Cape 26 (9m), so will be the new one-design missile by Mills

South African boatyard Cape Performance Sailing, formerly the father of the Cape 31, has announced that the new Cape 26, a 9.68-meter long one-design racing boat, will soon be launched. The pencil from which the lines came out is that of Mark Mills, known for designing the likes of the Wallycento Tango, the Vismara 62 “Supernikka” and Roberto Lacorte’s “Flying Nikka,” as well as being the creator of the aforementioned Cape 31.

Cape 26, what a boat it is

Assembled at the 1,400-square-meter shipyard captained by Davey James and Stephen du Toit, the Cape 26 will be a no-frills racing boat designed for high-performance sailing while maintaining the strict rules of the international One Design class: it was designed by Mills to offer speed while sailing, combined with agility and ease when maneuvering. Thanks to the so-called “Mills Ramp Deck,” which means no steps but continues seamlessly to the bow in a “slide,” the cockpit is designed to make sailing as comfortable as possible and, even under gennaker, to hoist and retrieve it the crew will never have to leave the cockpit.

Transportability? Simple thanks to a very low launching draft of 0.40 m: but in “race” mode the draft will be 2.05 m thanks to the lifting keel.

Correct. To make the boat usable for most sailors of any level, Cape Performance has thought about simplifying launching and transportation by equipping the 26 with a retractable keel and rudder (the draft will be just 40 cm), to decrease bulk and make it wheelable; in the case of international events, moreover, the boat can be shipped anywhere in the world with a 40-foot container.

So much – almost all – carbon

Race boat performance is ensured by the carbon mast and also by the foils made of composite material, in a way that reduces weight and maintains high rigidity; rigging and onboard equipment are also race-ready: adjustments are minimized and simplified and onboard, while Vakaros’ RaceSense has been designed for tactics.

Cape 26, price

Cape Performance Sailing will charge a special price for the first 10 owners who wish to purchase the boat: the check to be drawn is 118,750 euros, and sails, any transport cart and outboard are excluded.

Federico Lanfranchi

Cape 26 data sheet

• Overall length (with bowsprit): 9.68 m
• Overall length: 7.80 m
• Length at waterline: 7.65 m
• Beam: 2.55 m
• Draft: 2.05 m (race mode)
• Minimum keel draft: 1.25 m
• Drawing mode launching: 0.4 m
• Displacement: 1,050 kg
• Sail area (upwind): 42.7 m²
• Sail area (carriers): 122.9 m²
• Download the full Cape 26 brochure here
• Website: www.capeperformancesailing.com