If you are one who loves seeing yachts glide across the ocean and break through the wind from the harbour breakwater, you will be glad to hear that the iconic Cape to St Helena Yacht Race returns in December 2024.
Also read: Dog walkers warned of parasite in Prinskasteel River, Tokai
The Governor’s Cup, as it was originally known, dates back to 1996, when the former captain of the RMS St Helena mail ship watched hundreds of yachts cross the start line of the Cape-to-Rio yacht race.
Captain David Roberts was inspired by this and imagined a similar race from Cape Town to the remote British Territory of St Helena, which became known as the ‘Tavern of the Seas.’
In 1997, Roberts’ dream became reality with the start of the Governor’s Cup race, which has become a classic event on the sailing calendar with it being held every two years.
According to TimeOut, this year’s race will see a mixed fleet of yachts battle the 3060km trek across the South Atlantic. Entries for this year’s race will close on 1 November 2024 and the race will commence on 26 December 2024.
David Garrard, vice commodore of the Royal Cape Yacht Club, said, ‘We are excited to be part of this incredible event and with just nine months to go, we are working closely with St Helena Tourism to stage this iconic yacht race. We look forward to a good fleet and sharing this tremendous event with the world.’
Also read:
Bulletproof park proposed for Mitchells Plain to protect children
Picture: Dana Tentis / Pexels