Cape 31 Gold Cup: Two Days of Tight Racing

A record 28-boat fleet, a demanding short course and a series of close battles defined the opening two days of the inaugural Cape 31 Gold Cup in Saint-Tropez. Hatari won the opening race, while Khumbu and G-Spot claimed race victories on the second day as the competition intensified.

The inaugural Cape 31 Gold Cup got under way in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez with a record fleet of 28 boats facing light, shifting winds and a crowded racecourse. Despite the challenging conditions, the race committee, led by Clément Carnevali, completed the opening race, setting the stage for two days of closely fought racing.

Hatari Opens with a Win

Marcus Brennecke’s Hatari made the strongest start to the regatta, taking the opening race after getting cleanly away from the line and holding the lead around the course.

Several boats were over the start line, adding pressure to an already demanding opening race. Hatari’s victory demonstrated the importance of a clean start and precise positioning in a fleet where small margins can quickly influence the result.

Turkey’s team finished second in the opening race, followed by Black Star in third. Corinthian team Chisum delivered a strong performance to finish fourth, while Alessandro Rombelli’s Stig placed fifth and Khumbu finished sixth.

Khumbu and G-Spot Strike Back

The second day brought three races and a more established breeze. Winds started at around 10 knots and built to 12–14 knots by the finish of the first race, with slightly more breeze for the second.

The day began with another crowded start, with several boats over the line, including Hatari, which had to return and restart. Guy Gillon’s Khumbu made an excellent start and led at the top mark after choosing the left side of the course. A close contest followed, with Khumbu holding off a challenge from Turkey’s team to take the race win. Black Battalion finished third, while new team lil’Desna placed fifth. Hatari recovered from its restart to finish sixth.

G-Spot then delivered one of the day’s standout performances, leading from the top mark to the finish to secure a convincing race victory. K-Force Junior took second, while Lennard van Oeveren’s Motions finished third and won the race in the Corinthian division. Give Me Five also enjoyed a strong race, finishing sixth.

The day’s final race saw Turkey’s team respond with a win ahead of Black Pearl. Stig, the Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit champions, finished third.

A Ten-Point Lead After Four Races

After four races, the Turkish team leads the 28-boat fleet on 12 points, holding a ten-point advantage over Marcus Brennecke’s Hatari, which sits second on 22 points. Khumbu completes the provisional overall podium on 25 points.

Django is fourth on 27 points, while K-Force Junior and Stig are level on 33 points in the provisional top five and beyond.

The Corinthian division has also seen a change at the top. Motions moved into the lead on 49 points following its third-place finish in the second day’s racing. Andrea Castrucci’s Chisum sits second on 60 points, ahead of Outrage by Sériès on 69.

Racing Continues in Saint-Tropez

With a tightly packed fleet, a short course and shifting conditions, the opening two days have underlined the importance of clean starts, tactical decisions and consistency across the series. The standings remain provisional, with further racing scheduled for Friday, 16 October.

Photography: Sailing Energy