Sailing Magazine
by Richard Crockett
As the Cape to Rio Race starts in less than a month’s time I will devote space in the coming weeks to the race with both historical material and info on the entries for the 2023 race.
Something it’s so easy to forget is that the 2023 race is the 50th anniversary of the 1973 race – the second Cape to Rio race. These races, which captured the hearts and minds of all South Africans and became a staple topic of conversation at dinner tables back in the day, resulted in a massive boost for the industry with boats being built both professionally and in back gardens around the country. Plus, and more importantly, they gave people the opportunity to sail across an ocean. From small beginnings, the Rio Races blossomed into a race that people simply had to do. 16 races later, there are still those adventure seekers taking on the South Atlantic in the 17th race “across the nursery slopes” as the passage to Rio has been dubbed in the past.
And let’s not forget that it was the Rio Race which had the honour of being the longest ocean race in the world for several editions. Well done to those who had the vision, passion and commitment to put a wholly South African race on the world map.
So as a teaser today, I will share the Argus newspaper Rio Race supplement, published on 15 January 1971.
All the contenders are listed, as is a list of trophies, mug shots of all the skippers and so much more.
Finally, the supplement shared has a large chunk cut out of the front page. Should anyone still have this supplement and would like to share it, I would like to update my version to rid it of the gap. Contact me at: editor@sailing.co.za
READ IT ALL HERE: 1971 01 15 Argus supplement
