Heineken Cape to Bahia Yacht Race

Fantastic South Atlantic Yacht Race starts of with races in Cape Town

Royal Cape Yacht Club is pleased to announce the second running of the Cape to Bahia 2009 Yacht Race, proudly sponsored by Heineken.

Salvador, the Port within the State of Bahia, Brazil will host the finish of the race.

This popular race is one of yachting’s greatest challenges, attracting participation from professional and amateur yachtsmen and women, from flat out racers at one end of the spectrum to family cruisers at the other.

It is envisaged that some 70 yachts will participate in the South Atlantic Race which starts from Cape Town in January 2009.

World renowned Yachtsman, John Martin, Race Director for Heineken Cape to Bahia 2009 comments, “Salvador is an extremely user friendly Port with very hospitable and friendly people, a good communication network, reasonable accommodation and great food.”

“Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) is honoured that we are able to grow relationships with our various sponsors.” With the Heineken Cape to Bahia being the largest event on our racing calendar, we are so pleased to welcome Heineken back as the title sponsor for the second time. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Franco Maria Maggi of Heineken for his continued support of the race.”

This year’s event sees a small change in the format.The South Atlantic Trophy will be contested by the Mono hull class rated on an equal footing by the IRC Handicap rating system.

This has encouraged enquiries from Europe for yachts like Leopard, an ultra-racing yacht measuring approximately 110 feet.

To-date 45 entries and a further 18 enquiries have been received. There is intense competition in the 40 to 55 ft size of yacht which could equally challenge Leopard for a handicap win.

The fastest elapsed time is expected to be around 12 days with the race cut-off date being 2nd February 2009, the date scheduled for the Prize-giving event.

Given the various classes of yachts participating and taking into account the time differences between classes, the Race Organisers want to ensure that all the entries have the opportunity to enjoy the festivities around the prize-giving event. To this end, there will be three race starts from Cape Town.

Heineken Cape to Bahia Yacht Race:

Date: 3 – 7 January 2009
Location: Cape Town - Brazil

The Cruising Class which includes Multi-Hulls will sail a course from Cape Town to St. Helena where they will stop over for a minimum time period, to explore the Island and to enjoy the real cruising experience.

The International Ark Rally fleet will be participating in the Cruising Class and from St. Helena will continue to Salvador.

The 3500 nautical mile South Atlantic race is generally a downwind race where the tactical element is tested.

Weather conditions vary from possible extreme winds in the Cape Town area of up to 55 knots and 7 metre swells going into calm patches where wind speeds can be a mere 5 knots, with extreme heat temperatures.

Windsong, the Class 1, IRC winner of the 2006 Heineken Cape to Bahia Yacht Race may return again to contest the South Atlantic Trophy.

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