As a Cape Town event photographer, I had the privilege of documenting the Royal Cape Yacht Club‘s “Beyond the Horizon” event on 14 November 2024. The evening brought together key figures in South Africa’s sailing community. They celebrated achievements and outlined future aspirations for the sport’s development. It was a perfect example of intimate event photography, capturing the essence of the gathering.
A Legacy of Transformation
The event featured Sibusiso Sizatu, whose story speaks to the heart of transformation in South African sailing. When he first told his father about entering the Cape2Rio race, his dad’s response was telling: “You need to value your life” – though he did add that he was thankful his son had life insurance.
Born in a rural hut in Qumbu, Eastern Cape, Sizatu spent his early years looking after his family’s livestock and hunting with his older brothers while his peers attended school. Without a birth certificate, he couldn’t enrol in school until age 10. That age change happened when he moved to Masiphumelele with his father.
His introduction to sailing came quite by chance. An instructor from Izivunguvungu Sailing Academy visited his school. However, Sizatu initially joined only because they served food to the learners. The challenge was real – he got terribly seasick, both in the car to Simon’s Town and on the water. “I screamed because I couldn’t sail and I was getting sick and getting scared,” he recalls. One day, he even walked all the way back to Masiphumelele. It was a three-hour trek, but he rather faced it than another nauseating ride.
But when his mates started getting free takkies and soccer balls, and even travelled to Spain, Sizatu decided to give it another go. “I needed to face my fear of getting sea sick,” he says. With patience from his friend who helped him through the basics, his fear turned to love for the sport.
It was a perfect moment for intimate event photography. Sizatu’s recent achievement in the 2023 Cape2Rio race tells a remarkable story. Skippering the 44-year-old Alexforbes ArchAngel – the oldest boat in the fleet by more than 15 years – Sizatu led a crew of first-time ocean crossers from Masiphumelele, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park, and Athlone to a podium finish. They crossed the finish line in Rio. One spinnaker torn in half, another with a rip, a problematic rudder and no battery. Still, they secured an incredible third place. This achievement was well-documented by Cape Town’s seasoned event photographers.
Royal Cape Yacht Club: A Catalyst for Change
Founded in 1905, the Royal Cape Yacht Club has evolved from its traditional roots to become a driving force for transformation in South African sailing. The RCYC Sailing Academy plays a crucial role in this mission. They are breaking down barriers and making sailing accessible to youth from diverse backgrounds.
The academy’s work gained particular momentum when Sizatu himself noticed young people from townships at the club who weren’t actively sailing. Understanding the challenges of language barriers and access, he took it upon himself to mentor these aspiring sailors. This spirit of mentorship and inclusion continues to define the academy’s approach today. His role in mentoring and guiding these young sailors has placed him as a notable figure in Cape Town event photography circles.
Professional Event Coverage in Action
The “Beyond the Horizon” event brought together key figures from the sailing community at the RCYC venue. My role as the official event photographer included capturing the evening’s speakers: Jennifer Burger (Operations Manager, RCYC Sailing Academy), Paul Jones (CEO of the Nolands Foundation), Rear Commander Damon Lyons, and Commander Craig Burchell-Burger. These professional event coverage moments help organisations document their milestones while building their visual brand story. This further cemented the importance of having a Cape Town based event photographer.
A Future Full of Promise
The RCYC Sailing Academy continues to break barriers and create opportunities for young sailors from diverse backgrounds. Through structured training programmes and mentorship, they’re building the next generation of South African sailing talent. This effort is often captured by a Cape Town event photographer.
Capturing Moments That Matter
As an experienced corporate event photographer in Cape Town, documenting such significant occasions is always a privilege. These events not only celebrate current achievements but also shape the future of sports development in our community. It’s a reminder of the power of intimate event photography in capturing these transformative moments.
Looking Ahead
The success stories emerging from the RCYC Sailing Academy, like Sibusiso’s journey from township sailing programmes to international competition, demonstrate the transformative power of opportunity and dedication. These stories, captured by a skilled Cape Town event photographer, showcase the changing landscape of South African sailing.
Your Next Corporate Event
Whether you’re planning a corporate function, awards ceremony, or milestone celebration in Cape Town, professional event photography helps preserve these important moments. Contact me to discuss how we can create a visual narrative of your next event that aligns with your organisation’s vision and goals. As a Cape Town event photographer, I aim to capture the essence of your special occasions with a focus on intimate event photography.
Jürgen Banda-Hansmann is a corporate event photographer in Cape Town, specialising in corporate events, functions, and brand photography. With over 15 years of experience photographing Cape Town’s most prestigious corporate events, he brings technical expertise and artistic vision to every project.