Hi to all aspirant St Helena 2024 race competitors.
The race committee has been very busy in past few months trying to iron out some significant issues relating to the event, namely the provision of shipping and the availability of moorings to secure boats on arrival in St Helena.
We apologise for the delay in providing clarity on these key issues, however, we are now able to share specific confirmation.
The latest news, literally hot off the press, is set out below.
The organising committee both here in Cape Town and St Helena based, urgently need your response after considering the information below.
Please send your responses to sailadmin@rcyc.co.za
Shipping:
We have confirmed the availability of shipping to bring the boats back to Cape town with two slots of 8 boats per voyage.
The first voyage will depart relatively soon after expected finishing of the race with the second slot likely 30 days later.
That said, the costs involved will be significantly higher than the last event, payable in advance (before departure) and is indicated to be in or order of magnitude of a factor of 10x the costs of the previous event.
Final absolute pricing is not yet available, however, the order of magnitude rates are based on a take up of 8 boats per voyage (deck space availability).
This costing has been impacted purely due to economic realities of the new shipping contract award, coupled with the logistical requirements using Luderitz as a trans-shipment stop for container rotation required for the normal commercial service to the Island.
Moorings at St Helena:
The organising committee was advised that the mooring field on the island of St Helena was not fit for use and had to be replaced.
There was uncertainty on the availability of moorings in time to host entrants.
We have now been advised that moorings for a fleet of 8-12 boats will be available & should additional entrants be confirmed, up to 15 moorings can be confirmed as being available for the race.
The St Helena tourism agency, in conjunction with the new Port Manager, have confirmed that the new moorings will be installed ahead of the race.
Participant survey:
Given the information shared above, especially the shipping issue, St Helena tourism have requested clarification of the anticipated race fleet.
We request that although you may have already entered, given the new information above, that you reconfirm your entry to the race committee on or before Thursday this week 8th August.
If you have not entered the race officially, we also ask that you communicate with the organising committee to indicate a firm commitment to enter after considering the information above.
Once the organising committee has received your confirmations, we will be able to share the data with St Helena organising committee members and other stakeholders on the island & sponsors to confirm that the race will proceed as advertised on 26th December 2024, or if the event will be postponed to a later date, likely a 2-year deferral.
Your urgent communication is appreciated.
Regards,
Dave Garrard
Race Chairman – St Helena Race 2024
