Ukuwela: The Crossing

23 July 2024

Ukuwela: The Crossing

The iconic Cape2Rio Yacht Race is a gruelling competition across the South Atlantic. At around 6 600 km, it’s the longest continent to continent race in the southern hemisphere and a true test of any sailor’s mettle.

Ukuwela: The Crossing is the story of Sibusiso Sizatu’s incredible transition from being a carefree herd boy in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape to the senior sailing instructor at the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy, where he teaches township youth to sail on weekends. Here, he sets himself an audacious goal: to compete in the 2023 Cape2Rio – with a crew chosen solely from the Academy itself.

The inspiring true story behind their historic podium finish won Best Documentary at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards and Best Cinematography at The African Film Festival, among other accolades. A Latitude Group production, the documentary feature is co-directed by Leigh Pohl, Sam Tengani and Alberic Vollmer.