Hive of activity in Cape Town Race Village

The Race Village in Cape Town is a hive of activity as visitors to the V&A Waterfront Marina discover what life is like as an ocean racer ahead of the spectacular Race Start from the city on Saturday 31 October to Albany, Western Australia.

Free open boat tours have been running this week and finish today at 1800 but tomorrow our intrepid race crew will share their experience during Q&A sessions at the red Clipper Race dome from 1100 -1200 local time.

From extreme water polo to paddle boarding and on-the-water display shows, there are plenty of activities guaranteed to get visitors into the spirit of on-the-water adventure this weekend in conjunction with the South African Ocean Festival.

Amongst all the activity, Learning and Development Partner Mission Performance has been running high impact development coaching sessions for race skippers and crew members following the race to the Mother City and in preparation for the Southern Ocean Sleigh Ride to Australia.

The fleet also received a special visit from South African 1st Portland Pack, Mitchell's Plain and 3^rd Fish Hoek Pack Brownie groups, invited to take a tour of a Clipper 70 by round the world crew member and UK 6^th Fulham Brownie leader, Ruth Charles, who is taking part in this year’s race.

Michelle Thompson from GIRL GUIDES South Africa says: “It’s wonderful to meet Ruth and learn more about the race and her experience sailing around the world. It’s great to be able to show the girls what is possible in the world and what can be achieved, to challenge themselves and be adventurous. Girl Guiding is a global network, connecting with other people around the world and being here today is inspiring.”

Race 3: The Wardan Whip starts on Saturday. Spectators can watch the twelve ocean racing yachts and support flotilla depart in a grand ceremonial parade against the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain from mid-day.

Race Start schedule:

0900 – 1600: South African Ocean Festival – Xtreame Water Polo
1000 – 1100: South African Ocean Festival – Dragon Boat Parade
1200 – 1245: Watch the Clipper Race start departure ceremony, Quay 6 and Jetty 2
1345 – 1430: Fleet Parade of Sail by the Boardwalk
1400 – 1445: South African Ocean Festival – Jetonator display show
1500 – 1530: South African Ocean Festival – NSRI display
1530: Race Start of Leg 3 across the Southern Ocean to Albany, Western Australia
1545-1930: Watch the Rugby World Cup Final at the Amphitheatre.