The V&A Waterfront is set to welcome the return of the Clipper Race fleet in November, providing a boost for the local maritime economy.
The fleet is currently berthed in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from whence it should take around 17 days to reach Cape Town across the South Atlantic — a distance of 3 555nm.
Considered one of the toughest endurance challenges in sailing, the 40 000nm Clipper is sure to inject some activity into the regional maritime economy, with repairs and provisioning required before the fleet sets off again to Australia.
The 2023-24 edition involves 23 South African racers – among them two South African skippers — in addition to Deputy Race Director Dayle Smyth from Cape Town.
Commenting on the upcoming South Atlantic crossing, Smyth said the ‘homecoming’ Race leg had special significance: “For our fleet, sailing into Table Bay is one of the most iconic landfalls across sailing history,” Smyth said in a statement released ahead of the Race restart. “As the backdrop of Table Mountain unfolds with its perfect tablecloth warning of a strong South Easterly in the bay and the incredible marine life becoming denser with each mile, it’s an arrival by sea they will never forget.
“For me personally, returning to Cape Town is always amazing, being welcomed back to family and a tightly-knit sailing community that has encouraged me to develop my sailing and sailing career since I was a child. I look forward to sharing my city with all of our Race,” Smyth said.
David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, said: “We look forward to welcoming the Clipper Race community of Race Crew, family, and friends back to the city of Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront.
“Both the port of Cape Town, and the Waterfront have a rich history of hosting ocean racing passing through the Southern Oceans, which are considered a core challenge to any sailing competition. In Cape Town, Clipper Race Crew will be welcomed to world class infrastructure, from repair facilities to hospitality and many other critical services and logistics to support their event. Ours is a location like no other, attracting global attention to our beautiful city and creating opportunities for tourism. We are ready for you,” Green said.