It is with great pleasure that I can advise you on behalf of the Royal Natal Yacht Club and the Algoa Bay Yacht Club, that the dates for the 2018 Vasco da Gama Ocean Race, a 400 nautical mile race from Durban to Port Elizabeth, will start on Thursday 26 April 2018.

After the success of the past 3 races to Port Elizabeth, it is hoped that a record fleet will make the start line in 2018.

The RNYC now take control of this race for the next 3 years and have committed themselves to the race being between Durban & Port Elizabeth.

The race course South has struck a chord with South African yachties as they can now compete without having to be concerned about foreign clearance as the race is ‘wholly South African’.

The course is a challenging one, as one has the fast south flowing Agulhas Current to consider, and sometimes strong South Westerly winds. The core of the Agulhas current can flow up to 5 knots at times, giving those who find it a distinct advantage. But, as the Agulhas current moves quite quickly inshore and seaward again, to find it and stay in its core is a challenge every keen navigator relishes. And that is not the only challenge. Navigators will have to choose between a seaward course with the possibility of current, and an inshore course that could bring strong land breezes at night.

It has also made it attractive to Cape sailors, as by the time they finish in Port Elizabeth they are already half-way home. Cape sailors have taken the major honours in the past 3 races, so they may well be back again to maintain their dominance.

The Algoa Bay Yacht Club (ABYC) is simply a superb place to finish as their hospitality and warm welcome is infectious and conducive to a great party after a gruelling ocean race.

“Our members thoroughly enjoy hosting the Vasco Race finishers and being part of this historic event” said Alan Straton, Commodore of ABYC. “We could also have 4 or more ABYC boats competing next year”.

Vasco da Gama Race Page