December 2019 Raymarine Sailors of the Month – Matt Ashwell and Rivaldo Arendse

Matt Ashwell and Rivaldo Arendse.

Matt and Rivaldo teamed up in 2019 to compete in the 420 class, taking the opportunity to join a class that is going through a revival in South Africa, so they are now part of that group of sailors who are raising the bar in the class.

They recently won this year’s 420 National Championship on the last leg of the last race on the last day of the championship, after a nailbiting series with several reversals of fortune.

Rivaldo brings to the partnership the experience he has had in the class, having travelled to international events before, and having been trained by Roger Hudson, whereas Matt brings to the team high skills in driving the boat.

They tackled the season in a meticulous and professional way, acquiring two boats and hiring the best coaches for their training sessions, fast tracking their learning curve.

This year they travelled to Europe to complete in the U17 world championships where they managed to qualify for the gold fleet, and in 2020 they plan to travel to the major class championship, plus the Youth World Championships in Brazil late in the year.

These are two up-and-coming sailors who we will hear lots more about in the future.

2019 Sailors of the Month

FebruaryDale Kushner
MarchMike Hayton
AprilMalcolm Hall
MayPaul Lagesse
JuneNO AWARD
JulySean Kavanagh
AugustAndrew Tarboton
SeptemberMike Hayton & David Rae
OctoberCampbell Alexander & Dave Herridge
NovemberMarkus Progli & Richard Hutton-Squire
DecemberMatt Ashwell and Rivaldo Arendse

Roll of Honour – Sailors of the Year

2020NO AWARD
DUE TO COVID-19
2019Mike Hayton
2018Tina Plattner
2017Alex Burger & Benji Daniel
2016Rob van Rooyen
2015Stefano Marcia
2014Blaine Dodds
2013Asenathi Jim
2012Roger Hudson
2011Stefano Marcia
2010Asenathi Jim
2009Taariq Jacobs
2008David Hudson
2007Dominique Provoyeur
2006Craig Millar
2005Shaun Ferry
2004Justin Onvlee
2003Dominique Provoyeur
2002Golden Mgedza
2001John Eloff

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