The first-ever Diamond Coast Race presented by the Port Owen Yacht Club will set sail on Thursday 21 March from the mouth of the Berg River at Port Owen on the West Coast at 14:00.
This high-profile race stretches approximately 400 nautical miles (740,8 km) along one of the least hospitable coasts of Africa to end in Lüderitz, Namibia.
Open to both local and international sailors, this is the first event of its kind and will require skill, tenacity and endurance. Nine participants from across the globe will take part in this inaugural race that is expected to become a prestigious highlight on the international sailing calendar.
“This sporting event, the first of its kind in the region, places a significant marker on Bergrivier Municipality’s tourism calendar,” said Executive Mayor of Bergrivier, Ray van Rooy.
“One of our main focus areas in this region is sports development, and the hosting of this sailing event simply displays how far we have come in prioritising all aspects of sports.
“Combined with our tourism offerings, it seamlessly contributes to the fulfilment of our municipality’s vision, which is ‘a prosperous community, where all want to live, work, learn and play in a dignified manner.’
“I am excited about partnering with Mayor Philip Balhao of Lüderitz, and am sure this is only the beginning of many major events that will be hosted between our municipalities. We welcome all participants and spectators to Port Owen and hope they have a fantastic time in the Bergrivier municipal area.”
“The race is significant to the town of Lüderitz as it raises the tourist profile of the town and further encourages routes to Lüderitz via her port,” said Lüderitz Mayor Philip Balhao. “It further will contribute to the strengthening of bonds between Lüderitz and her partner towns and showcase the rich and deep history of Lüderitz and how it contributes to the socio-economic growth trajectory of our town and by extension the region and country.
“This race illustrates that, the town of Lüderitz can be reached via air, road and sea and we encourage more races and ships calling on the port of Lüderitz. The exchange of scrolls is further testament to the ambitions of sustaining a bond of partnership in the pursuit of shared knowledge and skills for the betterment of the populace.”
To follow the race on your Smartphone download YB Races from your App Store.
For more information visit diamondcoastrace.co.za.
