next year.

“It was stressful, we didn’t know if we would get the money,” one of the team, Theo Yon, told the Sunday Times this week. “We did tin cups and all of that.”

Their fundraising efforts caught the eye of local businessman and avid sailor Rian Turner, who came on board as a shareholder.

In the end the group coughed up hundreds of thousands of rands for the purchase, but are still raising money for their Rio campaign. They are being championed by yachtsman John Martin, former commodore of the yacht club.

“They are living proof that transformation in sailing has taken place, and by involving these young men in leadership, they will change the face of yacht clubs and what was perceived to be an elitist white sport,” said Martin. ALL HANDS ON DECK: From left back, Leroy Rudolf, Rian Turner, Andre Julius, Theo Yon, Ashley Rudolf, David Jacobs, Shane Jasephs, Lorenzo Yon, Raaid Pentolfe and Keith Klaasen

The team includes several well-known yachtsmen and some relative newcomers.

Leroy Rudolf, a boatbuilder who grew up on the Cape Flats, said sailing helped break class and race barriers: “On the Flats people think if you are sailing then you are catching fish. For me, I didn’t feel offended by my colour — it’s a small community. With my friends it’s a big dream to do the race. It would be a bonus to win it too.”