Vitor Medina, Race Chairperson; Viresh Maharaj, Executive Alexforbes; Yonela Temela, Alexforbes Angel Wings; Geordin Hill-Lewis, mayor of Cape Town.
Alexforbes has been named the headline sponsor of the Cape2Rio 2025 race, marking the 18th edition of this prestigious transatlantic event over its 54-year history.
The Cape2Rio, known for its challenging 3300-nautical-mile course across the South Atlantic from Table Bay, Cape Town, to Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, attracts an exceptional lineup of yachts and crews from around the globe in a test of endurance, skill and ocean racing excellence.
Set to commence on December 27, the Cape2Rio 2025 anticipates approximately 30 entries, primarily from South America and South Africa. Eleven teams have already confirmed their participation, with entries open to international competitors. The race typically takes around a month to complete, with a record time of seven days, 20 hours, 24 minutes and 44 seconds set in 2020 by trimaran LoveWater, skippered by Capetonian Craig Sutherland.
As the sponsor of Cape2Rio 2025, Alexforbes aligns with the race’s spirit of disciplined team work, expert planning and the pursuit of performance.
“Alexforbes has helped South Africans navigate towards their investment goals for the past 90 years. We are proud to sponsor this iconic race as a reflection of our shared commitment to world-class performance, made accessible to South Africans from all walks of life,” said Viresh Maharaj, Executive at Alexforbes.
Vitor Medina, race chairperson, added, “The Cape2Rio race has a storied legacy that transcends borders, bringing together sailors from diverse backgrounds to share in the spirit of adventure and competition. As we prepare for the 2025 race, we welcome Alexforbes as our headline sponsor. Their commitment to inclusivity aligns perfectly with our vision. Together, we aim to celebrate the tradition of this legendary race and inspire future generations of sailors to take on this extraordinary journey across the Atlantic.”
In addition to sponsoring the Cape2Rio race, Alexforbes will support the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) Sailing Academy team in the 2025 event. Sailing aboard the recently acquired 39-foot Lightwave Oyster yacht, Alexforbes Angel Wings, this team follows in the wake of the historic Alexforbes ArchAngel crew, which achieved a podium finish in the 2023 race.
