Algoa Bay has a long history of participation in the Cape to Rio race – starting with the first race in 1971 which saw local sailors take part in the race on ‘Flame’.

Other sailors from Gqeberha that have taken part in the Cape to Rio Yacht Race included, Rod van der Weele, Philip Gutsche, Robbie Gwynn, Bill Lee, Anthony Stewart, Alan Straton, Tony and Sigi Bailles, Bertie Reed, Jon Gailbraith and many more as crew.

A local Gqeberha Yacht – Cool Ideas Nemesis has entered the Cape to Rio 2023 race after first competing in 2014.

Follow Nemesis’ Race here:

From the heady days of the first race in 1971 of 69 entries to the massive 128 starters in 1976, this year the race has 16 entries – one on a yacht owned by Just Jinjer frontman, Ard Mathews, and named TIM – The Impossible Machine. What is significant about TIM is that it took part in the 1971 inaugural Cape to Rio Yacht Race as The Howard Davis under the command of Captain Phil Nankin

The yachts set off for Rio De Janeiro on Monday 2 January 2023 at 2:00 pm. The start line was outside of Cape Town Harbour and they are sailing directly for the virtual mark finish line in Guanabara Bay, Rio De Janeiro between the islands of Ilha do Pai and Ilha da Mae. The only restriction is that yachts may not sail south of latitude 37:07:000 South.

The Fast 42 design yacht, Cool Ideas Nemesis, is no stranger to coastal racing off South Africa and was also previously raced to Rio in 2014. Thanks to the lead sponsor Cool Ideas, Nemesis will be raced this year with the owners Tony and Sigi Bailes from Gqeberha Yacht Club based in Port Elizabeth. The crew is made up of Lake Deneys Yacht Club sailors Ted Barale, Michael Bill, Nigel Beckett and Anthony Engelbrecht.

The new look Cool Ideas Nemesis intends to enjoy the race with the inland crew, many of whom are not only chasing the trophy but also to complete a “bucket list” adventure. Apart from Tony, Sigi and Anthony, the crew embarked on this adventure by first doing their skippers tickets with Tony and Sigi at Bay Sailing Academy in Port Elizabeth.

The Bailes family competed in the Cape2Rio Race 2017 on Ray of Light. Having enjoyed the race so much, they are very happy to offer the opportunity to others to experience and enjoy.

Nemesis will be returning to Cape Town and then Port Elizabeth after the race to continue providing sailing training with Bay Sailing Academy.

Myott Chubb Protector 2000 Cape to Rio Images:

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE

Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.

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