Lipton Challenge Cup sets sail in Cape Town
While the gushing winds of the Western Cape has caused much damage in some parts, the winds have brought much enjoyment for the nine teams participating in the annual Lipton Challenge Cup as it sails into the Mother City.
The 70th edition of the Lipton Challenge Cup is officially under way at Table Bay. Africa’s premier offshore sailing regatta returns to Cape Town for the first time in five years.
The reigning champs, Royal Cape Yacht Club welcomed the eight other sailing teams from across South Africa, who put their best sails forward to compete for the winning trophy.
Ending off competition today ( Saturday, August 31) it was the sterling participation of teams including teams such as King Shaka Yacht Club from Richards Bay, the George Lakes Yacht Club from Wilderness, the Defence Yacht Club from Saldanha Bay, False Bay Yacht Club from Simon's Town, Theewater Sports Club from Villiersdorp, the Milnerton Aquatic Club, Seal Point Yacht Club from Vaal Dam and the KSYC Centre of Sailing Excellence from Richards Bay, who made the intriguing sport possible.
As the pinnacle of South Africa’s sailing scene, the Lipton Challenge Cup pits the teams against each other in hard sailing and strategic manoeuvring courses off the coast of Table Bay.
Royal Cape Yacht Club is hosting the 2024 edition after winning the competition in Durban last July. With 17 wins, the club holds the record for most Lipton Challenge Cup titles.
Organisers said Thursday was a challenge as winds made competitors work hard.
“Yet again racing was tough today (Thursday), not due to too much to the swell, but rather due to the vagaries of the wind which was shifty, plus competitors had some current to contend with too. This has caused the overall results to be scrambled somewhat as fortunes have changed significantly overnight. As a result the courses had to be shifted and buoys moved throughout the day to keep the racing true and fair. So not only was it tough for the sailors, but for the mark layers and all on-water assistants who were kept busy.”
“The sea settled considerably compared to Wednesday but the South Easter was still a bit shifty. We had some fantastic racing from the fleet and the standings are tight. The breeze seems to be dropping off today so hopefully the competitors can adjust.”
Partnering with the competition, The City of Cape Town’s Mayco Member Alderman JP Smith said it provides an opportunity for not only sailors to showcase their skills, but hosting it in Cape Town has a far-reaching impact.
“It provides an opportunity for local boat manufacturers to showcase their capabilities, assists the City in its objectives of creating an enabling environment to attract investment that generates economic growth, and of course promotes Cape Town as a premier tourism destination.”