2025 Cape31 V&A Waterfront Invitational

21-23 February 2025

by Rod Carter

The 2025 Cape 31 V&A Waterfront Invitational Regatta took place from February 21st to 23rd.

With nine boats on the start line, including three international entries—one from Italy, another from Austria, and a third from Hungary—the competition was fierce over the three days of racing. The event kept spectators on the edge of their seats, with no clear frontrunner in each race. Teams constantly shifted positions on the scorecard, making it an exciting and unpredictable weekend.

The Ullman Sails sponsored boat, 008, competed and finished in a respectable 7th place despite facing a few challenges along the way. Matt Trautman, Ullman Sails South Africa’s new sail designer, and Tyran Kerford, the Chief of Technical and Engineering at Ullman Sails South Africa, were part of the team for this regatta.

The sails used on 008 are part of Ullman Sails' latest 2025 design, featuring our beloved FiberPath technology with a carbon Technora thread layout, one side of the sails has a light taffeta for added durability, designed to handle Cape Town’s challenging wind conditions.

Being the only boat on the course using Ullman Sails, 008 provided a unique opportunity to see how the sails performed against the competition. The new sail wardrobe performed admirably, maintaining good height and speed alongside the other boats. She looked and felt fast, and we're excited to see how she continues to perform in future races.

If you would like to follow along on 008’s sailing event, pop them a follow here.

photos Matt du Toit