Learner sails her way to earn white blazer

SAILING enthusiast, Nosipho Chiliza, is all geared up compete in the MSC  Week ‘All Around the World’ open water race from July 3 to 7.

The Grade 12 learner at Mowat Park High School, said while she was looking forward to the race, she was excited that she would be the first to receive a white honours blazer for the water sport once she returned to school.

“I am very proud of myself and to be the first learner to receive a white blazer for sailing at our school.”

The 16-year-old said she first joined the school’s sailing team in Grade 9, and has since earned her full colours.

“While it is a great accomplishment, I knew that I could achieve more. Unfortunately, with it being my matric year, we are not able to continue with sailing at the school and I was only able to reach level 3.

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“However, I was given the opportunity to train and compete for Sail Africa, who are the sponsors for the school’s team. Sail Africa, which is a non-profit organisation aims to promote sailing for all school going children. They recently informed me that I was selected to compete in the race, which is really exciting. I hope to make everyone that has supported me proud,” she said.

Nosipho said she was inspired by her aunt to take up the extra-mural activity at school.

“My aunt does sailing and when she told me about it and her experience, I found it to be very interesting and thought I should try it out. It has been an amazing opportunity to compete in races while sailing a keelboat.

“While you sometimes get hurt and risk falling out of the boat, the experience outweighs the risks. I get an adrenaline rush, and enjoy the feeling of the wind against my face. I would love to continue to sail as I get older, but for now and while I can, I want to put my school’s name as well as my own, on the map, “she said.

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