Russell Peters crowned Cape 31 Series overall champion
by Cape 31 Class 15 Dec 2021 05:20 NZDT
14 December 2021
Squirt after winning the Cape 31 Class at the Round the Island Race - Cape 31 Class Series 2021 © Cape 31 Class UK
The 2021 Cape 31 season was rounded off last week with the Cape 31 Christmas Party and Series Prize Giving. The top three boats were awarded their prizes and teams gathered to celebrate an awesome first year.
Russell Peters and crew on Squirt had a near flawless season winning all six regattas of the series. The only time they were knocked off the top spot this year was at the Royal Southern September Regatta in September. Russell sails with family and friends including his two daughters Suzy and Emily Peters.
Squirt (ex Tokoloshe) was one of four boats that were in the UK for the whole season. They were always at the front of the fleet with the other teams constantly working to be in front of them.
The crew on Katabatic were at their heels all season. Lance Adams bought Katabatic second hand from Cape Town after calling Dave Swete about his Corby 36. Until this year Lance navigated his boat but Dave convinced him to get on the helm and brought in some great young sailors. Lance had an awesome year and is very proud to be one of the founding owners in the UK Class.
Nifty (Hull 16 - originally destined to be the new Tokoloshe) was delivered to Roger Bowden just in time for Round 3. To come away with third in the series despite only having a boat for the final four regattas is a great testament to their sailing this year. The team started out on Nifty Drifter, Dufour 40, before moving on to a very successful campaign on King 40 Nifty. This was their first season on a smaller sports boat - they're absolutely loving the challenge and can't wait to have more boats on the start line next year.
The Cape 31 Class is going from strength to strength with new boats being delivered every month. 25 boats have been sold to the UK with 4 heading across to be based in Ireland, joining us for the series and nationals. There should be 15+ boats on the start line at Round 1 of the Series - Poole Regatta in May. Let's see if any of our new owners can knock Russell off the top spot!
Full series results here