African entry pays tribute to Nelson Mandela

With the world left to mourn the death and celebrate the life of 95 year-old Nelson Mandela after it was announced on Thursday evening by the African President Jacob Zuma, tributes continue to be paid across the world.

In late October the Clipper Race fleet arrived in Cape Town, South Africa after racing the 3,600 miles from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town, South Africa  during Race 3 of the 16 race series.

The African sponsored entry Invest Africa, is taking part in a unique project taking eight young South Africans from across the country, to develop young community leaders of the future and raise international awareness and funds for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.

Although currently tackling the unpredictable nature of the Southern Ocean, all 12 skippers and crew  were informed of Nelson Mandela’s passing by the Race Team. Skipper of Invest Africa, Rich Gould shared the following statement:

"My self and the rest of the team are deeply saddened by hearing the news that Nelson Mandela has passed away.  Not only a nation but the whole world has lost a truly inspirational man.  His legacy will live on forever not only in individuals but also in humanity as a whole.  The changes that he believed in and fought so hard for have made a difference to the lives of an unquantifiable number of people.

"On behalf of the team on Invest Africa I would like to pass our condolences to Nelson Mandela's family, friends and loved ones, also to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Sapinda Rainbow project.  2We held a minutes silence today, at midday on deck, giving everyone a chance to reflect.

With our teams ties to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund it is now more important than ever that we continue to do everything we can to give the Sapinda Rainbow Project ambassadors an experience of a lifetime that will help each of them get started on the road to brighter future. With out the support from the Fund we would not have be able to be involved in this life changing opportunity.  So on behalf of not only the Sapinda Rainbow Project ambassadors, but the whole Invest Africa team, thank you.

"May I leave you with this.  No matter who you are, where you are, where you have come from, or where you are going each, and everyone of us can take something from Nelson Mandela -  Anything is possible, when the going gets tough keep at it and you can achieve great things."

To read the reactions from the crew  on Mandela’s death click here

To find out more about the Sapinda Rainbow Project click here