Hall confirms future of race

Next Portimão Global Ocean Race will take place in 2010 - first entry announced in Cape Town

At the formal prize giving ceremony for the Portimão Global Ocean Race hosted Tuesday evening by Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Grant Haskin, there were two major announcements.

The first announcement was that the second Portimao Global Ocean Race will commence in 2010.

Race Director Josh Hall, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, declared: “We are proud to announce that there will definitely be a Portimão Global Ocean Race starting in October 2010 and that we plan to run this event every two years thereafter,” he said. “This inaugural event has proven that there is a need for a round-the-world race which is attainable and cost-effective for skippers and sponsors. We anticipate 15-20 boats on the start line of the next race. We chose our host cities based on the practical requirements of our entries and community involvement potential rather than the financial incentives demanded by some events. Our target is to have continuity of the race course in order to develop real and sustainable relationships with the host cities and their communities, so I can therefore confirm that we will indeed be back here in Cape Town in two years time. The Fairest Cape, a stunningly beautiful setting, warm, friendly people and what we regard as one of the finest yacht clubs in the world, the Royal cape Yacht Club, what more could one wish for?”

In his speech Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Grant Haskin reiterated the support of the City of Cape Town: “We have long welcomed sailors to Cape Town and are delighted that the Portimão Global Ocean Race will be returning to the Tavern of the Seas. We can see that this is an event that will grow from strength to strength and we are very happy and proud to be part of that growth. There is a certain spirit among the sailors that in many ways embodies the spirit of the South African people, so we are pleased and honoured to be associated with this global around-the-world yacht race.”

To add weight to the announcement the first official entry of the 2010 race was introduced. Local sailor and businessman Adrian Kuttel confirmed his entry in the next race.

“It’s humbling to be here among these sailors who are already following their dream of racing around the world,” said Kuttel. “This has also been a dream of mine since I watched my father race in the early Whitbread Round the World races. Now I am looking forward to creating a campaign that will reflect South African values and involve the youth of South Africa.”

Kuttel’s campaign will work closely with the City as well as with Izivunguvungu, a non-profit foundation aimed at broadening the lives of underprivileged youth. It is an exceptionally successful programme thanks in part to the support of Admiral Koos Louw, who was on hand to pass on a message and gift from the Deputy Mayor of Portimão to Deputy Mayor Haskin.

Admiral Louw, a fervent supporter of both Izivunguvungu and the Portimão Global Ocean Race, was gracious in his comments. “It’s fabulous to see an event like this that brings around-the-world racing back to its roots and makes it affordable for sailors. The Portimão Global Ocean Race has really captured the spirit of earlier races and in a direct way returned Portugal to its rich seafaring history.”