To celebrate the third birthday of Team Shosholoza, the South African entry in the America’s Cup yachting event, Archbishop Desmond Tutu announced on Wednesday he would be joining the team in the Spanish port city of Valencia in June.
Team Shosholoza celebrates its third anniversary on Thursday and in a birthday message sent to the team, who are based in Valencia, Tutu said: ”Are you only three years old? Well, you have been punching well above your weight and your age.
”Well done and heartiest congratulations on this momentous anniversary in the year when we expect even greater things from you.
”We are immensely proud of you, we the rainbow nation you represent so brilliantly. God bless you. Arch”
Tutu is the patron of South Africa’s first-ever America’s Cup challenger.
Tutu said he would be a guest of honour at a proposed gala charity dinner on June 9 during his stay in the 2007 America’s Cup host city. Tutu’s visit will take place during the Louis Vuitton Cup finals.
South Africa’s maiden America’s Cup challenge was publicly announced on March 8 2004 by managing director Captain Salvatore Sarno to coincide with the arrival in Cape Town of the country’s first-ever America’s Cup-class yacht.
Tutu said he might consider being 18th man aboard RSA 83 in Valencia later this year.
”Sure, I will sit there and say: Remember guys, I am not as young as I look,” he said.
The 18th man spot is a coveted non-participant position reserved for VIP guests of the teams.
Spain’s King Juan Carlos, Formula One champion Michael Schumacher and tennis star Roger Federer were among the line-up of royalty, sports stars and other celebrities who sailed with America’s Cup teams during the racing in 2006.
South Africa is making her maiden bid for the America’s Cup in Valencia, Spain in 2007. It is the first African challenge in the 156 year history of the event. — Sapa