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Extraordinary boats: Cape 31
- May 23, 2022
The Cape 31 is a one-design yacht originally created for racing in South Africa, which has rapidly expanded with fleets around the world. Andy Rice reports
Thirty-foot keelboats come and go all the time. Most arrive with a short-lived fanfare, only to fade gradually out of sight and memory. Not so the Cape 31, which looks set to be the ‘must sail’ boat for the foreseeable future. With 25 boats sold into England and Ireland in little more than a year, this Mark Mills one-design seems to have hit the sweet spot.
Dave Swete is part of the small team promoting the Cape 31 out of a small office in Port Hamble in the UK. Swete is a Volvo Ocean Race veteran and the sole professional sailor on Sunrise , Tom Kneen’s Fastnet-winning JPK 11.80. Asked why the sailing world needed another 30-something keelboat, Swete replies: “I think it’s because it just ticks a lot of boxes. We believe that it’s the only class boat that’s winning on IRC and other rating systems at the moment.
“You can get this boat straight out of the box and go and win races. The Cape 31 won overall in Les Voiles de St Tropez last year, as well as a whole host of local events in the Solent.”
Whereas some 30ft keelboats might like to describe themselves as a ‘big dinghy’, Swete insists the Cape 31 is “a small keelboat”. He explains: “We can take this boat out in 25 knots wind against tide in the Solent and have a really nice day, then come back in and the boat’s in one piece, it’s not full of water. We haven’t been broaching out and nosediving all day, we’ve just been bow-up, doing 20 knots downwind and 7.5 knots upwind. It’s fair to say it’s a proper yacht.”
Working with his R&D partners KND/Sailing Performance, Mark Mills produced a hull with low freeboard and aggressive chines designed to maximise form stability in a breeze while maintaining a low wetted surface area when upright in the lighter stuff. The chine running forward to the bow helps produce the Cape 31’s distinctive bow-up attitude at speed downwind.
Bow-up, crew weight aft and the potential for 20+ knot downwind speeds. Photo: Rick Tomlinson/Cape 31 Class
For some, the Cape 31’s upwind speed – even more than its electric downwind pace – is the most impressive statistic.
“The real head-turner is that this is a 30ft boat that goes upwind at a similar speed to a Performance 40. Then you turn it downwind and really put the hammer down,” says Swete.
Having previously owned a Corby-designed cruiser/racer, Lance Adams was looking for something sportier when he got into the Cape 31 class. He’d considered the J/70 but didn’t gel with it; and had watched the Fast 40 s battling around the Solent but didn’t fancy getting into what looked like an arms race. After a conversation with Swete, Adams bought a Cape 31 without ever having sailed one. “It sounded like the boat that the Solent has been needing for a while,” says Adams.
His Katabatic was the second boat into the country and Adams raced it regularly throughout 2021. One of the big attractions for Adams was the strict one-design rule. He was looking for close competition and hasn’t been disappointed. “At Cowes Week last year I think we had five different race winners after five days. It’s sensational racing.”
Tokoloshe III was the first Cape 31 in the UK and immediately racked up winning race results under IRC. Photo: Rick Tomlinson/Cape 31 Class
He also likes the fact that the boat goes, in his words, ‘hell for leather’ downwind. “We peaked at 21 knots last season but 2021 was quite a light year for wind. I think the boat has the potential to go quite a bit faster.”
Created for the Cape
The origins of the Cape 31 stem from Cape Town, a sailing venue where prolific Maxi yacht owner Sir Irvine Laidlaw likes to spend time. Laidlaw wanted a new design that could be sailed in the famous ‘Cape doctor’ winds and swell off Cape Town. “His concept was for a ‘no holds barred’ 30-footer for delivering maximum fun,” explains Swete. “It certainly wasn’t designed to be an IRC weapon. It was designed simply to be the best boat it could be in Cape Town, which actually transferred nicely over to the Solent with the wind against tide and the rough conditions we can get here.”
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The Cape 31 is primarily aimed at round the cans racing, or the occasional long distance day race, such as the Round the Island Race . “We’ve got a 90-mile Cannonball Run planned from Antigua to St Maarten,” Swete adds.
Mark Mills was commissioned to design the boat back in 2017, and although initially successful in South Africa, it took a couple of years for it to gain a wider reputation. “Some international teams had been invited down to Cape Town to race the boat which had gone fairly well,” recalls Swete. “It wasn’t until we brought the boat over [to the UK] and started winning races on IRC that it got noticed properly, and that’s when things really kicked off.”
The Cape 31s have a crew weight limit of 595kg, which usually translates to seven on board, with an owner-driver rule and no more than three professionals. Photo: Rick Tomlinson/Cape 31 Class
The centre of gravity of the Cape 31 class has now shifted firmly to the UK, although its handicap performance has given other owners the courage to order boats in different parts of the world.
“The class is very much established in the Solent now, to the point where we’re attracting international teams over here. We’ve got an American team flying in for our local regattas, and a Dutch team too. But we’ll start travelling as a class soon. Next year we’ll travel to the Caribbean, and we’re looking to get some racing going in the Bay of Palma. There’s a fleet starting up in Australia, and the beauty of these boats is they go in a container.”
The aggressively-chined hull shape maximises form stability in a breeze. Photo: Rick Tomlinson/Cape 31 Class
Cape 31 – owner-friendly
Aside from the high-performance and handicap appeal of the boat, Swete and his partner, Dave Bartholomew, have pushed hard to establish a strong class ethos that focuses on having fun first and foremost. It’s an owner-driver class with a maximum of three pro sailors permitted on the crew, although Swete encourages teams to sail with fewer.
“We’re all about matching the fun on the water with fun off the water, and we’ve taken it back to the yacht clubs.”
The clean ramp deck offers ease of movement of sails and sailors. Photo: Tor Tomlinson/Cape 31
Keeping it fun includes avoiding an arms race where teams might be tempted to tweak their boats up to – or beyond – the limits of the class rule. Swete says there is a strong policy in place to keep that in check, and he’s not afraid of chasing the wrong sort of owner out of the fleet if it threatens the overall ecosystem of good, clean Corinthian fun and sportsmanship.
