Excitement mounts as Cape 31 Invitational Regatta sets sail

Cape 31 Invitational Regatta © cape31.co.za

With a total of 11 teams already entered, including three international teams who will be sailing in Cape Town waters for the first time the stage has been set for a thrilling regatta.

Teams from Sweden, Hong Kong and the UK will battle it out against some of South Africa's top sailing talent including Olympic sailors, world champions and Volvo Ocean Race sailors.

The Cape 31 is a one-design class boat designed by internationally renowned yacht designer, Mark Mills which was first launched during the 2017 Volvo Ocean Cape Town Stopover. It is a home grown concept and build.

To date, 12 of the locally built boats have been launched in Cape Town with a further three on order and in production adding a substantial boost to local sailing and the economy, which will assist with showcasing the industry's experience in boat building and the maintenance of the South African Ocean Sector, particularly in the Western Cape. The purpose of the Cape 31 Invitational is to market and sell the Cape 31 one-design boat to international teams further benefiting the local boat building industry.

"Our international teams have arrived today and most of the Cape 31's have moored at the V&A with some out in Table Bay practising already," says Hylton Hale MD Worldsport Sailing. "We host the welcome function on Thursday 6 February and then it is all systems go for the regatta. The public and media interest in the regatta and the Cape 31's has exceeded our expectations."

Since the launch, Cape 31 builds have already injected a total of R30 million into the local economy with more than 30 direct jobs created locally. Selling more of these boats will further increase the success of the sailing economy as well as assist in creating more jobs in the boat building industry.

"The V&A Waterfront is proud to be the host venue for the C31 Invitational Regatta, as supporting and developing South Africa's ocean economy is a significant focus area for us." Says Donald Kau, Head: PR & Communications at the V&A Waterfront. "As custodians of one of the most recognised waterfronts in the world, we are keenly aware of the need to encourage Capetonians to reconnect with, and to enjoy their rich marine heritage. Events such as the Regatta give locals a chance to view boats up close. By interacting with the race crew visitors develop an appreciation for the diverse industries that make up our ocean economy."

The three-day Cape 31 Invitational Regatta is set to take place from Friday 8 February Sunday 10 February.

The boats will be moored at North Warf in the V&A Waterfront with the racing taking place in Table Bay.