SA sailors win 2nd world title
“We are immensely proud of Michaela and Ryan. Winning one world title is remarkable, but to then to go and defend that title is truly outstanding,” said SA Sailing chairman Peter Hall.
The talented teenagers, who hail from the landlocked mining town of Carletonville, claimed two race wins and two second places during the course of the four-day event on their way to finishing in the familiar top spot.
But unlike 2013, when the duo had to battle grim Irish conditions in Lough Derg, they were sailing on home waters at Theewater Sports Club in Villiersdorp.
The pair swapped roles in the boat with Ryan (18) crewing for Michaela (14) at helm in their boat Mirrorjuana.
“What makes their win even more noteworthy is that they did it in an eight-year-old, wooden boat while the other competitors sailed in sleek, fibre glass vessels.
“We want to convey our heartfelt congratulations to the Robinsons and I have no doubt we'll be seeing plenty more of them on the top of international podiums in the future,''Hall said.
The brother and sister combination edged ahead of Australia's Simon and Tyson Barwood who finished in second spot with Britain's Eleanor Keers and Isobel Pugh in third. Another South African pair, Eben and Johan Vivier, were fifth.
(File photo: Gallo Images)