“We are investing in keeping people in line. We have a rules guy, Mike Richards, who’s an IRC measurer. He’s been involved in everything from Swan 45s to Fast 40s, Farr 40s and Mumm 30s. We got him involved very early on, because it can sneak in, where people want to take advantage of a new class and loopholes.”
A 15hp Yanmar diesel engine confirms the Cape 31’s ‘yacht’ (not a dayboat or dinghy) credentials. Photo: Tor Tomlinson/Cape 31
Swete acknowledges that launching a new class is in some ways the easy part. The greater challenge could come in maintaining longevity well beyond the honeymoon period that the Cape 31 is currently enjoying. “It’s about looking after the bottom third of the fleet and keeping them happy. We don’t really want teams to all sail with three pros. When you see team coach boats out on the water, I think that’s a very bad sign. It’s not something we’ve banned, but it’s highly discouraged.”
Cape 31 specifications
LOA: 9.56m / 31ft 3in Beam: 3.10m / 10ft 2in Draught: 2.45m / 8ft 0in Displacement: 1,770kg / 3,902lb Sail Area Mainsail: 39m² / 420ft² Headsail: 25m² / 269ft² Gennaker: 116m² / 1,248ft² IRC Rating: 1.15
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Cape 31 One Design
The Cape 31 was defined from the outset as a simple clean high performance One Design without constraint, conceived and brought to fruition by Cape Town resident and prominent sailor Lord Irvine Laidlaw of ‘Highland Fling’ fame. Designed for one of the world’s great sailing locations, we optimised the Cape 31 to be an all-rounder, as happy in big breeze as it is in light airs, upwind and down which made it an instant hit in Cape Town. Now sold worldwide by 31 North the Cape 31 is a massive success with over 70 boats sold worldwide making this the most exciting One Design fleet of the last decade.
Building on our experience developing fast light hullforms and refined with the input of our R&D partners KND/Sailing Performance , we produced a low freeboard aggressively chined hullshape that maximises form stability in a breeze but enjoys low wetted surface when upright. The chine running forward to the bow helps produce a bow-up moment at speed. Designer Mark Mills described the process of producing this design, “The challenge with this hullshape for an all-around design is to balance the beam, fullness in the bow, and the chine height aft to produce the most powerful possible design offwind, without removing its upwind capabilities.
With the focus purely on performance we drew a clean ramp deck for easy operation developed from our innovative Maxi 72 World Champion design Alegre. Engineering from Steve Koopman at composite engineering specialists SDK resulted in an aggressive but production friendly structure that accommodates a socketed deep carbon keel fin and a powerful sail plan set on a two=spreader carbon rig. Designed to be the tightest possible fit for a High Cube container to allow easy shipping worldwide, the CPS-built Cape 31 is now providing the highest quality racing on five continents. This success confirms Lord Laidlaw’s original vision for a simple aggressive design to support youth sailing in Cape Town and boat building in South Africa, by forming the basis of a successful One Design class across the world.
More information is available at the sales agents 31 North https://www.31northyachting.com/
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THE CAPE 31 IS CAPTIVATING SAILORS WORLDWIDE
A project fueled by passion.
Named after its place of origin, Cape Town, South Africa, the worldwide growth of the Cape 31 fleet all started with one man’s vision; Highland Fling owner and avid racer Lord Laidlaw. Eager to stimulate the industry and create a class for young talent, Laidlaw commissioned Mark Mills to design the first five Cape 31 hulls, of which he soon found buyers. “The promotion of events in South Africa was integral to get the class on its feet and make it attractive for people to buy and sail these boats,” Mills remarks. “Now the fleet is self-propelling, and Laidlaw has taken a step back to leave it running as a commercial operation.”
Cape 31s are 31-foot high-performance keelboats targeted at the highest level of regional/club sailing. They represent the most advanced form of production keelboat without getting into high-cost, complete carbon construction. Designer and Irishman Mark Mills of Mills Design is one of the most successful yacht designers of recent years, and he has taken the Cape 31 hull design under his wing. To date, 19 boats have been built, with 10 actively racing in Cape Town, and a growing fleet of eight boats confirmed for the UK . “I think a vacuum has been created after the peak of the Melges 32,” Mills explains. “The Cape 31 is my favorite design because it is happy in all wind ranges – great in the breeze and sails both upwind and downwind incredibly, so it will naturally succeed wherever it goes. We are seeing the result of this now in the UK.”
After witnessing the fleet’s success in South Africa, father and son duo Mike and Dave Bartholomew brought the first Cape 31 over to the UK in a container, naming her Tokoloshe III . As she whizzed around the Solent, winning all but one event in IRC last season, it did not take long for people to catch on. Volvo Ocean Race, World Match Racing Champion, and IRC/ORC World Champion Dave Swete spotted the hype and jumped onboard in October 2020 when he ‘fell in love with the boat.’ “I think there was always a gap in the market for a smaller boat that ticks all the boxes; a fantastic One Design boat which wins under IRC with a supreme boat builder behind it,” he says. “Between myself, Dave Bartholomew, and Suzy Peters, we decided to launch the class in the UK. We are proud to have got the regattas and class rule right, and all of these ingredients seem to be combining well as we are already welcoming the eighth boat to the UK fleet !”
Ever since the fleet’s activation in South Africa four years ago, North Sails has proudly been the sailmaker of choice. Our sail designers invested a lot of time to develop the sails from how they started as paneled class sails. North Sails Cape 31 Class Expert Pete Redmond confirms that “ 3Di is the optimal product for boats racing in the UK and in an IRC arena. The lightweight and durable components of 3Di allow the 31-footers to compete against a quality fleet of 40-footers in an upwind beat and dominate them downwind. The sail plan needs the ability to change depth drastically to get the most speed from both light airs and big breeze, and 3Di mainsails and jibs allow this to happen.’’
Mills adds, “For a lightweight 31-footer to win in IRC is extraordinary—and to win in a class of boats up to 9 feet bigger is historically unprecedented.”
With inquiries about the boat throughout Europe, it is no surprise that the US market is also gaining momentum with the first boat already sailing in Louisiana. Swete’s vision is to get a core group of owners together, to grow the fleet in one hit. Discussions between the UK and US fleets involve ‘meet-up’ winter events in Florida and/or the Caribbean. “Dave has enough energy to take on the US, and that gives owners a single target person to deal with,” comments Mills.
