If you’re looking for a true bucket-list adventure then enter the Cape 2 Rio Race 2023. This is one of the few ocean races that can offer every level of sailor a sense of achievement, adventure and action.
Entries are open for the next edition of the Cape to Rio Yacht Race. The 2017 winner Black Pearl is the first to enter the 2023 edition, which is the longest continent-to-continent yacht race in the southern hemisphere.
The 3400 nm race crosses the South Atlantic Ocean between Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro, linking two of the world’s most beautiful sea ports. After leaving Cape Town, participants head north-west towards the island of Ilha Trindade, and south-west from there towards South America. As they near the coast, skippers need to decide whether to take the longer route with stronger winds, or a more direct route with the chance of lighter winds.
A strong history
The first edition of the race dates back to 1971 with many legends of international yachting having competed in the event.
This race is a South Atlantic classic, connecting Africa with South America, offering an incredible opportunity for the adventure of a lifetime!
Past editions have attracted entries like George David’s Rambler, Hasso Plattner’s Morning Glory, Mike Slade’s Leopard, and Giovanni Soldini’s Volvo 70 Maserati, all in pursuit of the line honours record. The 2017 race was won overall by Stefan Jentzsch’s Carkeek 47, Black Pearl, from Germany. And Lion of Africa Vulcan was the first RCYC entry to cross the line, placing third overall and third in IRC Division 1.
Record chasers and record breakers
The 2020 edition of the race provided great excitement as the South African team on the 80ft Ultim LoveWater not only took the overall win on handicap, but broke the existing record too. Although Giovanni Soldini’s Maserati took line-honours, it was LoveWater who secured first place on handicap.
The team broke the record by three days. And in a very rare double win, they took both the Line Honours and Handicap titles.
Their record time was 7 days, 20 hours, 54 minutes and 2 seconds (Maserati came in a few hours later, in 8 days 3 hours 39 minutes and 34 seconds).
At the finish, skipper Craig Sutherland described the crew as an “ecstatic, exhausted, salty, smelly bunch of sailors”.
Not just a race
But not every sailor wants to race across the ocean to win trophies. The thought of eating freeze-dried food for weeks on end, with no luxuries, is not what they have in mind.
For some it’s just the sense of achievement. To be able to cross the Atlantic Ocean and deal with the challenges along the way. And others want to experience this race with their families – like the Robinson’s who have crossed the Atlantic a few times as a family.
Whatever your reason or motivation, don’t miss the chance to do the race.
Entry information
Download the NoR Pdf document by clicking here
Download the NoR marketing brochure by clicking here.
Visit the Facebook page for regular updates and the official website for the entry form.
The Cape2Rio Race 2023 will commence on 2 January 2023. For more information contact info@cape2riorace.com.
