About

The Springbok Ocean Racing Trust, as was originally known, was set up to promote Ocean Racing for South Africa.

The initial intent was to muster a team for the Admirals Cup however this was a three boat team event with large crews making it prohibitively expensive at the time. The focus was shifted to a one boat campaign, single handed as this would be more affordable. The 1968 Ostar Race became the focus. They then went about a process of having a boat designed and built which became known as Voortrekker. There was also a process to select the skipper. Following this process, Bruce Dalling was appointed and raced the Ostar race in 1968 getting a credible second place overall.

This launched ocean racing in South Africa.

Following this event, the Springbok Ocean Racing Trust was renamed the SOUTH AFRICAN OCEAN RACING TRUST.

It was decided after the 1968 Ostar Race that South African would host it’s own Ocean Race. Initially there were two options as destinations, either Australia or Brazil. Brazil won the toss.

The SOUTH AFRICAN OCEAN RACING TRUST brought aboard the Cruising Association of South Africa to assist in the running of the event. The date was set it for January 1971 and was named the Cape to Rio Race. Beautiful trophies were donated amongst them was the Chamber of Mines that donated the South Atlantic Trophy. This is awarded to the winner overall on corrected time. This trophy consists of 28oz of solid gold and sterling silver, likely the most expensive sporting trophy in South Africa. Ten to fifteen entries were expected, instead this event mustered 59 entries on the start line.

Following this Cape to Rio Race success, SAORT continued to play a role in developing ocean racing in South Africa.

More info will follow – please keep looking back on this section.