“The sail plan needs the ability to change depth drastically to get the most speed from both light airs and big breeze, and 3Di mainsails and jibs allow this to happen.”
One of the Cape 31 fleet’s original concepts is that all the boats will be bright and colorful, which the South African fleet represents well. “I’m on a mission to get the new boats, firstly in the UK, but hopefully in America afterward, to hang on to that ethos,” Mills explains, adding that it would make a nice change from more white hulls on the start line.
The Cape 31 season on the Solent will be a busy one, with six class events and three IRC events. All will offer competitive Grand Prix racing with a focus on fun both on and off the water. First up on the 21st – 23rd May is the Vice Admirals Cup, where there are enough boats to make up a class. Next is the Royal Southern Yacht Club June Regatta, where the fleet will mix with the Performance 40s. Other highlight regattas include the inaugural Royal Thames Yacht Club Invitational Regatta, and Tattinger Royal Solent Yacht Club Regatta. The season will come to a close with the UK Nationals at the Royal Yacht Squadron, but 2022 events are already in the works.
To learn more about this up-and-coming class, get in touch with Cape 31 Class Captain Dave Swete . For information on sail inventory choices, contact North Sails Class Expert Pete Redmond .
The boats are set up to sail with a crew of seven or eight, with a limit of three professionals and a weight limit of 595kg. The option to sail with eight people encourages lighter sailors onboard, thus encouraging women and families to get involved.
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Cape 31 – Adrenaline
The Cape 31 is a high performance one design racing yacht, conceived by prominent sailor Lord Irvine Laidlaw in combination with designer Mark Mills. The Cape 31 has proven itself at not only being a great boat for racing one-design, it is also extremely competitive in mixed fleet racing. The Cape 31 is optimised for a combination of both upwind and off wind performance in a breeze while retaining lighter airs capabilities. A truly fast, modern, speedster. Usually raced 7 up with mixed crew of amateur and professionals. The Cape 31 will have you coming off the water buzzing and dreaming of the next event.
- Specifications
Availability
Individual spaces, additional information.
| Yacht Builder | Mills Design |
|---|---|
| Designer | Mark Mills |
| Model | Cape 31 |
| Build Year | 2022 |
| LOA | 9.56m |
| Draft | 2.45m |
| Beam | 3.1m |
| Sail Wardrobe | J1, A2, Main, A1.5, J4, J2, J3, A3 |
| Guest capacity | 7 |
| Location | UK |
An event not showing that you’re interested in? Check back for updates or get in touch!
Currently there are no crew spaces available on this Yacht.
How much should I tip the boat captain/crew?
The crew will work hard to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time on board. If you have enjoyed your charter we would suggest a 10% is customary.
How do I confirm a yacht charter?
To confirm a charter we will send you a charter agreement for signature and invoice for a deposit. The owner will counter-sign the charter agreement and then your charter will be confirmed
What else will I need to pay for?
In addition to the charter fee you will pay an Advanced Charter Allowance (ACA) from which the cost for all food and drink for the duration of the charter, fuel, marina and any other additional expenses will be deducted.
What happens once I have booked?
Once you have booked a cruising charter we will be in touch to gather your charter preferences including dietary preferences, meal times and itinerary. We will liaise with the chef to arrange a proposed menu for the charter and put you in touch with the crew via Whatsapp chat.
What are high and low season dates for Caribbean cruising charters
High Season includes the Christmas and New Year period (approx 28th December – 7th January) and 2 weeks around Easter
Can I charter a yacht for a corporate event?
Yes, we offer corporate yacht charters that are perfect for team-building exercises and other corporate functions.
What insurance will I need?
The yacht is fully insured but you will need your own personal insurance that covers yacht racing
Do I need an owners rep/boat captain and what role will they have?
Most of our yachts have to come with a boat captain / owner’s representative; this person isn’t there to be the skipper and they can fit into your team wherever you need. There knowledge of the boat can help you get the best performance from the boat and minimise avoidable damage.
Eating out as a crew?
If you decide to venture out as a group and wish to include the permanent crew, please remember that what is your holiday is their job. If you would like to show your appreciation for all their hard work in making your holiday a success by asking them to join you for a night out, then please be kind enough to pay for their expenses.
What is racing yacht charter?
Racing yacht charter is a unique opportunity that allows you to charter a race prepared yacht with your team and participate in regattas around the world. We can cater for race charter opportunites from a group of friends wanting a fun regatta in the sun to a professional team looking for silverwear.
Do I need sailing experience to participate in a racing yacht charter?
Sailing experience requirements varies according to yacht and regatta of choice. Some yachts like a Volvo 65 require more sailing experience than joining the team on a 40′ racer cruiser. When arranging your charter with you we discuss any pre-requisite experience with you.
What is the duration of a racing yacht charter?
For most racing charters your schedule will include 2 training days prior to the event start date, for offshore races a third day for boat preparation will also be included.
What additional costs should I expect?
In addition to the charter fee you may pay a security deposit and an Advanced Charter Allowance (ACA) to cover charter related costs including race entry, berthing and other charter related costs.
Can you arrange accommodation?
Yes, we offer a regatta concierge service which means that in addition to arranging your race entry and berthing we can also recommend and book accommodation ashore, flights, transfers and restaurant bookings as well as much more.* * 10% service charge applies for regatta concierge services
Once you have booked a charter we will be in touch to gather crew information in order to handle the race entry on your behalf. As the regatta date approaches we will connect you with the Boat Captain via Whatsapp chat and provide useful information on both the event and on the location. We are available at any time via phone or email to answer any other questions or queries you may have.
What is the security deposit for?
The security deposit is to cover damage to the yacht, that is more than just general wear and tear that would be expected when racing. In the worst case scenario it will cover the excess should there be the need for a claim on the yacht’s insurance. However, it is also there to cover less serious damage that does not warrant an insurance claim like damages to sails. If there is no damage then we will refund the security deposit in the week following the charter. If there are any damages the value of these damages will be assessed and the balance of the security deposit refunded after these costs have been deducted.
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Call: +44 (0) 20 3920 6261 Email: [email protected]
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- Reference ID 713
- Builder Cape 31(New builds)
- Location United Kingdom
- L.O.A. (mtr) 9.55
- Beam (mtr) 3.05
- Draft (mtr) 2.45
- Displacement (Kg) 1800
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Yacht description.
