Helly Hansen Partners with the Royal Cape Yacht Club for Cape2Rio 2025
Posted on November 01 2025
We are proud to announce our partnership with the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) for the Cape2Rio 2025 Yacht Race. As the official clothing supplier, participants and race organizers will receive professional-grade gear designed to perform in the world’s most demanding conditions.
“Trusted by professionals since 1877, Helly Hansen equips those who dare to face the ocean.”
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Africa’s Premier Ocean Race
First held in 1971, the Cape to Rio Yacht Race, also known as the Cape2Rio, is one of the world’s most legendary transatlantic challenges. Spanning roughly 3,300 nautical miles from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, this race connects two of the globe’s most iconic coastal cities and celebrates more than five decades of maritime excellence.
Recognized as the longest continent-to-continent yacht race in the Southern Hemisphere, Cape2Rio demands skill, endurance, and tactical precision — a true test of both the sailors and their gear.
“The Cape2Rio has always been about testing human courage against the vastness of the Atlantic.” Vitor Medina, Race Chairman
Cape2Rio 2025: The Countdown Has Begun
On 27 December 2025, the fleet will set sail from Cape Town for Rio de Janeiro, embarking on a journey across the South Atlantic. Organized by the Royal Cape Yacht Club, and supported by headline sponsor Alexforbes, the City of Cape Town, South African Airways, the V&A Waterfront, and Helly Hansen, this year’s race will bring together a remarkable lineup of local and international crews.
- Audaz and Esperança — Brazilian yachts currently sailing from Porto Alegre to Cape Town for the start.
- Alexforbes Angel Wings — a youth development crew from the RCYC Sailing Academy, representing the next generation of South African sailors.
- Solitaire — raising awareness for neurodivergence in support of Vista Nova schools.
- Lifgun — a solo entry from Switzerland, tackling the Atlantic single-handedly.
Sailing for Science and Sustainability
Cape2Rio 2025 partners with the International SeaKeepers Society to merge adventure with environmental action. Every participating yacht will carry scientific devices that map the ocean floor and collect valuable marine data — turning this race into a platform for ocean research and sustainability awareness.
Helly Hansen’s commitment to protecting those at sea goes hand-in-hand with protecting the sea itself.
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A Legacy Born from Courage
The race’s origins trace back to 1968, when South African sailor Bruce Dalling sailed Voortrekker to victory on handicap in the Observer Single-Handed Transatlantic Race. His triumph inspired a bold idea: an ocean race connecting Cape Town and South America.
By 1971, that dream became reality. The inaugural Cape to Rio Race was launched — linking two continents and celebrating the enduring maritime spirit of exploration.
Cape2Rio 2025 – Fast Facts
| Race Start | 27 December 2025, 14:00 (Cape Town) |
|---|---|
| Route | Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro (3,300 nautical miles) |
| Organiser | Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) |
| Sponsors | Alexforbes (headline), City of Cape Town, South African Airways, V&A Waterfront, Helly Hansen |
| Supporter | International SeaKeepers Society |
| Youth Development | RCYC Sailing Academy’s Alexforbes Angel Wings crew |
| Official Website | cape2riorace.com |
| Cape 2 Rio Yacht Race | |
| Cape to Rio Race |
Join the Journey
As the countdown continues, excitement builds for Africa’s premier ocean race. Fans are encouraged to join the send-off in Cape Town and follow the fleet live as they cross the Atlantic.
From Table Bay to the shores of Rio, Helly Hansen is proud to stand alongside the sailors, organizers, and supporters who make this extraordinary journey possible.
When you’re out there, facing the wind, waves, and open horizon, only gear trusted by professionals will do.
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