On May 3, 2025, the Magellan Cup was held off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the country's offshore sailing calendar. Organized by Shorthanded Sailing South Africa (SSSA) in collaboration with the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC), this event introduced a new level of competition for sailors specializing in shorthanded racing.

The Magellan Cup was conceived as South Africa's premier offshore challenge, aiming to promote and develop the art of shorthanded sailing within the country. The race incorporated the ORC Provincial Double-Handed Championship, attracting a diverse fleet of yachts competing in single-handed, double-handed, and three-up categories. The event's name pays homage to the legendary explorer Ferdinand Magellan, symbolizing the spirit of adventure and endurance inherent in offshore sailing.

Unlike traditional offshore races that follow a fixed course with predetermined marks and turning points, the Magellan Cup challenges sailors to chart their own path. Competitors are given a start time, a time limit, and a set of virtual waypoints and geographic restrictions. Within those boundaries, they must craft the most efficient route possible to maximize their distance within the given time frame, which is then scored using their ORC handicap.

It’s not just about sailing fast—it’s about sailing smart.

Each boat must log their GPS track, which is reviewed post-race to ensure compliance with the course rules. Sailors decide how to best utilize wind shifts, currents, sea state, and weather patterns to build a course that suits their vessel and their strengths. This format echoes classic navigation challenges from long-distance races like the Vendée Globe or Mini Transat but brings them to a more accessible and local stage.

This format levels the playing field between high-performance racers and older production cruisers. Because distance sailed can vary dramatically based on routing, it allows clever navigation and boat handling to shine. In shorthanded racing, efficiency and simplicity rule.

The introduction of the Magellan Cup highlights a growing interest in shorthanded sailing in South Africa. By providing a platform for sailors to hone their skills in solo or reduced-crew settings, the event aims to encourage more sailors to participate in offshore races.

The Magellan Cup is designed to celebrate local conditions as well. Cape Town’s unique wind patterns, especially the famous Cape Doctor, and coastal geography make every routing decision a puzzle. Should you hug the coast or head offshore? Do you gamble on a wind line further out, or stay inshore where the breeze might die?

Ullman Sails South Africa has been sponsoring the SSSA for quite some time now. With its Grand Prix meet-ups, the Magellan Cup, and last year’s Canyon Cup, the

The winner of this year’s Magellan Cup was Cape Dancer, sailed by Saths Moodley and Paul Schnider, equipped with a full suit of Ullman Sails. Cape Dancer sailed a total distance of 66.8 nautical miles, with a corrected distance of 56 nm.

Runner-up honours went to Vitor Medina and Graham Stuart on FarMed, who sailed a total of 39 nm with a corrected distance of 43.4 nm.

YOLO, sailed by Matthys Lourens and Morgan Tiedt, flying Ullman Sails, claimed third place, sailing a total of 47.8 nm with a corrected distance of 43 nm.

To follow along with the SSSA’s exciting racing, click here.

photos Rachael England