Simone

One has to continue to marvel at modern technology, especially the YB Trackers, which bring the race live to so many followers the world over.

Was it a surprise to see the big dogs dive south so dramatically? Probably not as one has to really keep one eye on the tracker and another on the weather.

Something the landlubbers following this race may not know about ocean racing is that outside assistance is simply not permitted and at its worst can be punishable by disqualification, or with a time penalty at the finish.

by Dawn Jorgensen The Race Is On. With the First Start cruisers a week into the much revered Cape2Rio 2020 yacht race and by now all firmly set with bow to final destination, it was time to unleash the serious racers and record chasers into the competition. The day started with the Mother City cloaked

With the front-runners now passing due south of St Helena Island in good breeze, it’s been a spectacular first half for these boats, who are now starting the slow turn down around the south Atlantic high and aiming at last for Rio.

One just has to stand back in awe at the sheer speed and distance covered by the two big dogs, ‘Maserati’ and ‘Love Water’ as they are stripping miles off the chart quicker than a marauding gamefish strips line off a reel!

Like greyhounds, the moment they were set free they were off at breakneck speeds for Rio, with the record books looking like they might well be re-written.

There’s been a huge move on the leader board as the fleet clock up their first 1000nm in the race and edge ever closer to the Meridian (0 degrees longitude) and the western hemisphere.

The Cape2Rio2020 Race intrigue continues, as the boats do their utmost to balance the options to make the most of the wind strength and direction.

Ocean racing is one of those difficult sports as one has to have a well planned strategy before the start

The Start One of the Cape2Rio Ocean Race fleet exited Table Bay safely and cleanly in champagne sailing conditions on Saturday afternoon.

With the Start One fleet now fully conversant with the concept, day 3 held within it some reward for those that persevered with the north/coastal routing.

Years of preparation, dreaming and hard work came to fruition for 13 of the participating Cape2Rio2020 teams, as they took to the blue and rather calm waters of Table Bay, hoisting their sails and embarking on Start One of this adventure of a lifetime, at 14h00 local time on Saturday 4th January 2020. Family, friends

Spectator boats are most welcome to enjoy the start on the water, but must please keep well clear and monitor race communications on radio channel VHF06

The Cape2Rio2020 Ocean Race supports positive and constructive efforts to improve and assist a broad spectrum of causes close to the hearts and minds of competitors and race supporters, by using the race as a platform to showcase and promote good.

With just a month to go before Table Bay once again bids her formidable farewells to a healthy fleet of twenty-five ocean going yachts on the next Cape to Rio Ocean Race.