New addition to boat show lineup fills the sails

SOUTH AFRICA: This year’s boatica show will now include the inaugural Canyon Cup sailing race that will also serve as the Offshore Racing Congress’s (ORC) National Championship event.

“The Canyon Cup is not just another sailing event. It is a celebration of skill, endurance and the spirit of camaraderie that defines the sport of shorthanded sailing,” said Matthys Lourens at the official launch of the event last week at the V&A Waterfront.

“The Canyon Cup is not just another sailing event. It is a celebration of skill, endurance and the spirit of camaraderie that defines the sport of shorthanded sailing.”

Officially sanctioned last month, the race has been designed to test the mettle of both seasoned sailors as well as emerging talents. “With a maximum crew of three, each participating boat must have an ORC certificate for competing in the double-handed championship where a two-person crew is essential.

The name behind the Canyon Cup and shorthanded sailing in South Africa, Lourens, noted the humble beginnings of the sport just over a year ago that has evolved into monthly events that attract up to 44 boats at a time.

“It is a pleasure for the Offshore Racing Congress of South Africa to partner with Shorthanded Sailing South Africa, the South African Ocean Racing Trust and SA Sailing as well as the sponsors to offer sailors and exciting and challenging offshore race,” said Luke Scott, chairman of ORC South Africa, adding that the event would act as a feeder into great ocean races.

“It feels good, and it feels right, that this will be the inaugural ORC Double Handed National Championship,” he added.

“Boatica is excited to be a part of the Canyon Cup this year. We see it as a very important event in the calendar and are happy to be a partner,” said Neil Piper of Messe-Frankfurt, organisers of the annual boat show at the V&A Waterfront.

Highlighting some of the attractions at this year’s boatica event, Piper noted the addition of a launchpad for new product launches as well as an updated layout. “This year’s boatica is going to be epic. We are a representative showcase for the boat building sector,” he said adding that the Big Five Showcase attached to the 2024 event aimed to spotlight the top five boat builders in Cape Town.

Playing host to the boat show and the Canyon Cup, the V&A Waterfront is once again showing its commitment to water-based sports and activities. Speaking at the launch event, Andre Blaine highlighted some of the recent developments and new investments that the popular tourist destination is making to anchor itself as a strategic hub for ocean-based leisure activities.

He noted that discussions are currently underway to draw international yacht races to the facility and to develop sailing on the property. He also noted the increase in cruise liner as well as superyacht activity.

The Canyon Cup will take place from the 19 to 20^th October with the prizegiving scheduled for the first day of Boatica on the 25^th October this year.

MAIN PHOTO: Matthys Lourens introduces guests to the format and ethos of the inaugural Canyon Cup which was officially launched last week at the V&A Waterfront.