Boitumelo happy to finish world’s longest ocean race

Boitumeleo Maila from Dennilton Village in the Sekhukhune area recently became the first woman from the province province to take part in the world’s longest ocean race, spending a month at sea and battling tough conditions whilst crossing the mighty Pacific Ocean.
Maila (23), is one of eight young South Africans aged 18 to 23 who were chosen to experience the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.
Maila raced on board the IchorCoal, one of 12 identical racing yachts each with a fully qualified skipper to guide the crew. The race is conducted over eight legs within a period of 11 months and 40 000 nautical miles. The recruits undergo full training before flown to the different ports of departure. Maila was selected for the leg that stretched from Qingdao in China to the west coast of America, 6 000 nautical miles across the notorious North Pacific. South African recruits are selected by the Sapinda Rainbow Foundation in conjunction with the Ndhlovu Children’s Programme.
Maila, upon arrival in Seattle is quoted to have said “It was a great experience, it wasn’t what I expected at all and I realised that I had become competitive and wanted to do well in the race. We worked really well as a team.”
The teams reportedly endured tough yet exhilarating conditions with towering waves, howling winds, and high speed surfs on the world’s largest and deepest ocean.
“We experienced snow, a lot of rain, and cold, stormy, heavy weather. Limpopo is so warm and we are not used to the cold so I did suffer with the freezing conditions. Sitting on the cockpit in the cold, heavy wind and waves was tough but I got over it because I had good kit to help keep me warm and dry. I am looking forward to going back to the warmth of home. I am very proud of myself, crossing an ocean by sail boat is one thing I never thought I would do but I went out there and I did it. I now know I am capable of doing things I never thought possible. Now I am ready to face whatever challenge comes my way,” added Maila.
Maila lost her mother in 2002 whilst doing her Grade 4, leaving her alone with her sister who later moved to Witbank. She was identified through the Ndlovu Children’s Programme and her involvement in Ndlovu Choir kept her away from the street and distracted her from the pressures of life faced by many young people.
She is currently doing kickboxing to keep healthy and recently completed her matric. Now she is determined to impact young people from her community and further her studies to become a nurse.
She further added that she was happy in Seattle and looking forward to sharing her story and adventure with friends and community members. “It was amazing waking up in the middle of the ocean with the wildlife and my team. My friends and fellow Sapinda Rainbow Foundation ambassadors are very proud of me and looking forward to hearing my experience too. I don’t know if I will continue sailing, but I will certainly use some of the skills I have learnt and apply them in my daily life. Before I took part in the race I planned to apply to go to school and study for a profession and now I have completed the race I would like to continue this ambition to go into nursing,” conclude Maila.

Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za