27/07/2024
💪🏼 The dynamite duo are taking on Lipton 2024 🧨
📣NEW CHALLENGER ANNOUNCEMENT 📣
This 2024 Lipton Challenge Cup sees a remarkable team with a cumulative attendance of over 30 Lipton Cups onboard. Co-skippers Robyn Patrick and Theo Yon have been sailing together since 2015, playing between multiple keelboats and dinghies. To say they have spent an incredible amount of time sailing together is an understatement. Theo stated that his goal for this Lipton Cup is to come out at the top and believes that they have put an amazing team together. Representing King Shaka Yacht Club (KSYC), a Club that was created after its founders noticed a lack of transformation and development in the industry and the sport, a Club well aligned with the team's campaign mission. This will be the KSYC's first representation at Lipton.
Helmsman, Theo Yon significantly contributes to the 30 Challenges onboard tally with his 14 participations, including a first-place finish in 2023 and three-second places. He first began sailing in 2000, at the age of 12, in a school program and has now competed in multiple international events representing South Africa, including the SSL Gold Cup, Bondex Cup in Qingdao and 3 Cape2Rio races.
Robyn's Lipton journey began under the mentorship of Heidi Burger onboard "Team Tiletoria," and competed as an all-female racing team. Since then, Robyn has participated in multiple Liptons onboard that team. Notably, in 2015, they competed against a second all-female team, whose helmswoman, Megan Eccleston, is now part of Robyn's 2024 Lipton campaign.
The average age of this crew competing is under 30. This committed and competitive team has grown from grassroots to seasoned sailors, competing locally and internationally. They have all participated in many major regattas and races, including the Cape to Rio Race, Youth Worlds, China Cup, Lady Liberty Regatta, and Star Sailing League. Onboard is Raaid Pentolfe, Megan Eccleston, Chiara Fruet, Lorenzo Yon, & Lance Curtis. Theo, Raaid, and Lance are National ORC Champions for 2022, winning together onboard Gigi.
"The success of our campaign isn't measured solely by our results but by our vision and purpose. This diverse group we have onboard is not only competitive but also dedicated to promoting inclusivity and representation in the sailing community. We proudly carry the hashtag as our campaign slogan." Says Robyn, whose passion lies in promoting female sailing in South Africa.
KSYC Centre of Sailing Excellence
South African Sailing - SAS
City of Cape Town