Media Alert: Councillor Herron to Unveil City-Branded Youth Development Team Yachts for Cape to Rio Race

Two Youth Development crews from Cape Town will participate in the 40th annual Cape to Rio Yacht Race in 2011, using yachts branded in the City of Cape Town's official colours. The City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services, Councillor Brett Herron, will unveil the yachts during a special ceremony on Monday 20 December 2010.

The City is an active partner in the Isivunguvungu sailing programme which focuses on using sailing as a means of youth development. Two Youth Development teams (comprising mainly Isivunguvungu members) will compete in the race, which departs from Cape Town in January next year. The City will sponsor their participation in the race and the two crews will sail in yachts branded in yellow, red, green and blue - the City of Cape Town's official colours.

All media are welcome to attend. The unveiling will present an excellent photo and television opportunity.

Date: Monday 20 December

Time: 12:00

Venue: Royal Cape Yacht Club

RSVP: Journalists/photographers/camera crews will need to travel by boat to attend the event. In order to book space on the boats, members of the media must please respond by e-mail to media@capetown.gov.za by 15:30 today. Please include your full name, organisation you represent and contact details.

"The City supports yachting as a development tool, especially for youth in disadvantaged communities. Through the Isivunguvungu programme, a crew has already won a leg of the 2010 Lipton Cup Yacht competition in Table Bay and we are especially proud to have two development teams entering the iconic Cape to Rio yacht race.

"We are confident that this opportunity contributes to the personal development of the crew members and to the development of the sport and we are thrilled to have these teams sailing under the City's banner," said Councillor Herron.

The Cape to Rio Yacht Race serves as an ideal platform for the promotion of Cape Town as an events destination - allowing the City to play an integral role in the organisation of the race and showcasing Cape Town as an international tourism hub.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town