The Mark Mills-designed Cape 26 has had its debut sail under the watchful eyes of the team from Cape Performance Sailing. The new family-orientated and budget-friendly racing yacht is the successor to the highly successful Cape 31.
“First sail on the Cape 26 in False Bay. Good times ahead. An amazing first sail,” the company announced via a social media update.
Notable features include a fully retractable keel and rudder, a signature “Mills Ramp Deck” design, and carbon masts and foils. The 7.8m LOA (Length Overall) yacht is completely trailable and engineered to fit seamlessly inside a standard 40-foot shipping container.
“Whether you’re a seasoned racer or looking for an exhilarating new challenge, the Cape 26 is built for speed, agility, and ease of handling,” the company said of the design when unveiling the model.
Mills and his colleagues will be hoping the one-design Cape 26 emulates the global success of the Cape 31, which has seen 85 boats sold and delivered worldwide with production still continuing apace. The model was originally conceived by prominent yachting philanthropist Lord Irvine Laidlaw, in collaboration with Mills.