Young Thohoyandou resident participates in world’s longest ocean race

A 23-year-old who had never been on a boat before recently finished more than 5 000 miles of ocean in one of the toughest legs in the world’s longest yacht race.

Lazaros Tshikovhi (23) from Thohoyandou is one of 10 young South Africans who have been chosen to take part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Sapinda Rainbow Project. The project is endorsed by the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the 10 South Africans are aged between 18 and 23.

He joined the fleet of 670 amateur crew members on board the Invest Africa. It is one of 12 Clipper, 70-foot ocean-racing yachts that raced from Brisbane, Australia, to the port Qingdao in China via Singapore and Hong Kong. He has spent nearly two months at sea. During that time, the crew battled against strong headwinds, slamming waves, possible threats of piracy and heavy shipping. During the cruise, they sailed from warm, sunny weather to cold, windy conditions.

At his arrival in Qingdao in China, Lazaros they had to endure many challenges. “From the beginning it was very hard, with huge waves, rain, lightning, and temperature changes. At the start it was very warm, and in the end it was freezing. So it was tough, always tough, but very stimulating and rewarding.” He added that he had gained a lot during the race. “Personally, it has shaped me in various ways. Most importantly, working with different people from different countries and all the new things I have seen and done.”

The initiative is funded by the Sapinda group, an investment holding company, with particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Mr Dirk van Daele, Sapinda executive committee member and CEO of Anoa Capital, participated in the 2009/10 edition of the race and saw how it developed young people from around the world in building their confidence and leadership skills.

The Clipper Race was set up by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, He was the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968/9. His vision was to provide people, regardless of their sailing history, with the chance to take part in ocean racing, no matter what their background. For further information about the Clipper Race, visit: www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Sport - Date: 27 March 2014

News Correspondent

Correspondent journalists from all over the region supply us with news and sport articles. 

Email: [email protected]