Ocean Racing World Champions - Camps Bay High School

Ocean Racing World Champions. Brother-Sister Duo from Camps Bay High School Crowned Ocean Racing World Champions!

Holly and Ryley Smith, residents from Hout Bay and both students at Camps Bay High School, have been crowned Mixed Doubles U18 World Champions at the Ocean Racing World Championship in Madeira, Portugal. Holly, in Grade 12, and her brother Ryley, in Grade 10, powered through the 23km race in challenging conditions. They conquered flat waters, headwinds, and a strong current to claim the prestigious title.

In addition to their shared victory, Holly secured a silver medal in the Singles U18 Women’s race. Ryley, competing as an U16 athlete in the U18 Men’s division, finished an impressive 6th in his singles race.

This latest win makes Holly a three-time World Champion, having also won the Women’s Double U18 Canoe Marathon title last year and the Women’s Singles U18 Ocean Racing event earlier this year in Australia. For Ryley, this marks his first World Championship title, making him one of the youngest World Champions in Ocean Racing. With his talent and determination, we’ll no doubt be seeing more of him in the future.

Reflecting on their triumph, Holly said: “Winning a World Championship is always an incredible feeling, but to do it with my brother in my final year of racing in the U18 category makes it even more unforgettable.”

Busi Ngcwama, Head of Sport at Camps Bay High School, expressed her pride: “Holly and Ryley’s achievements are truly inspiring. Their dedication and commitment to the sport, combined with their teamwork as siblings, is something we don’t often see at this level. They are incredible ambassadors for both the school and South Africa.”