Phil Couchman: Cape to Rio - Racing with a Vision

In January 2023, I will be racing in the iconic Cape to Rio yacht race in my 38’ yacht, “DHL Me2Me” that I co-own. The race is a biggie - over 3600 nautical miles (approx. 6,700 kms).

The boat and our crew of 7 are well-prepared. We have spent the past 12 months training, planning and preparing for this 3+week journey. We have completed all qualifying and safety requirements and I am confident that we will do very well. This is by no means a ‘champagne cruise’ - it's going to be a hard 21+ days of racing across the Atlantic Ocean.

I have chosen to use the race to raise funds and increase awareness for the Rotary Club of Hout Bay, in Cape Town, which places a high focus on developing South Africa’s youth in need. Having joined Rotary in 2021, I have been mightily impressed by their dedication to raising funds for South African youth. Of the many achievements of the club, the Vision Project is one I am personally aligned with and am seeking to raise up to $20,000 USD to contribute to the next phases. Seeking your donation, large or small.

Organised by John Herrick, Treasurer of Rotary Club of Hout Bay on behalf of Phil Couchman, fellow Rotarian and sailor.

The Vision Project – Children who cannot see cannot learn.

In South Africa, about 80 percent of children who need glasses do not have them, and most can barely see the blackboard at school. The Vision Project funds the testing of children's eyesight at school, prescribing and providing eyeglasses for those in need. The transformational effect of glasses on these children is simply magical. Life changing.

In the past 3 years, Rotary Hout Bay has funded the testing of 3,000+ children in local schools serving communities of need and provided glasses to almost 400 children.

The program is professionally conducted and makes a real change, but it needs more funding as we take it into High Schools.

Read more about The Vision Project here. https://rotaryhoutbay.org/youth-projects/