The Cape 31 is an affordable high performance 31 foot race boat.
31FT ASYMMETRIC POCKET ROCKET THAT PACKS INTO A 40FT CONTAINER AND GOES ON A TRAILER
The boat was masterminded by Lord Irvine Laidlaw, designed by Mark Mills and is built by licensed boat builder Cape Performance Sailing Ltd. Teams usually sail 7 up on this latest generation race boat. The class rule prefers owner driver (always amateur) and a mixed crew of amateurs and professionals.
The key to this boat’s success is that it has proven itself as not only a great one design boat, but also as a very competitive boat under multiple handicap systems. The boat has had some impressive results over the last few years in a host of UK and European IRC events, Caribbean CSA events and US ORR/ORC events. Another great feature of the Cape 31 is that she (along with her 2 piece mast) fifits into a 40ft container! Handy when you decide you’d like to join in with winter sailing in warmer waters.
The basic Cape 31 come with essentially everything needed to go sailing except sails, electronics, covers, safety & cradles/trailer.
TOP RESULTS
- 2022 & 2023 IRC2 National Champions
- ORCB Rolex Big Boat Champion 2023
- ORC 1st Overall Safe Harbour USA 2023
- IRC 1st Overall Porquerolles
- 1st Overall Les Voiles De St Tropez 2021 & 2022 (IRC) 2022
- Women's Open Keelboat Champions
- 4th Overall IRC Round the Island Race (1200 Entries, 4 Cape 31'S in Top 10)
- 1st BVI Spring Regatta 2022 (CSA)
- 1st RORC VAC 2021
- 1st Overall Royal Southern Summer Series 2021 IRC
- SA ORC Champion 2019
- Keel fin & bulb
- Carbon split Mast
- Black Anodized Aluminium Boom
- Rod Rigging
- Carbon bow sprit
- Carbofoil headfoil
- Spinnaker take down system (incl.rope)
- Running rigging from Southern Ropes
Deck and Cockpit
- Stanchions & lifelines
- Tiller & tiller extension
- Bilge pumps
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Contact Details
- Name Site Broker | Racing-Yachts.com
- Email [email protected]
- Phone +31 20 2181175
- Instagram racingyachts
A brief but proud history.
The Cape 31 fleet all started with one man’s vision, Highland Fling owner and avid racer Lord Irvine Laidlaw. Laidlaw commissioned Mark Mills to design the Cape 31 targeted at the highest level of One Design and IRC racing without getting into high-cost of complete carbon construction. Designer Mark Mills is one of the most successful yacht designers of recent years, and he has taken the Cape 31 hull design under his wing. “I think a vacuum has been created after the peak of the Melges 32,” Mills explains. “The Cape 31 is my favourite design because it is happy in all wind ranges, great in the breeze and sails both upwind and downwind incredibly, so it will naturally succeed wherever it goes. We are seeing the result of this now in the UK.” Whereas the Cape 31 was built with One Design racing in mind, it has performed extremely well in IRC, which adds a further dimension for successful racing across the globe. Mills adds, “For a lightweight 31-footer to win in IRC is extraordinary—and to win in a class of boats up to 9 feet bigger is historically unprecedented. ”With inquiries about the boat throughout Europe and the US markets it is also gaining traction in Australia with two boats now racing and inquiries building quickly.
The Cape 31 fleet all started with one man’s vision, Highland Fling owner and avid racer Lord Irvine Laidlaw. Laidlaw commissioned Mark Mills to design the Cape 31 targeted at the highest level of One Design and IRC racing without getting into high-cost of complete carbon construction. Designer Mark Mills is one of the most successful yacht designers of recent years, and he has taken the Cape 31 hull design under his wing. “I think a vacuum has been created after the peak of the Melges 32,” Mills explains. “The Cape 31 is my favourite design because it is happy in all wind ranges, great in the breeze and sails both upwind and downwind incredibly, so it will naturally succeed wherever it goes. We are seeing the result of this now in the UK.” Whereas the Cape 31 was built with One Design racing in mind, it has performed extremely well in IRC, which adds a further dimension for successful racing across the globe. Mills adds, “For a lightweight 31-footer to win in IRC is extraordinary—and to win in a class of boats up to 9 feet bigger is historically unprecedented. ”With inquiries about the boat throughout Europe and the US markets it is also gaining traction in Australia with two boats now racing and inquiries building quickly.
Construction.
Built for speed, without compromise. Mark MIlls designed this boat to be a fast, modern speedster. Ultra fast light hull forms, aggressively chinned hullshape with deep carbon keel fin. The clean ramp deck allows sailors to be unencumbered when sailing.
Displacement
Equipment List.
Deck layout, fits into a 40ft container, a fantastic all-round racer..
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Review of Cape Dory 31
Basic specs..
The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.
The Cape Dory 31 is equipped with a long keel. A full keel provide a better directional stability than a similar boat with a fin keel; on the other hand, better directional stability means also that the boat is more difficult to handle in a harbour with less space.
The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 1.45 - 1.55 meter (4.76 - 5.06 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.
Sailing characteristics
This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.
What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?
The capsize screening value for Cape Dory 31 is 1.73, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.
What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?
The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.5 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.
The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Cape Dory 31 is about 141 kg/cm, alternatively 790 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 141 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 790 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.
Sailing statistics
This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.
What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?
What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?
What is a Ballast Ratio?
What is Displacement Length Ratio?
What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?
Maintenance
When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 16m 2 (172 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.
Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale
If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.
| Usage | Length | Diameter | ||
| Mainsail halyard | 28.0 m | (91.8 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) |
| Jib/genoa halyard | 28.0 m | (91.8 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) |
| Spinnaker halyard | 28.0 m | (91.8 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) |
| Jib sheet | 9.6 m | (31.3 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Genoa sheet | 9.6 m | (31.3 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Mainsheet | 23.9 m | (78.3 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Spinnaker sheet | 21.0 m | (68.9 feet) | 12 mm | (1/2 inch) |
| Cunningham | 4.0 m | (13.0 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) |
| Kickingstrap | 7.9 m | (26.0 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) |
| Clew-outhaul | 7.9 m | (26.0 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) |
This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.
Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.
We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Cape Dory 31 it would be a great help.
If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.
Built to the highest quality standards
| LOA | 9.56 |
|---|---|
| LWL | 8.83 |
| Beam | 3.100 |
| Displacement | 1.770kg |
| Draft | 2.45 |
| I | 12.46 |
|---|---|
| J | 3.6 |
| P | 12.50 |
| E | 4.350 |
| IRC | 1.15 - designed |
Construction
E-glass, core-cell foam vacuum bagged construction
- Grey Interior finish
- Nonskid cockpit sole
- Sprayed non skid deck
- Sprayed topsides and Nautix antifouling
- Carbon keel fin
- CPS Carbon bow sprit
- CPS Carbon rudder
- Jeffa bearings
- Carbon tiller
- Harken purchase for Cunningham
- Harken purchase for outhaul
- Harken purchase for vang
- Harken purchase systems for jib up down
- Harken spin-turning blocks
- Sliding front hatch
- Harken main track
- Lewmar 40 winches
- Lewmar 30 winches
Sails & Rigging
- Cape 31 Class Sails
- Square Top Main sail
- J#1 Racing Genoa
- J#2 Racing Genoa
- J#4 Heavy Genoa
- Instrument bracket
- Southern Ropes running riggingt
- A1,5 Asymmetrical spinnaker
- A2 Asymmetrical spinnaker
- A3 Asymmetrical spinnaker
- Rig Package
- Cape Performance Sailing carbon mast
- Black anodized aluminium boom
- Rod rigging
- Yanmar 2YM 15HP engine with sail drive leg
- Vetus components
- Two blade Gori folding propeller
- BlueZone battery selector switch
- One Starter/house battery
- Two automatic bilge pumps
- Vetus 25 litre fuel tank
- Separate bilge pump override switch
- Four switch dc board (instruments, nav lights, dc socket, spare)
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Cape George 31 vs. BCC 28 ?
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Assume you are "into" this type of heavy displacement sail boat, and you are building new from the factory ( Cape George Marine Works ) Which boat do you prefer and why? Look forward to hear your thoughts. 👍
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The boat I’ve fallen in love with is the channel cutter 34’. Hull is made made by the same company and you can have it finished by who you choose. There is one for sale but I don’t like some of the choices made. If blowing that kind of money would do a combo of strip plank and cold molded with grp exterior skins to keep weight, maintenance down and no fresh water leak issues. It was the last Lyle Hess design. Has sufficient volume to be a comfortable long range cruiser. Is drop dead gorgeous. Said to sail well with good passage times. In your position would buy that hull and have it shipped to you in Australia. There are great builders in your country to finish it exactly to your specs. The BCC has a huge following. As a cult boat resale is improved. Support is improved. Problem with all three designs is the amount of exterior wood to the point on some some of the wood has been painted. Although the N.A.s have learned a thing or two since Hess’s time both are fine seaboats so I think if you’re going to put up with the downsides it’s aesthetics that will determine your decision. Personally from that aspect prefer the BCC28. Prefer the stern treatment, and divided house. If going with a Cape George would jump to the 36’. Although they can carry a large load for their LWL they are small boats with space at a premium so the 36’ or up dramatically improves live ability. If looking for that rudder set up the 28 with a trim tab windvane would be my choice.
Though it sounds as though you have made up your mind, other than the cult/classic design of the BCC, what else is it that makes you choose it? Certainly your choice will be influenced by your intended use, which you didn't go into any detail about. What are your goals?
Bill you ask the right questions. My wife and I have been re-examining just this issue currently. She says she wants to mix it up again as the focus has been international cruising for the 7 past years. You know logically in mixed fleets in extreme weather full keeled heavy displacement boats faired worst. They were less likely to be able to slide down the side of a wave so more likely to be overwhelmed. You know being hove to or running under bare poles isn’t as effective as using a drogue in such conditions. You know the presence of collision bulkheads can be boat saving. Butterfly hatches and multiple companionways increase potential risk of down flooding. The extremes of breath have their downsides. Too much you can turn turtle and stay there. Too little ride can get difficult as can close quarter maneuvering. With these it’s life on a slant and forethought before backing up. Still, there’s weather routing and we’re not racing. I sailed this style of boat. There’s something just right about them. JeffH is right there’s been major advances in design since the time of Atkins, Hess, and Monk. But for a small boat they inspire a sense of confidence, have a lovely ride and are beautiful. We’re not always logical. The vast majority of boats don’t fail it’s the captain and crew.
outbound said: Bill you ask the right questions. My wife and I have been re-examining just this issue currently. She says she wants to mix it up again as the focus has been international cruising for the 7 past years. You know logically in mixed fleets in extreme weather full keeled heavy displacement boats faired worst. They were less likely to be able to slide down the side of a wave so more likely to be overwhelmed. You know being hove to or running under bare poles isn't as effective as using a drogue in such conditions. You know the presence of collision bulkheads can be boat saving. Butterfly hatches and multiple companionways increase potential risk of down flooding. The extremes of breath have their downsides. Too much you can turn turtle and stay there. Too little ride can get difficult as can close quarter maneuvering. With these it's life on a slant and forethought before backing up. Still, there's weather routing and we're not racing. I sailed this style of boat. There's something just right about them. JeffH is right there's been major advances in design since the time of Atkins, Hess, and Monk. But for a small boat they inspire a sense of confidence, have a lovely ride and are beautiful. We're not always logical. The vast majority of boats don't fail it's the captain and crew. Click to expand...
The 34 is a thing of beauty but you’d be a slave to it unless you had very deep pockets. Unlike oxidized gel coat it won’t be a matter of just buff and wax but many hours of work to keep her Bristol or worse if you didn’t keep on top of it. Had a tayana with wood spars, eye brow. rub and toe rail. Was several weeks of work before launch. That was in New England with low UV. Even with appropriate canvas covers can’t imagine the work if the 34 was taken cruising. Just putting on and taking off the coverings every time you moved would be a PIA. A gentleman’s yacht even with modern coatings. Be a total shame to do anything but bright and ruin her appearance. Up north would expect to blow 10% of purchase price annually. Inside winter storage with the stick down. Light sand, tape and pull varnish yearly. Wood every 5 years or so depending. Probably higher insurance costs as well. Looking at this from a egocentric view given I would change batteries to Li or carbon foam, add AIS radar and chart plotter, put in voltage isolator invertor and shore power. Then add watermaker, solar and hydro, Winslow raft at the end of the day I’m looking at similar numbers to the outbound for upkeep. Be giving up miles for a days work, AC, central heat, and SPACE. Boy I love the look of that boat still thinking if I’m up for the dedication required to keep her as she should be.
