The South Atlantic Race (formerly the Cape-to-Rio) is a yacht race from Cape Town to various destinations in South America. This has been primarily Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, although Punta del Este, Uruguay, and Salvador, Brazil, have all been chosen.
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The total length of the race is around 3 600 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. After leaving Cape Town, participants head north-west towards the island of Ilha Trindade, and south-west from there towards South America. As they near the coast, skippers need to decide whether to take the longer route with stronger winds, or a more direct route with the chance for lighter winds.
Prizes are awarded to the first competitor across the line, new records being set, as well as the first three across the line in 3 handicap classes.
The first race was inspired by Bruce Dalling's victory in the 1968 Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race, and was held in 1971 to Rio de Janeiro.[1]
The 11th race was held to Salvador in 2006. The 2009 race was held to Bahia.