Please select your home edition
Edition
Armstrong 728x90 - HA Foil Range - TOP

Cape to St Helena Yacht Race 2024 - one month to go

by Cape to St Helena 30 Nov 2024 05:32 PST 28 December 2024
Flica - skippered by Rijk Kuttel will be competing in this year's Cape to St Helena Yacht Race © Matt du Toit

The iconic Cape to St Helena Yacht Race is set to continue yacht racing history between the Island and The Cape, with eight vessels confirmed for the December 28 start.

The 1,700 nautical mile journey from Cape Town will culminate in a prestigious prize-giving ceremony at the Governor's official residence, Plantation House, on January 10, 2025.

The event kicks off at the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) with the traditional Blue Peter party on 23 December with family, friends and supporters - setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating race across the South Atlantic.

The impressive lineup includes Tintin (skippered by Di Hutton-Squire), defending her title as winner of the last race in 2022, Umoya (skippered by Pete Martin), Atalanta (skippered by Heye Daun & Gerry Hegie), Flica (skippered by Rijk Kuttel), Magnus (skippered by Evert Groenewald), Fryd (skippered by Jarl Spandow), Magic Dragon (skippered by Rod Halling), and Mwera (skippered by Ashley Verhulp).

This year's race continues the rich 28-year history of the yacht race from the waters of the Cape to Jamestown, St Helena, says David Garrard, Vice Commodore of the RCYC and chairman of the 2024 organising committee: "Originally called the Governor's Cup, this epic race represents not just interest and growth in competitive sailing, but also showcases the RCYC's commitment to fostering world-class sailing events that challenge and inspire our members."

Matt Joshua, Head of Tourism for St Helena, emphasises the island's significance in Atlantic sailing: "St Helena has long been a crucial stopping point for Atlantic crossings, with a rich maritime heritage dating back centuries. We're thrilled to welcome these competitive sailing teams to our shores and share our unique island culture with them!"

The Cape to St Helena Yacht Race is one of only a handful of races that finish at a remote island destination - and it's a big part of what makes this race so special. Beyond the test of skill, challenging conditions, stiff competition and camaraderie, St Helena offers competitors the chance to explore its heritage, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality in a post-race adventure like no other.

"The magic of St Helena is undeniable," says Garrard. "We know it adds to the allure of the race, and it has become a bucket-list goal for many."

For travellers keen on exploring this once-in-a-lifetime destination, Airlink offers a weekly flight service from Johannesburg (JNB) to St Helena Island (HLE), with a seasonal flight from Cape Town added between December and March 2025. Flight tickets are available on flyairlink.com and through all IATA-registered travel agents - take the plunge and explore the island's history, discover the island's unique plant and bird life, take on any of the '21 post box walks' and engage in exciting marine and adventure activities with the local 'Saints' who can't wait to share St Helena Island with the world!

Related Articles

Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup Day 8
Super Finals Saturday sees Daida Moreno produce buzzer beater The penultimate day of the 2025 Gran Canaria Gloria Windsurf World Cup saw final results gained in three categories; Women's, U21 Boy's and U18 Boy's and all three divisions required Super Finals to determine the eventual winners. Posted on 12 Jul
International Moth Worlds at Lake Garda Day 5
A day to remember on Lake Garda with waves and strong gusts A day to remember on Lake Garda for the fifth and penultimate day of the 2025 Moth World Championship, hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine from 6 to 13 July. Posted on 12 Jul
Jazz Turner Makes History in Project FEAR
Jazz credits Allen for providing cutting-edge sheeting systems, as well as expert advice Project FEAR, an extraordinary solo sailing voyage by Jazz Turner, has concluded successfully: she became the first disabled person – and specifically the first wheelchair user – to sail non-stop and unassisted around the UK and Ireland. Posted on 12 Jul
18th Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona overall
Some of the most celebrated gems of classic yachting in the waters off Barcelona The sails have now been lowered on the 18th edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica, which this week brought together some of the most celebrated gems of classic yachting in the waters off Barcelona. Posted on 12 Jul
Dylan Fletcher previews Portsmouth
Fletcher says SailGP's Portsmouth debut offers the team the chance to 'right the wrongs'. With just a week to go until SailGP's return to Great Britain, we sit down with Emirates GBR driver Dylan Fletcher to discuss the opportunities and pressures of a home event. Posted on 12 Jul
Australian sailors take to Olympic waters
Regatta serves as an important test, not just for sailors, but also for organisers The Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta is set to get begin, marking the first major combined event on the waters of the LA 2028 Olympic Games. Posted on 12 Jul
Marine Auctions: Two Online Auctions in July
Also Jacob Seiffert has been appointed as the Area Representative for the Port Lincoln Region Marine Auctions are proud to announce that Jacob Seiffert has been appointed as the Area Representative for the Port Lincoln Region in South Australia. Jacob is a local Commerical Fisherman. Posted on 12 Jul
Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta 2025 Preview
The fourth stop of the five series Sailing Grand Slam circuit Over 200 elite athletes from 42 nations have converged on Long Beach to test their skills on the same waters that will host sailing events during the LA2028 Olympic Games as they compete in the Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta July 12-20 Posted on 12 Jul
Best Buddies from Germany win the AEGEAN 600 2025
The second wave of finishers benefit from last night's steadier breezes Behind the first wave of finishers yesterday morning, yesterday and last night's steadier breezes helped sweep in another wave of Monohull and Multihull finishers to the race finish at Cape Sounion. Posted on 11 Jul
Conversation with Ben Willows: CEO RS Marine Group
Some people's passion for sailing runs so deep, it feels like it's woven into their DNA There are some people whose passion for sailing runs so deep, it feels like it's woven into their DNA. Ben Willows is one of those people. Posted on 11 Jul
Sea Sure 2025C-Tech 2020 Tubes 728x90 BOTTOMRS Sailing 2021 - FOOTER