

by Richard Crockett
It is rare for a South African sailing team to win a World Championship, but it is even more rare for that team to win consecutive world titles.
In 2013 the team of Ryan and Michela Robinson won the Mirror World Championship title in Ireland.
Today, with some role reversal, the team of Michela and Ryan Robinson won the world title right here in South Africa where the event was sailed in Theewaterskloof Dam.
So, with that role reversal, both Ryan and Michaela claim two world titles, but also each have helmed the team to victory as this time Michaela was on the helm and Ryan at the front of the boat in the crews position.
This is a massive achievement as they were up against some really fine sailors who are much older than them and who have many years experience in the sport.
Both Michaela (14) and Ryan(18) are still at school, so we should see them climb to even greater heights in the future as they have such natural talent. The fact that they were the youngest team on the water in Ireland, makes that victory even more commendable.
After 11 races the South African pair was 16 points ahead of their closest rivals, Eleanor Keers and Isobel Pugh from the UK.