Hi Guys, Sorry for the late response, I've out cruising the Whitsunday Islands, with spotty wifi. My intended goals are long distance single-handing. Thanks for asking. My wife and I are currently circumnavigating on our trawler, but these questions (and this thread) is all about a time when that has been completed, or draws to a natural end. I've seen some weather in our time and want a solid vessel which inspires confidence, and has a history of safe passages. The looks don't hurt either. :wink. I want something robust, simple and around 30'. I had considered a PSC31, and a Contessa 32 for a time too, but I keep coming back to old style working sailboats. I will admit it's likely more about the psychological space these boats create (rather than actual sea time data), but hey there you go. I just know how scary it is out there, 1100 miles from land, nothing around you but the mercy of the sea, and the feeling you're on your own. One must have faith in their vessel, and all of the owners I have spoken with (who own a BCC28 or Cape George Cutter) say they had the utmost feeling of well being in their (with these) boats. Malloc - I did not know about the Pixiesails, thanks for the link!
It'd be hard to go wrong with either boat. While I love the design of the BCC, at 28' it just becomes very sparse on creature comforts. Even things like headroom become difficult. If it were me, I'd either want to go with a considerably larger BCC, where the design features better fit the human form, or staying in your size range, I think I'd go with the CGC. Of course this is from a person who went with the PSC 34. Solid offshore performance/safety and an above the waterline shape that is pleasing, though not quite the traditional homage of the BCC. OK level of creature comforts, though even there, I sometimes wish for a few more feet of space. As for single-handed sailing, I can tell you that the PSC 34 is very easily single-handed. I assume that since the PSC 31 is quite similar, that single-handing it would be great as well.
You will not go wrong with any of the craft considered. I love the looks of a Channel Cutter, though not wild wild about the uber long sprit only cuz I'm chicken about going way out there for any sail work if getting salty! We fell in love with the PSC 31 when they first came out as the layout below and the traditional transom were big points for us. All of the PSC Crealock designs are purpose built which is why they have not changed the designs over the years, and they are sill being built, though pricey. As the literature says, "the designs have not changed because the demands of the sea have not". I have never sailed a Channel Cutter but have been aboard more than one, but have sailed the PSC 31 and can assure you that if you have her dialed in she will hold course with no auto-pilot, or hand on the helm. Very seaworthy and sea kindly, and though a bit prejudiced, a very easy look on the eye. Looks and personality! Regardless before you have any new boat built it would make much sense to sail one. We were attracted by her looks (and of course build quality) but it is her personality that will determine the length of your relationship.
Interlude said: Regardless before you have any new boat built it would make much sense to sail one. We were attracted by her looks (and of course build quality) but it is her personality that will determine the length of your relationship. Click to expand...
If I were really going to purchase and was down to those two boats I would have to go for a good long sail on both. They are both rather small and expensive. Do I get a choice on how they would be rigged! Where would I go? So for me it would most likely be the Cape George 31. Simple cutter with a boomed staysail. Set up to sail with a good sized "lapper" on a roller furler. A good oversized code zero or such would be on my list for very light air. A manual windlass is preffered with a single anchor hanging on the bowsprit. A high quality dodger but not too large. A boom gallows if the main sheet could be clear aft of it. I prefer a tiller. The cockpit dimensions must fit mine and my mate's anatomy. There must be great ventilation at all times. I prefer propane cooking stove so a proper locker is a must, aft out of the way. A nice small efficient diesel engine with about 20 gal tank. I need an enclosed head were you can clean up as well. Forward we need a "vee" bunk big enough for two (and a small pet). Two good hanging lockers so if you want to go out you shouldn't look like you live under a park bench. Some kind of heat is needed at times but wood is not so good. Since we already have a diesel tank that probably the way to go. Of course I am describing a lot of traditional laid out boats, ones that work out well. The whole thing must be done in high quality and traditional style. But not fancy. Not too much bright work and not very much bright paint. Normal lighting and electronics are good but let's not over do it. The table works fine for a navigation station. Refrigeration is not required. Just a very well insulated ice box. I agree with the folks who didn't want a bowsprit that is too long. They used to call it a window maker for a reason. It looks like a 36 footer would fit everything in a little easier but that was not the choice offered. I sailed from Honolulu to Bellingham on a Lyle Hess cutter and it was an excellent sea boat with no vises
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Cape 31 Class take to the Mediterranean in 2024
Updated: Jan 24
With more than ten Cape 31s heading for the Mediterranean next summer the Class are excited to announce an action packed series culminating with the November 2024 European Championship in Sanremo. The Notice of Series has been published and plans are well under way!
In 2024 the teams have lots to look forward to with a mix of established events and dedicated Cape 31 Events. With teams such as 2023 UK Champions, Shotgunn, and Corinthian runners up, Fast Motions, coming together with teams like Give Me Five , IRC 1 winners of Les Voile De St Tropez 2023, the Tortarolo's Squirt as well as the new Stella Maris and Black Battalion after their South African warm up there is going to be a great line up of teams throughout the year.
The first warm up event will be in Sanremo in February before the series kicks of in Monaco. The fleet will then be moving along the coast to South of France and finishing the season in Northern Italy.
With a good gap between the final event in the UK Series many Solent based boats will make the trip by trailer or container to Sanremo for the European Championships which in 2023 saw 22 teams compete at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes.
The Cape 31 Class are really looking forward to have a fleet racing in the Med as well as the UK, US and South Africa in 2024. Big thanks to the Cape 31 Class and 31 North teams in St Tropez and Italy (Marc Pajot and Giorgio/Martino Tortorolo) for their hard work.
