Royal Cape Yacht Club achieved outstanding success at the 2023 SA Sailing Awards, presented August 22, 2024 at the SA Annual General Meeting. The Club secured accolades in six categories in recognition of the Club’s excellence and dedication to the sport.

Kerry Pryde received the STAN JEFFREY TROPHY Administrator of the Year, honoring her exceptional contributions to the administration of sailing. Kerry is responsible for organizing 20 distinct sailing events annually, including three offshore races and one international event (Cape to St. Helena). This year’s Mykonos Race, which saw the participation of approximately 800 sailors, was one of her many successful endeavors.

Adrian Kuttel was awarded the GORDON BURNWOOD TROPHY, given to the SA Yachtsman or Yachtswoman who accomplished the most meritorious ocean race or passage in 2023. Adrian clinched victory in The Cape2Rio race, sailing single-handedly despite a torn bicep.

The RTC INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR award was presented to Sibu Sizatu for his exemplary work as a Recognised Training Center (RTC) instructor under SA Sailing. Sibu’s commitment to high training standards at the RCYC Sailing Academy, where he instructs 40 disadvantaged youth on six L26 keelboats and manages a team of five SA Sailing Instructors. Sibu led a crew of experienced Academy students to a podium finish at the 2023 Cape2Rio Race, on SV ArchAngel.

Under the leadership of Jennifer Burger, the RCYC Sailing Academy earned the OUTSTANDING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME award. The Academy’s 2 to 3-year sail training program for disadvantaged youth also secured employment for 12 graduates in the marine industry over the past three years. The Academy’s integration with RCYC grants students full Club membership and privileges.

Patric Loydell was recognized as the UP & COMING RACE OFFICER OF THE YEAR for his rapid rise in race management, officiating, and establishing himself as an adept race officer, umpire, and judge.

Finally, Alex Burger was honoured as the 2023 RACE COACH OF THE YEAR for imparting his Olympian race expertise to his students, who achieved top third results in the Gdynia, Poland Eurocup, and Youth Worlds in Brazil.

These accolades underscore RCYC’s unwavering commitment to excellence in sailing.