February 17, 2022
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Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation recognised for outstanding contribution to sailing
Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation, based in Durban, South Africa, has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing, receiving the prestigious World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award in a special ceremony at Point Yacht Club in Durban.
Sail Africa Youth Development Foundation, based in Durban, South Africa, has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing, receiving the prestigious World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award in a special ceremony at Point Yacht Club in Durban.
Sail Africa received the bespoke trophy, made from recycled carbon fibre sourced from an America’s Cup boat and infused with bio resin, as well as a USD$10,000 prize to help further their sustainability activities.
“This is a tremendous achievement for Sail Africa, with long-lasting outcomes,” said World Sailing Vice President Philip Baum at the ceremony. “To have such an impact is incredible, and to have an African winner of this award gives encouragement to the rest of the world,” he concluded.
Click here to read Philip Baum’s address in full.
Sail Africa started out with three main goals: grow sailors – and specifically young female sailors – from diverse ethnic backgrounds and support the South African government’s ‘blue economy’ through a quality maritime education programme.
Within less than 15 years, Sail Africa has achieved these milestones – the Foundation’s sailors have become youth captains at yacht clubs, nominated sailor of the year at several different clubs, and received Provincial sailing colours. The number of young women racing has grown year on year, with podium positions increasing with every season.
