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Cape to Rio gets underway

Cape Town - Saturday saw the start of the 14th Cape to Rio event, from Table Bay in Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Records for the crossing of the Atlantic seem set to tumble in both the Monohull and Multihull divisions, with Maserati and Scartlet Runner favourites to win.

Sailing from Cape Town to a finish line of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro, there are no racing marks to the course, which may well give the huge array of competitors the opportunity to break the current record. Set by Zephyrus IV, a 22.9m sloop in 2000, the record is an impressive 12 days, 16 hours and 49 minutes.

“Pitching this event as a bucket list item, Royal Cape Yacht Club’s new dedicated race committee intend to bring the Cape to Rio Yacht Race back to her former glory as a truly intentional event,” says Dale Kushner, RCYC’s commodore. “It’s anyone’s race, conditions, good decisions and a bit of luck being the overriding factor.”

Dale Kushner has entered the event, sailing double-handed with his long term crew member, Ian Coward. The duo has competed in almost every single offshore event in South Africa. He’s familiar with this race having taken part in previous editions, the most recent was 2011 where he attained 3rd place overall.

They will be sailing aboard Dale’s Jenneau Sunfast 3200 Class yacht which is aptly named YOLO (You Only Live Once). The boat is 32 feet in length making it one of the smallest boats to enter this edition of the race.

With entries and interest from Italy, Australia, Germany, France, Croatia, Gibraltar, UK and Angola,  we are expecting 36 yachts on the start line. The navies of South Africa and India have entered, as well as the Royal Naval Sailing Association.

RCYC, who own and host the event, will provide facilities and support to all participants, ensuring a smooth arrival, preparation and departure for this iconic event. Follow the action and latest news at www.rcyc.co.za and www.cape2rio2014.com

Cape to Rio race starts (Trevor Wilkins)

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