Newsletter #6
6 October 2022
Dear Entrants and Perspective entrants of Cape to St Helena 2022.
Since 2020 when this event was supposed to have been run, due to Covid this event was postponed and due to Covid regulations at St Helena Island, it has not been possible to announce the race earlier as we had to wait till the island’s Covid requirements adjusted to that of the rest of the world. This gave us exactly 4 months to the start.
That being said, we have had a lot of interest, understandably, the short notice and the economic effect has dissuaded a few perspective entrants, so we won’t be expecting the record numbers that the 2020 event would have provided. But as things stand, it will still be a great event.
SHIPPING:
We have been highly successful with the island’s shipping company who have given us excellent rates to ship a limited number of yachts back. There is limited space on the ship. Please see the preamble on the NOR which is on the race website. www.capetosthelena.co.za
AIRLINK:
The Event Partners, Airlink, the official airline carrier between South Africa and St Helena have graciously come aboard and made available the prize for first place on ORC (Corrected time and the winner of the Governor’s Cup) 2 return tickets to any Airlink destination. (T’s&C’s Apply). This is an amazing prize, a quick look on the Airlink website would outline how many different destinations Airlink flies to, giving a full understanding of the value of this prize.
For those that are intending to fly back from St Helana Island, suggest booking your flight as soon as possible to secure your seat on your preferred date. You can do this on: www.flyairlink.com
MANTIS HOTEL:
Mantis hotel on St Helena has come to the party and has offered a special rate for competitors and have made their board room and limited wifi available if required to race organizers.
Please support them, either when you stay on the island or for a meal or a drink in their bar.
StHelena Yacht Club
The yacht club is gearing up and will be handling the finishing of all the yachts, liaising with St Helena Radio, will likely host a “fish fry”, the club will also be open daily where the sailors can meet, have a drink, and plan their adventures on the island.
Harbour Master
The harbour master facilitates moorings for all yachts and guides you through the clearing process.
Ferry Service
The ferry service will be running for all competitors, we are in discussions to get them to extend the working hours into the evening, to allow competitors who choose to stay aboard to stay ashore longer.
SAFETY CHECKS:
If you are ready for your safety check, you are welcome to have this inspection early. Use this, if needed, to identify any deficiencies which can thereafter be corrected. (Doing this early takes the pressure off any last-minute chasing.) There is no compromise for a well-prepared boat. Please contact us to make arrangements.
PAPERWORK:
Please ensure that you comply with all dates for submission. Send information in as early if possible.
INSURANCE:
As you will be sailing outside South African territorial waters, we recommend advising and discussing your intentions with your insurers and if you are shipping, of that as well.
Q & A Session:
We will be hosting a simple, short Question and Answer session to entrants and prospective entrants regarding the race, the island to field any questions, from boat preparation, menus to what to do on the island. Please keep an eye on the Facebook page for the dates.
First Aid and Survival Seminars
There are First Aid and Survival mini courses being run at RCYC for Cape to Rio entrants and the Cape to St Helena Entrants. Although not a requirement for the Cape to St Helena Race, these courses are specifically designed for offshore passages and the more serious issues one can be faced with. Each course is approximately 4 hours long and it would be worthwhile if you have the time and interest to attend.
A participation certificate will be issued for each seminar. A cost of R550 will apply to each. Please contact Jennifer Burger at: cape2rio@rcyc.co.za for more information.
AS things stand, the entries are building up and we should still garner a respectable number of entrants for the event, commensurate to previous years.
For those yachts that are not registered to go offshore with SAMSA or other agencies, we suggest that you begin this process. Please feel free to discuss with organizers if you need advice or have any questions in this regard.
There are several yachts that have opted to sail back, for the enjoyment and challenge. I am sure on the island; they will liaise with each other and keep comms up between them during the deliveries back.
Prizegiving will be at Plantation House (The official Governor’s residence), likely on the 13th January 2023. Time to be confirmed. A historic and important landmark on the island, so a privilege to be hosted there.
There are First Aid and Survival mini courses being run at RCYC for Cape to Rio entrants and the Cape to St Helena Entrants. Although not a requirement for the Cape to St Helena Race, these courses are specifically designed for offshore passages and the more serious issues one can be faced with. Each course is approximately 4 hours long and it would be worthwhile if you have the time and interest to attend.
Please feel free to contact any of the Race Committee or the Sailing office should you have any questions or require specific advice.
Kind regards
Dale Kushner
Chairman
Cape to St Helena Yacht Race 2022