Shosholoza continues to heap on the accolades

… and needs your support JOY ORLEK CHAMPAGNE CORKS popped and the mainly Spanish weekend crowds lining the canal leading into the Port America’s Cup cheered wildly last weekend as Team Shosholoza returned triumphant to the dock after scooping two victories off two strong America’s Cup teams on the third day of racing in the Valencia Louis Vuitton Act 10 off Spain on Saturday (May 13). As South Africa’s America’s Cup hopefuls continue to shine, a variety of awards continues to be heaped upon them. On June 2 the Yacht Club of the Republic of San Marino will present Team Shosholoza with its prized ‘Golden Sail’ award. It has also emerged that in December 2005 Capt Sarno was created a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the highest honour of his home country. The knighthood honours his entrepreneurial skills as chairman of MSC SA and philanthropic activities - among them the setting up of Izivunguvungu MSC Foundation for Youth in Simonstown, the training and development wing of Team Shosholoza. Despite having the smallest budget and being one of the smallest and youngest of 12 teams, Shosholoza has had five race match victories so far, beating more than half of the best teams in the world. The sponsorship of MSC and T-Systems, an IT and telecommunications multinational, represents 60% of the 4-year campaign budget. Among the local companies that have contributed to the team are MACS Shipping, FTW and Shepstone and Wylie. If you would like to add your support to this proudly South African initiative, the bank details are as follows: Account name: SA America’s Cup Challenge (2007) Bank: Nedbank 90 Ordnance Road Durban, South Africa Branch: Business KZN – 164 826 Account No.: 1648 082289 Swift No.: NEDSZAJJ