At Balance Catamarans Cape Town, you’ll find Philasande Gwala right at the center of things, supporting her coworkers, keeping tasks moving, and helping ensure that deadlines get met.
But recently, Philasande got the opportunity to change things up a bit. She was part of the Alexforbes Angel Wings team that claimed first place on handicap in the 2025 Cape2Rio – a 3,300-nautical-mile offshore race from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro. This race is widely regarded as one of the Southern Hemisphere’s toughest ocean events. Ok then!
A journey requiring curiosity and courage
In our interview, Philasande explains that although she never imagined she would one day cross an ocean by sailboat, she always loved the water. Her interest deepened through maritime studies, which eventually introduced her to sailing. She began actively sailing in 2022, committing herself to training, learning, and consistently showing up to put in the work – both mental and physical – to be the best.
That attitude helped her earn a prime spot for the Cape2Rio campaign connected to the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy.
The team behind the win
The Alexforbes Angel Wings campaign instantly became a headline moment for South African sailing not only because of the top result, but because of what it represented. A young team that trained for almost two years. Training intensified throughout 2025 with regular mid-week sessions and long weekends on the water, followed by an intense preparation period in December focused on safety checks, equipment readiness, and provisioning.
That level of commitment matters offshore as it directly translates to safety, speed, and strategy. On board, teamwork matters as much as seamanship. Philasande will tell you just how closely the crew worked together day to day. How disciplined they learned to be together. How much they learned how to communicate clearly and succinctly in all conditions. This built a determination in the team to never give up because they trusted their skills both as a unit and individually. Two years of working together was the most impactful element in their victory, she told us.
Challenging 19 days to Rio
As the crew crossed the finish line – completing the crossing in 19 days, 8 hours and 41 minutes which was much faster than they anticipated, Philasande describes that moment as incredibly rewarding. All that preparation and then this moment!
The race was not without hardship. Mid-Atlantic, the boat suffered a boom failure, forcing the crew to adapt and manage the situation safely while continuing to race competitively across thousands of miles of open ocean. That alone provided all the evidence the crew needed to appreciate their detailed training and camaraderie.
Crossing the finish line in Rio was more than a joyous victory, it was the confirmation that every early morning, every training sail, and every sacrifice had been worth it, Philasande says today.
Why this win matters
Her victory matters to not only the South African sailors who are fans and supporters of sailing and racing but because her team, the Alexforbes Angel Wings, were part of a sailing developmental program associated with the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy. The Academy with its program is pushing to open opportunities to communities historically underrepresented in the sport of racing.
Philasande’s journey shows what can happen when talent meets access, mentorship, and hard work. It’s a reminder that sailing is no longer defined by who traditionally participated in it, but by who is willing to put in the effort to master the sport. Creating a development pathway for those who want to learn is a lesson for sailors around the world, not just in South Africa. More of these programs please!
A proud moment for Balance Catamarans
At Balance Catamarans, we are incredibly proud of Philasande – not only for what she achieved at sea, but for how she leads at her day job with us every day at the shipyard.
The winning crew consisted of:
Skipper: Sibusiso Sizatu
First Mate: Tshepo Renaldo Mohale
Crew: Philasande Gwala, Sesona Ntsaluba, Yonela Temela
Reserve sailor supporting training and preparation: Yobanathi Klaas
