Invest Africa arrive into Rio ahead of race to Cape Town

Invest Africa has arrived into Rio with South African Nomcebo Siyaya, a 19 year-old from Durban, one of eight young people who have been chosen to race as part of the Sapinda Rainbow Project, completing her journey.

Invest Africa was the last yacht to arrive into Rio yesterday at 11pm local time, with Switzerland coming in in 10^th place yesterday at 1pm local time ahead of Mission Performance at 7pm.

Invest Africa skipper Rich Gould said the morale was good with everyone having a debrief, both as a team and individually.

“We’ve learnt some good lessons with this race and we all agreed, back at crew allocation that we would celebrate our successes and leave our disappointments behind us. We’ve now proved as a team that we can do that and we’re not just looking forward to having a slightly more successful run in the next race.

 “Despite our position, we feel inspired and motivated to perform. There are still 14 races to go!”

Nomcebo also gave her thoughts on completing her 5,630 mile journey.

“I’ve been on the yacht for a month with very nice people and I learned a lot from my journey even though it wasn’t easy. I have found the trip very challenging, particularly the weather - firstly the windy, bumpy Bay of Biscay and the lack of wind and extreme heat of the Doldrums. Speaking only in English, being away from home for a long period of time, learning how to make cakes and bread at sea, and sailing skills that I have built on have all been challenging.

“It’s the biggest thing I have ever done; I am very pleased to have done it even though I was so homesick. Sailing a boat is not an easy thing to do, it has a lot of challenges and you have to find a way to overcome them and keep a positive attitude. The rest of the crew have been very supportive and I have made many new friends.”

All 12 yachts are now preparing for the start of Leg 2 to Cape Town, South Africa, on Saturday at 1400 local time, 1700 UTC.

Daily Update will resume on Sunday 13 October.