Sailing Magazine
The Cape to Rio Yacht Race is South Africa’s premier ocean sailing event and is the only transatlantic race to take place in the Southern Hemisphere, with the first race in 1971, 49 years ago!
The race is organised by the Royal Cape Yacht Club, in co-operation with Iate Clube do Rio de Janeiro.
The grand prize is the “South Atlantic Trophy”, which is awarded to the winner on handicap. In addition, there are prizes for the fastest participant, for a possible new record time and for the first on handicap in each of the sailing classes.
The now famous yacht race connects the cities of Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro across the vast South Atlantic. With a course length of approximately 3 600 nautical miles, it is the longest single intercontinental race in the Southern Hemisphere, and attracts club and professional sailors alike. The race unites the iconic, exotic and historic in an incredible cocktail of deep blue water sailing, and for 2020 has attracted 25 entries ranging from hard-core racers, family cruisers, youth teams, to avid adventurers. Records will be broken and friendships made.
Now in its 16th edition, this race will have two start dates: the first start for the smaller boats on 4 January 2020, and the second start for larger boats on 11 January 2020. The prize giving will be held in Rio on 2 February 2020.
Start Day Programme
10h00
Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony at Royal Cape Yacht Club.
Welcome by RCYC Commodore, Neil Gregory.
Team Introductions by the Race Chairman, Luke Scott.
City of Cape Town Official Send-off by Mayor, Dan Plato.
Blessing of the Fleet by Padre Tony Bethka.
Firing of the Ceremonial Canon.
11h00
Fleet personal farewell period at RCYC.
Once cast off, boats will muster at the entrance to the Small Craft Basin.
11h30
Fleet Departure to Quay 6 in V&A Waterfront
The VIP Spectator Boat, “SetSea” and the Media boat will depart RCYC and lead the fleet to the V&A Waterfront in Alpha Formation (one behind the other).
12h00
Public sail-past and fleet farewell at Quay 6 in the V&A Waterfront.
The Noon Gun will signal the start of the public farewell procession of the fleet and their departure for the race start in Table Bay.
13h00
Last yacht leaves the V&A Waterfront.
All yachts proceed to the Start Area in Table Bay.
13h15
VIP and Media Boats leave to view the start in Table Bay.
13h50
Race start warning signal.
14h00
Start 1 of the 16th edition of the Cape 2 Rio Yacht Race.
