
Cape 31 – Next Generation Racing Yacht
The Cape 31 is a high-performance monohull sailing yacht that combines speed, manoeuvrability and exceptional handling. Designed by renowned yacht designer Mark Mills, she combines solid engineering with modern design for exceptional performance in both light winds and extreme conditions. The C31 was developed to create a broad platform for affordable regattas that offer both amateurs and experienced professionals a technically demanding sailing experience. At 31 feet (9.56 metres) long and with a sporty layout, the Cape 31 offers tremendous versatility with amazing performance in a wide range of conditions.
The Black Star Cape 31 Yacht
Dimensions
Length (total): 9.56 m
Beam: 3.10 m
Draft: 2.45 m
Displacement: 1770 kg
Keel weight: 710 kg
Sails:
Mainsail: 39 m²
J1 Racing Genoa: 24.67 m²
J2 Racing Genoa: 24.67 m²
J3 Racing Genoa: 23.66 m²
J4 Racing Genoa: 20.99 m²
A1.5 Gennaker: 116.04 m²
A2 Gennaker: 116.04 m²
A2+ Gennaker: 113 m²
Crew:
6 – 8 persons (595 kg max.)
(max. 3 ISAF professional sailors)
Innovation and high-tech with clear rules
The Cape 31 is a one-design class with strict specifications for construction, weight, rigging and sail sizes. The class rules are designed to minimise technical modifications, encouraging fair competition where crew performance and tactical decisions are the main focus. The tightly controlled design also ensures that teams do not focus too much on technical equipment, and that budgets are affordable for all participants. With a view to equal opportunities, the class rules also restrict the scope for manoeuvre when it comes to boat occupancy, which has a positive effect on regatta newcomers and outsiders. For Black Star Sailing, the Cape 31 boat class is ideal for taking a further step towards achieving its goal of promoting young talent.
Uncompromisingly light, compact and agile
The Cape 31 is made of advanced composite materials that ensure a light, robust and rigid structure. The vacuum-formed fibreglass hull with a foam core ensures high stability, while the carbon fibre mast, together with the aluminium boom and advanced rigging, significantly contribute to performance. Mark Mills’ choice of lines is progressive and aggressive, and provides exceptional lift, allowing speeds of over 25 knots. The deep-draught keel, together with an uncompromising approach to material selection and manufacturing, ensures precise handling even in demanding conditions.
The compact size and versatile deck layout make the C31 an ideal boat for regattas with mixed crews of professionals and amateurs.
With a well-thought-out concept of different sails, the Cape 31 is optimally equipped for a wide range of wind conditions. It performs well in light winds, where it quickly gets planing, as well as in stormy conditions, where its stability and manoeuvrability are particularly outstanding.
It is steered by a carbon tiller that provides direct and precise feedback, while gennaker management is simplified by the integrated bowsprit.
Efficient logistics and maintenance
A major advantage of the Cape 31 lies in its logistics concept, which is designed for efficiency. The yacht can be transported in a standard container, making it suitable for international regattas without high costs. The space-optimised transport design enables teams to take part in competitions worldwide without having to overcome complex logistical challenges.
Both the manageable size and the clever design ensure that a C31 yacht is not exposed to excessive stresses during transport or use. Together with the avoidance of sensitive technologies, this ensures that construction, maintenance and repairs remain affordable in this boat class, and that participation in events is also possible for smaller teams over several seasons.
Popular and established
Since its introduction in 2017, the Cape 31 has enjoyed a steadily growing following, with active fleets in Europe, South Africa and North America. The international Cape 31 Class Association organises high-calibre regattas at attractive venues such as the Mediterranean, the Solent, Key West and Cape Town. The entry requirements are designed to ensure that at least half of the crew are amateurs, which lowers the entry barriers and promotes a diverse field of participants. By complying with IRC and ORC handicap systems, the Cape 31 also proves its versatility in mixed regattas.
Black Star Sailing and Cape 31
Cape 31 is a perfect match for the Black Star Sailing Team and its mission to promote young talent and facilitate their entry into professional regattas. The crew requirements, well-thought-out class rules and manageable logistics make the Cape 31 ideal for training and competition.
With its commitment to Cape 31, Black Star Sailing is taking an important step in the development of Swiss sailing, as this advanced boat class will help to further close the gap between popular sports and professional regattas.