Please select your home edition
Edition
North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

50th anniversary of Cape2Rio Sailing Race date announced

by Hilary Ackermann 3 Oct 2020 20:32 AEST 2 January 2023
Cape to Rio Race © Hilary Ackermann

Cape2Rio2023, The Royal Cape Yacht Club, Cape Town South Africa in conjunction with the Iate Club Rio de Janeiro are proud to announce that they will proceed with the running of another edition of this Iconic Ocean Racing Classic. The start date is currently mooted as Sunday 2 January 2023. The Cape to Rio Race was first held in 1971.

It attracted an international entry and was won by Ocean Spirit, co-skippered by world renowned sailor Sir Robin Knox Johnson, who had previously become the first man to sail single handed non-stop around the world.

Now coming up to the 50th anniversary of the first edition of the Race, RCYC Commodore Neil Gregory has taken the bold step of beginning preparations for this event and looks to generate a fleet that mirrors the heyday of this ocean classic. A blue water dash across the South Atlantic Ocean between the tourist capitals of South Africa and Brazil, skirting north of the notorious South Atlantic High Pressure System in glorious sunshine. Champagne sailing much like the famous Transpac Race from San Francisco to Honolulu.

This South Atlantic classic has attracted many great teams over the years, led by the luminaries of Ocean Racing past and present all vying for line and handicap honours in both the Monohull and Multihull divisions. The majestic South Atlantic Trophy has graced many a famous sailor's mantlepiece and we hope to continue this fine tradition.

It is the intention of the organisers to position and promote the C2R2023 as a "bucket list" Ocean Race. Once again attracting top-level owners and crews, as well as sailors from across the spectrum of our sport, wishing to undertake an ocean passage and enjoy the cut and thrust of competitive sailing. Race preparation, navigation, risk assessment, strategy and sheer determination are integral to winning an ocean race. This applies to all competitors no matter what boat you sail.

Referring to the timing of the event, Commodore Gregory noted that December 2022 was going to be a busy time for sailing - both racing and cruising. The City of Cape Town will be hosting The Ocean Race fleet at that time, the Oyster World Rally and ARC World Rally will also be visiting our shores. We will be looking to market the Cape2Rio Race to these visitors as an opportunity to use our event as a feeder into the busy Caribbean Season that commences with the RORC C600. The Caribbean Season provides fantastic events for all classes of boats to enjoy our sport and its camaraderie, Antigua Race Week being a highlight for many sailors globally.

The Organising Authority welcomes enquires and encourages potential participants to register their intention to participate by emailing The Notice of Race is scheduled to be published by end October 2020 and will look to be as inclusive as possible, catering for as many classes to ensure the full range of Ocean Racing Teams are catered for.

Related Articles

Single handed sailor wins Cape2Rio Race
50th anniversary of the race now concluded The 50th anniversary of the Cape2Rio race concluded with some incredible victories and sadly three retirements. There was a party atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro as the winners were announced at a colourful prize-giving on Thursday evening. Posted on 4 Feb 2023
Translated 9's first success
From Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro with no modern technology on board Translated 9 has successfully crossed the ocean for the first time with a crew made up of young people on their first transoceanic voyage, guided by Vittorio Malingri and with practically no tech on board. Posted on 31 Jan 2023
50th Anniversary Cape2Rio Race underway
16 boats set sail for Rio de Janeiro A sunny Cape Town provided the perfect backdrop for the Cape2Rio start on Monday 2 January. 16 teams left Royal Cape Yacht Club in a light westerly wind of 10 knots for a 14h00 start just off Granger Bay. Posted on 3 Jan 2023
Youngest Cape2Rio crew have high hopes
The 2023 race start gun has been fired The Cape2Rio 2023 start gun has been fired, and the Alexforbes ArchAngel, with the youngest average crew in the race - and the first complete crew trained by the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy - has departed our shores. Posted on 2 Jan 2023
From rural herd boy to Cape2Rio skipper
Sibusiso Sizatu flying SA's flag Sibusiso Sizatu spent the first nine years of his life herding his family's livestock and hunting with his siblings in the rural Eastern Cape. Posted on 25 Sep 2022
Just Jinjer lead singer signs up for Cape2Rio Race
Ard Matthews is a household name and an award-winning artist Ard Matthews is one of South Africa's most prized singers, song writers and award-winning artists. He is a beloved household name and personality. Posted on 2 Aug 2022
Entries now open for the Cape2Rio Race 2023
Yachts to set sail on 2 January for the #adventureofalifetime We are counting down to the start of the iconic #Cape2RioRace, which will be celebrating its 50th year in 2023. Boats set sail on 2 January for the #adventureofalifetime. Posted on 21 Jun 2022
Cape2Rio 8th entry received - Sadler 32 Cassiopia
A local entry to be skippered by Geoff Sivertsen The Royal Cape Yacht Club and Iate Club do Rio de Janeiro are delighted to have received the entry of Cassiopia for the 2023 Cape to Rio Race. Cassiopia, a Sadler 32, is a local entry and will be skippered by Geoff Sivertsen. Posted on 7 Aug 2021
Shipping options expanded for Cape2Rio Race 2023
Plan your winter sun of 2022 to coincide with the event Peters & May, preferred logistics supplier to the Cape 2 Rio Yacht Race 2023 recently expanded the shipping options for yachts wishing to arrive in Cape Town for the 2 January 2023 start. Posted on 9 Mar 2021
IRC Rating Certificates for Cape2Rio Race 2023
The RORC Rating Office has agreed to use the ORC measurements to create an IRC certificate The Royal Cape Yacht Club, Cape Town, South Africa is pleased to announce that yachts with a valid ORC and ORCi rating certificate can also now compete in the IRC Fleet in the Cape2Rio Race 2023. Posted on 17 Feb 2021
Selden 2020 - FOOTERHyde Sails 2024 - One DesignRolly Tasker Sails 2023 FOOTER