Durban — Durban-born Nqobile Khuzwayo, 19, will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey when she joins a team sailing an 18m aluminium yacht, Maiden, down the West Coast of Africa to Cape Town’s port.
Khuzwayo completed her crucial final exam – maritime economics – on Friday.
On Saturday, she will be heading to Cape Town International airport, to fly for the first time. She’ll be boarding an international flight from Cape Town, via Dubai, to Dakar in Senegal.
Maiden is on a 90 000 nautical mile (nm) circumnavigation aimed at empowering women in sailing and raising money for girls’ education.
The yacht and crew will visit more than 60 destinations in around 40 countries over the next three years.
Hailing from the township of Mayville in Durban, Khuzwayo was exposed to a future on the ocean when she joined Sail Africa. Here she found her passion for the sport and started sailing every Tuesday.
Sailing piqued her interest in the maritime industry and in Grade 9 she applied to study at the Lawhill Maritime Centre in Simon’s Town. She was fortunate to be awarded a bursary to attend Lawhill by Marine Inspirations, which was steered through the SATS General Botha Old Boys’ Association Bursary Fund.
In 2017, the Lawhill Maritime Centre was gifted a 7.6m (25ft) yacht called Homero, by the Caimari family – avid supporters of Marine Inspirations. Homero provides invaluable opportunities for learners to gain sailing and navigational experience.
Khuzwayo continued to sail in False Bay and, as captain of the sailing team, she logged up many sea miles and recently completed her Day Skippers ticket.
“I am still trying to wrap my head around the incredible opportunity for me to sail on Maiden. It is going to be an unbelievable experience that will impact my life forever,” said Khuzwayo.
“But it has also made me realise I am a sailor and I’m so excited to sail with these experienced women, from all around the world, to improve and hone my skills.
“I still have a lot to learn, both in sailing and life, so am looking forward to being out on the ocean in the openair classroom.
“I know it will be a wonderful training ground for my future, which I hope will be in the superyacht industry” she added.
Daily News