Warm up Event - Sanremo - 24th-25th February
Round 1 - Monaco Primo Cup 7th-10th March
Round 2 - Cape 31 Easter St Tropez 30th March -1st April
Round 3 - Porquerolles Regatta 8th-12th May (practice racing on 8th)
Round 4 - Cape 31 Hyeres 24th-26th May
Round 5 - Cape 31 Imperia 14th-16th June
Round 6 - Cape 31 Sanremo 12th-14th July
2024 Cape 31 European Championship Yacht Club Sanremo 7th-10th November.
Recommended events that we will also see the Cape 31 at in 2024 are Les Voile De St Tropez and Giraglia Rolex Cup.
More info - www.cape31class.com/med
Notice board - https://cms.cape31class.com/racing/series/5
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IRC Win at Porquerolles with 4 Cape 31s and 25 Boat Fleet in the Solent
Cape 31 Jubatus Takes Victory on Debut in RMYC Licata Race
First ever Cape 31 European Champion crowned at the Royal Yacht Squadron
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31 Cape Horn vs 31 Contender?
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Don't want to start a my boat is better than yours or cats are better than mono hulls however would like some honest opinions. I have an 01' 27cc Cape Horn and it is a good solid boat but have been thinking of possible stepping up to a lil bigger boat. That being said I realy like the look of the 31 Cape Horn and heard they ride much better and dryer than the older models but have not had the chance to get in one and go through it or ride on one. I have also heard good things on the 31 Contender but have also not been able to ride in one or go throuhg one. If I step up it will be used ( prob 04'-08') do to price, so I am talking about the 31 open Contender not the new 31T. If any of ya'll own one of these boats and or fished from them I would like the honest non bias pros and cons of these boats. Thanks for any advice
I've been wanting to ask this very same question. I look forward to the post to follow as do you Anthony.
the cape horn is dryer and rides beter but the contender is layed out better and has much more dry and cold storage.
Cape Horn's are nice.
If you are looking for a boat to take some fishing buddies in, the Contender is the boat. If you are looking for a boat to take family and friends fishing, the Cape Horn is the boat.
While both are great boats, there some very discernable differences between the two. I have fished the 31' Cape Horn many times, including my buddy's 2010 with twin 350's. I also own a Contender 31' Open with twin 250's...so I may be a little partial. The Cape Horn is a foot shorter than the Contender and 6" more narrow. The Cape Horn is also around #7000-8000 fully loaded while the Contender is pushing #11,000. The Cape horn is lighter and I have noticed quite a bit faster than the contender. My friends CH will get up to about 68 mph with the 350's, and my contender will hit 55mph with 250's. Contenders enjoy a much better layout, larger insulated fish boxes and in my opinion, higher quality components. The Cape Horn is a very dry center console thanks to the carolina flare. In my opinion, the Contender is a much smoother riding vessel than the CH, and the CH seems to want to lay over on its side a bit when traveling in a following sea at high speeds, causing it to "pound". They are both very different boats. The CH can be purchased for about 2/3 the price of a contender, so that may interest some. They are both great boats, but I think Contender holds a significant edge when it comes to fishability and ride. If you want a super fast boat to take out on calm days, a CH may be the boat for you. But I would pick a Contender when planning on fishing year round and in variable weather.
Thread http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/64383-31-contender-vs-31-cape-horn.html Here is a 2 page thread comparing the two from 2007
I have a 2008 Cape Horn... It is the 23T which is really your boat (26.5ft) but with the new 9 ft 2 in (?) beam. Note that it was in 07 or 08 that they redesigned the hull! The 31 is my hull just 5 ft longer. With the Carolina flare, it rides pretty dry, fishing buddies say it is drier than the Contender. It has a 23Deg deadrise so it does take some getting used to the "roll" - just balnce your load and use the trim tabs. The storage is limited to the anchor locker (huge) and the center console and area under it. The 09 31 had storage lockers built into the flare area for more storage space. We love this boat and are considering moving up to the 31. Oh, I disagree regarding the quality of inside finish items. They are quality stainles and far better than what I saw on a 34 Yellowfin at the boat show. Great boat and solid as a rock. There is a guy in Rockport that owns an 08 or 09 31. Call Rockport Marina and they may give you his name or have him call you. I have twin 250s and get up to 1.7 mpg fully loaded and cruise at 4 - 4200 rpm. It is also a 63 mph boat if you are into that (we aren't). I consdered Contender and have been all over them but I have not ridden in one personally. On a value basis, the CH wins handily in my opinion.
If you want a pure fishing...go with Contender...most fishable boat by a mile i've ever been in...
Just like the above folks have said, Contender hands down. We are on our 3rd Contender , getting bigger each time. They are a hard core fishing machine with the LOA at 32.6. Big insulated fish boxes and like others have said, lots of in floor storage, super live wells and tough. We have a older style 2003 31 Open and love it. Very stable fishing platform and has a super ride. Havent really seen it a wet boat like others have said. Maybe its how they drive them. They seem to ride better as they go faster in some conditions. I have rode in others that folks call a dry boat and got drenched. All boats are wet in some conditions, even those ugly cats, lol. I do like the lines of the newer Cape Horns though, but they dont compare with a Contender in my opinion. Both are good boats though !
I have the 31-T and love it! handles the rough stuff very well. Its my first contender so I can't compare it to the older style hulls, but it is a fishing machine..
contender hands down........ there are some pretty good deals out there right now on used 31s http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale-wanted/303129-2002-31-contender.html http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale-wanted/303826-31-contender.html http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale-wanted/298261-contender-31-c-c-2005-a.html
I know where there is a Great deal on a 31T and so does Mark Nagel . Just ask one of us..
Newby here. Does the Contender on use Yamahas?
If you want a bigger boat buy a 36. Going from a 27 to a 31 is not that big of a increase. Buy the 36 Contender and never look back. You will have the bigger boat and you will thank me.
Not to confuse the debate but you probably should look at SeaVee's if you are looking at Contenders. I think they are better built than Contenders. Just a humble opinion from a hopefully soon-to-be former SeaVee owner.
Just a lot slower!!!!
Powered correctly an outboard SeaVee should be plenty fast for what somebody needs in our section of the Gulf.
Thanks to all who have been taking there time to give me there opinions keep it comeing.
Snake on here has a 2009 31' CH with twin 300 Zukes...I'd shoot him a PM.
ride in a freeman 33 cat then make your decision. http://www.freemanboatworks.com/
Not worth double the money!
