The Kuttel name is well known in the world of local and international ocean racing circles, least of all the Cape to Rio Race, and their involvement will continue in 2023 as Adrian Kuttel has entered the singlehanded division – the first in this division.
The late Peter “Padda” Kuttel competed in two Whitbread Round the World Races on his yachts ‘Xargo3′ and ‘Atlantic Privateer’, as well as two Cape to Rio’s aboard ‘Atlantic Privateer’ and ‘Namsea Challenger’. His brother “Teddy” Kuttel continues to race actively out of Cape Town, and was a pioneer of the very first race in 1971 – 50 years ago.
The Kuttel sons have continued the family enjoyment of ocean racing, competing together double-handed in 2014 on ‘Privateer’, a Class 40 racer. Adrian has also competed in four Cape to Rio races to date (2003, 2006, 2009 and 2014).
More recently Rijk Kuttel competed two-up with Chris Garratt aboard a Mumm 36 in the 2020 race to Rio.
Adrian has for a long time been captivated by the allure of short-handed sailing, competing in the Class 40 Double-Handed Around the World Race with Conrad Colman in 2012, which saw him rounding the infamous Cape Horn for the first time, so his single-handed entry for the 2023 race is hardly a surprise.
In preparation for the start on 2 January 2023, he has a few events he will compete in, starting with the Cap-Martinique Race.
He recently completed his qualifying passage, in order to be able to compete in this year’s “Cap-Martinique” Race, a single-handed race from La Trinité sur Mer, France, to Fort de France, Martinique. It is exclusively open to 11 – 12m yachts, is a designated race for amateurs only. He will race against 66 competitors, starting on the 18 April.
Adrian will be sailing his JPK 1030 designed yacht named ‘Sentinel Ocean Explorer’, after a charity that he has been instrumental in supporting. The charity, Sentinel Ocean Alliance, has as its mission statement the following objective: “The Sentinel Ocean Alliance creates ocean-based opportunities and provides environmental education for the youth of the South Africa’s coastal community”.
Besides the race he is looking to draw global awareness to this charity and the amazing work it is doing in implementing multi-faceted youth development programmes. These programmes address the challenges facing the youth of previously disadvantaged communities by establishing safe spaces for the children to learn, play and feel inspired. Teaching them to fall in love with the ocean, develop leadership skills and introducing them to the importance of making meaning full contributions to society, as well as understanding the ocean economy.
A video which showcases the great work being done by his chosen charity, can be VIEWED HERE
The Cape2Rio Race 2023 starts on 2 January 2023.
Email information from: info@cape2riorace.com
Website: www.cape2riorace.com