'HEINEKEN CAPE TO BAHIA 2006':

Race History

The 'Heineken Cape to Bahia 2006' (formerly the South Atlantic Race) is one of the yachting world's great offshore challenges.  Single-handed skippers prepared to challenge this yachting "Everest" require tremendous seamanship skills, a wide range of racing experiences and substantial reserves of determination.

As the name indicates it is a trans-Atlantic race for yachts. The 2006 race leaves Cape Town on 4th January and crosses the Atlantic finishing in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. The total distance covered is in the order of 3300 miles.

This is an amazing challenge and a very personal experience, reliant more on inner strength than sheer brute force. Richard expects to be at sea, by himself, for approximately 25 days during which time he must keep both the boat and himself safe. He must manage sleep as best as he can and make sure that he eats plenty to keep energy levels high enough to keep the boat going fast. This is a race after all!

As with any good skipper taking part in offshore sailing, Richard has planned for the worst possible weather. The boat, though small, is quite capable of being out in extreme weather. She is strong and has a full suit of sails for any wind strength. Secretly of course, Richard is hoping for sunshine with perfect reaching conditions.