The highly anticipated Cape2Rio 2026 Yacht Race was officially launched on 13th February 2025 in Cape Town at the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC), setting the stage for another thrilling edition of this iconic transatlantic sailing event. Known for its gruelling 3,300-nautical-mile course from Table Bay, Cape Town, to Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Cape2Rio continues to attract top sailors from around the world, eager to test their endurance, skill, and ocean racing expertise.
Registration is now open, with 11 teams confirmed, including five from South America, out of an expected 30 competitors. The race begins on 27 December 2026, and can take up to a month to complete, testing sailors in one of the most challenging ocean crossings.
A Celebration of Sport, Partnership, and Sustainability
The launch event featured a keynote address by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, who highlighted the strong relationship between Cape Town and Brazil, strengthened by South African Airways’ new direct flights to São Paulo. 2023 Cape2Rio champion Adrian Kuttel shared his experience of winning one of the world’s most prestigious yacht races.
A key highlight of the evening was the introduction of major sponsors:
- Alexforbes was unveiled as an official sponsor of Cape2Rio 2026.
- Alexforbes reaffirmed its commitment to South African sailing by sponsoring the RCYC Sailing Academy team.
- South African Airways was named a travel partner, aligning with its new direct flight route from Cape Town to São Paulo.
Empowering the Next Generation of Sailors
Following the success of the Alexforbes ArchAngel entry, which secured third place in 2023, Alexforbes continues its support for youth sailing by introducing an all-female crew from the RCYC Sailing Academy. The young sailors, aged 21 to 26, are undergoing rigorous training to prepare for the 2026 race, focusing on teamwork, boat handling, and navigation.
The RCYC Sailing Academy, established in 2012, has provided young South Africans with valuable life skills through sailing, opening doors to competitive opportunities and maritime careers.
Cape2Rio 2026 Champions Ocean Conservation
The race has taken a major step forward in environmental responsibility with the introduction of SeaKeepers as its official environmental partner. Participating yachts will join the SeaKeepers DISCOVERY Programme, supporting marine research initiatives during the race.
Competitors will also contribute to the Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project, a global initiative to map the world’s ocean floor. This collaboration underscores Cape2Rio’s commitment to ocean conservation, ensuring the race not only tests human endurance but also benefits scientific research.
The Countdown to Cape2Rio 2026 Begins
With just under a year to go, excitement is building for Cape2Rio 2026. From seasoned professionals to ambitious newcomers, this race remains a true test of skill, endurance, and teamwork. As teams make final preparations, Cape Town eagerly anticipates another historic transatlantic journey, uniting the sailing community in a celebration of adventure and perseverance.
