The Clipper connects

Arriving this week after crossing the Atlantic Ocean as a crew member of Invest Africa, was 22 -year-old Lebalang Molobele, from Meadowlands, Gauteng, near Johannesburg

She is one of 10 South Africans aged between 18 and 23 chosen to take part in the race as part of the Sapinda Rainbow Project. The aim is to develop young community leaders of the future and for the ambassadors to raise international awareness and funds for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital through their participation in the race.

“I’m so pleased I was selected to compete in the Clipper Race. It has been an incredible experience for me. Crossing the Atlantic was really tough, but it’s not all about the racing. It’s also the time it has allowed me to think about what comes next. This has really opened up my pathways to a better future,” said Lebalang.

Thousands of miles from home after conquering her first ocean crossing, there was another young woman who couldn’t wait to meet her and who knew exactly what it is like to be thrown in at the deep end, Londonderry woman Shauna O’Neill, who won a place on the Clipper 2011-12 Race as part of the City Council’s bursary programme, Kickstart to Work.

Recalling her experience Shauna said: “When I took part in the last race I was so nervous before I got on, but once I did it was incredible. It gave me so much confidence.”

The two women met at Foyle Marina, where Lebalang gave Shauna, a tour of her Clipper 70 yacht, which has been her home for the last 11 months.

“We both realised quite quickly when we met today that we have quite a lot in common, mainly that neither of us had sailed before competing in the race. Shauna told me how she struggled with sea sickness when she took part, and I just felt so grateful the conditions during my race weren’t as rough,” said Lebalang.

Shauna was accompanied by volunteers from Children in Crossfire, a charity that supports organisations to train professionals in the interest of children and their rights worldwide.

“I started working for the charity which works in Tanzania and Ethiopia because helping people is something I’m really passionate about. We absolutely share links to Africa and wanting to inspire change for young people who otherwise might not be able, or know how to, help themselves out of difficult or challenging situations,” she said.

“Taking part in the Clipper Race changed my life completely, it gave me so much confidence. Lebalang is a fantastic ambassador for the Sapinda Rainbow Project and I know she will go on to inspire so many young people to dream big and not to be scared to aspire for more in life, no matter what challenges they might face.”

After competing in the 2011-12 edition of the Clipper Race, Shauna completed her Level 2 Certificate in the Yachtmaster’s Course. She later secured a 50-week paid placement with the Loughs Agency, back on the water as a temporary assistant scientific officer enforcing river activity regulations. Subsequently, Shauna was offered continued employment with the Loughs Agency.

After struggling to find work back in South Africa, Lebalang is determined to take things into her own hands.

“Before I heard about the Sapinda Rainbow Project I was job hunting and trying to give my career a jump start; I would volunteer on occasions and join youth clubs and programmes.

“The race has given me the chance to do something I would never normally get to do. I’m far braver now and I can’t wait to get home and start something for myself. If the work isn’t there, then I will start a business of my own. You have to make things happen in life,” she said.