The Vasco da Gama International Ocean Race over 300 nautical mniles from Maputo, Mozambique to Durban, South Africa will see the fleet of intrepid sailors set off on Wednesday 27 July 2011 from approximately 1:30 pm.
The roots of the Vasco Da Gama are situated in Lourenco Marques, present day Maputo, where the first race was sailed in 1967. Competing crews sailed up to Mozambique a few days beforehand, mooring in the Port Captain’s harbour for a short holiday, before settling down to the serious business of competitive racing. This gave the crew time to prepare the boat, make sail reparations, and of course, to enjoy those famous LM prawns.
The Vasco da Gama International Ocean Race is organised by the Point Yacht Club, Durban and Clube Naval, Maputo, under the auspices of South African Sailing (SAS).
The first yacht to have entered the race is ‘Sticky Fingers’ – a Mount Gay 30 owned by Rob and Sandy Samways with organisers having received confirmation of at least one Cape Town based entry, and a further 7 in KZN.
This race contributes to the strengthening of relationships between the two cities of Maputo and Durban who are ‘Twin Cities’.
See more on the Vasco da Gama International Ocean Race web site.