Scott that's Capt."WFO" 70 mph sometimes is just Not enough ...
here we go again
jjordan said: here we go again Click to expand...
The 33 Freeman is a beast and the best looking cat on the market in my opinion. I have heard the ride is great but I stated I would be buying used if I did step up and yes 200k is way out of my budget since even the 31 would be used. That being said the Freeman is new to the market so not a used market out there for them but yes if I had the money I would have the 33 on top of the list to test drive.
And that's to much for a 32 footer too! And it won't outride a 31 Cape horn. If I could spend 200 on a boat it would have to be bigger than 32-33 ft. But I will never by new again. The boat market is hurting and you can pick up great used boats for 100 and less. My point is simply it's hard to justify 100k for 1 or 2 more ft. But if you so chose go for it. I'll buy one 5 years old with 300-400 hours for half. Just me!!!
Freeman should not even be in this discussion. Those things are bad to the bone as far as eating up the gulf chop. I have seen it first hand coming out of south pass in some nasty chit. Sorry you had to stoop for a moment. Hat's off to you. Keep on building a bad asssssss ride!!!! From a mono hull owner.:brew2:
Both boats are nice! Just buy which one you get the best deal on and fish the hell out of it!:slimer:
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Yachting World. May 23, 2022. 0 shares. The Cape 31 is a one-design yacht originally created for racing in South Africa, which has rapidly expanded with fleets around the world. Andy Rice reports ...
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The Cape 31 is a Grand Prix high performance 31 foot race boat. The boat was masterminded by Lord Irvine Laidlaw, designed by Mark Mills and is now built by licensed boat builder Cape Performance Sail Ltd. in Cape Town. Teams usually sail 7 up on this latest generation race boat. The class rule prefers owner driver (always amateur) and a mixed ...
Brand new Cape 31's ready to go, delivered anywhere in the world from the Official Cape 31 New Boat Dealer. ... Boat Reviews. Leopard 50 Review. Zuzana Prochazka. March 27, 2018. Boat Reviews. Lagoon 50 Review. Zuzana Prochazka. April 24, 2018. Boat Reviews. Hess's Bristol Channel Cutter. Staff.
The Cape 31 is an affordable high performance 31 foot race boat. 31FT ASYMMETRIC POCKET ROCKET THAT PACKS INTO A 40FT CONTAINER AND GOES ON A TRAILER The boat was masterminded by Lord Irvine Laidlaw, designed by Mark Mills and is built by licensed boat builder Cape Performance Sailing Ltd. Teams usually sail 7 up on this latest generation race boat.
The Cape 31 fleet all started with one man's vision, Highland Fling owner and avid racer Lord Irvine Laidlaw. Laidlaw commissioned Mark Mills to design the Cape 31 targeted at the highest level of One Design and IRC racing without getting into high-cost of complete carbon construction. Designer Mark Mills is one of the most successful yacht ...
Full keel. The Cape Dory 31 is equipped with a long keel. A full keel provide a better directional stability than a similar boat with a fin keel; on the other hand, better directional stability means also that the boat is more difficult to handle in a harbour with less space. The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 1. ...
Cape 31 Class Sails ; Square Top Main sail ; J#1 Racing Genoa ; J#2 Racing Genoa ; J#4 Heavy Genoa ; Instrument bracket; Southern Ropes running riggingt; A1,5 Asymmetrical spinnaker ; A2 Asymmetrical spinnaker ; A3 Asymmetrical spinnaker ; Rig Package; Cape Performance Sailing carbon mast;
Find One Design Cape 31 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of One Design boats to choose from. ... Reviews; Toggle Navigation. United States (English) Danmark - Dansk. Deutschland - Deutsch. ... 2023 One Design Cape 31. US$320,878. ↓ Price Drop. US $2,438/mo. Ancasta International Boat ...
GENERAL CAPE 31 SPECIFICATION: LOA: 9.55m LWL: 8.75m Beam: 3.05m Disp: 1800kg Draft: 2.45m OVERVIEW: The Cape 31 is an affordable high performance 31 ft race boat. The boat was masterminded by Lord Irvine Laidlaw, designed by Mark Mills and is built by licensed boat builder Cape Performance Sailing Ltd.
Personally from that aspect prefer the BCC28. Prefer the stern treatment, and divided house. If going with a Cape George would jump to the 36'. Although they can carry a large load for their LWL they are small boats with space at a premium so the 36' or up dramatically improves live ability.
01-24-2017 07:52 PM. They are great boats, only beef is lack of storage space but to some that's not an issue. Fit and finish won't be as good as a regulator and layout/fish ability/storage won't come close to the contender, but it's going to be cheaper than both of those boats. Cape horn has the important stuff down, it's well built and ...
The Cape 31 Class are really looking forward to have a fleet racing in the Med as well as the UK, US and South Africa in 2024. ... 2024 Cape 31 European Championship Yacht Club Sanremo 7th-10th November. Recommended events that we will also see the Cape 31 at in 2024 are Les Voile De St Tropez and Giraglia Rolex Cup.
Full keel. The Cape George 31 is equipped with a long keel. A full keel provide a better directional stability than a similar boat with a fin keel; on the other hand, better directional stability means also that the boat is more difficult to handle in a harbour with less space. The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about ...
Shinebox15. 07-23-2021 05:38 PM. 31' Cape Horn. My father is interested in buying a 31T Cape Horn. I don't know too much about them. Rode real well and unsinkable. Just wondering what their brand reputation is and anyone's experience with Suzuki 350s.
While both are great boats, there some very discernable differences between the two. I have fished the 31' Cape Horn many times, including my buddy's 2010 with twin 350's. I also own a Contender 31' Open with twin 250's...so I may be a little partial. The Cape Horn is a foot shorter than the Contender and 6" more narrow.
2025 Jersey Cape 31 Little Devil. US$399,900. US $3,098/mo. Jersey Cape Yacht Sales | Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. Request Info.
Thanks for the advice.I was leaning towards the Cape Dory 33 for the additional sea-berth. I am an avid scuba diver and would bring my scuba equipment along. The sea berth in the 33 seems ideal for storage of gear, the 31 doesn't have the berth.Also for long passages I would imagine the additional length would make it marginally safer, while still being well within the capabilities of a two ...