Rolex Middle Sea Race

Growing up on the Caribbean island of Curaçao, Willem started sailing Optimists at the age of 6. Since then, not much has changed, except that the boats got bigger and the passages longer. In recent years, Willem has logged over 30,000 nautical miles at sea, including three Atlantic crossings (two of which as skipper).

Willem is experienced in offshore passage-making — planning, watch systems, and managing vessel and crew during extended crossings — and comfortable diagnosing and resolving technical issues at sea. From his father he inherited a meticulous and uncompromising approach to vessel maintenance and safety.

Besides making a boat go fast, what draws Willem to offshore sailing is the remoteness and the immersion in the raw wilderness that is the open ocean. While he is a competitive sailor, he values good seamanship above all else.

Henry has sailed competitively in everything from Optimists to Supermaxis and has represented South Africa at various levels in international regattas, with notable results including a 2nd at the J22 World Championships and a win at the New York Yacht Club Invitational Regatta.

After graduating with an Honours degree in Law from the University of Groningen, he moved back to Cape Town to set up a sailing programme aimed at introducing young people to the sport.

Next to this, he runs Route Africa which specialises in adventurous trips in remote parts of the continent.

Henry loves adventures and the ocean, and has a particular affinity for racing big yachts in competitive fleets. He is really looking forward to joining the Warrior programme.

Asenathi's story reads like a novel. He grew up in the Eastern Cape settlement of Fort Beaufort, far from the sea. Sailing only entered the picture during school holidays spent with his uncle in Simonstown, during which he joined his cousins at the Izivungu Sailing School. Izivungu was founded to introduce underprivileged youth to sailing and build their self-esteem. Despite not being able to swim, Asenathi quickly proved to be a natural on the water, consistently beating the kids from the yacht clubs in the Western Cape. He then got noticed by the RaceAhead foundation, which supported him as he went on to outcompete his peers in international regattas.

A talented football player as well, Asenathi was scouted for Ajax Cape Town, and was faced with the decision between a career in football or in sailing. He chose the latter, and his decision paid off quickly. Within 18 months of teaming up with Roger Hudson, he was helming South Africa's 470 at the London 2012 Olympics. He and Hudson returned for Rio 2016 and along the way claimed the inaugural African 470 Championship title. SAILING Magazine named Asenathi their Sailor of the Year in 2013.

After Rio, Asenathi moved from the cockpit to the coach boat, leading the South African sailing team through the Tokyo 2020 campaign. He has since spent time in boatbuilding, and now joins the Warrior Crew for the upcoming offshore sailing programme, bringing to the team his experience of two Olympic campaigns, a coaching tour, and years of boatbuilding.

Theo grew up sailing dinghies in Table Bay and fell in love with the technical and physical side of the sport.

He has represented South Africa at various international levels, on a few different boats, while also racing regularly on the local coastal scene. He later moved into offshore racing, including the Cape to Rio Race.

What draws Theo to offshore sailing is the preparation, the mental strength and the range of skills it takes to sail safely and quickly. He finds ocean racing strategy fascinating and unlike any other sport, and the feeling of sailing across an ocean addictive.

Above all, Theo loves to sail fast and to find new adventures. He is looking forward to introducing people to that passion, aboard a beautiful, legendary boat.