Team Shosholoza, a group of 17 amateur and professional sailors, are training with Team NZ professional yachtsman Daniel Fong for South Africa's first entry into the America's Cup Challenge.

The Shosholoza crew now consists of 14 permanent onboard members and two shore crew members, and the hunt is on to fill the remaining three sea positions to bring the yacht up to its racing complement of 17.

Originally, a core crew of 12 South African members were selected at the beginning of April. This was necessary to establish a proficient core group of sailors to form the basis of the team.

Unlike many teams entering the America's Cup, the Shosholoza crew consists mainly of amateurs. But one of its stars is 24-year-old professional yachtsman Davey Smith. Originally from South Africa, he has been sailing for 18 years.

He has been living and working in North America and the Caribbean, competing in the extremely competitive international yacht racing circuit. "It has always been my ultimate dream to be part of an America's Cup team," Smith said.

Fong, a world class professional yachtsman, will spend the next week aboard the Shosholoza, coaching the crew and assessing potential members.