The inaugural Cape 31 Gold Cup has brought together 28 teams in Saint-Tropez, with the combined UK and Mediterranean fleets taking to the water for their first practice race ahead of Wednesday's championship opener.
The record entry, previously reported by Afloat, marks a significant milestone for the rapidly expanding one-design class, with relatively few competitors having previously experienced a Cape 31 start line of this size.
Start Line Challenge – With 28 Cape 31s lining up for the inaugural Gold Cup, competitors face an unusually crowded start line in Saint-Tropez, where clear air, positioning and timing will be crucial to gaining an early advantage. Photo: Sailing Energy
Practice Race Gives Fleet First Taste of Gulf Conditions
Tuesday's programme began with registration, final equipment inspections, and sail measurement, after weighing five randomly selected boats on Monday.
A delayed breeze kept crews waiting, but conditions eventually improved enough for a practice race, letting teams assess the competition and familiarise themselves with the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Gold Cup Countdown – The inaugural Cape 31 Gold Cup opens on Wednesday, 14 October, with established Mediterranean Circuit contenders facing a strong international fleet in the battle for the class's first Gold Cup title. Photo: Sailing Energy
The fleet subsequently gathered at Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez for the opening reception, hosted by club president Pierre Roinson, Gold Cup organiser and Give Me Five owner Adrien Follin, and Lennard van Oeveren of Motions.
"Just two years ago we were here in Saint-Tropez with six teams, and now we're back with 28. It's an amazing achievement," said van Oeveren.
Stig Crowned 2026 Mediterranean Circuit Champion
The opening evening also recognised the leading performers from the 2026 Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit.
Alessandro Rombelli's Stig claimed the 2026 Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit title with 10 net points, ahead of August Schram's Stella Maris in second with 12 points. Christian Schwoerer's La Pericolosa completed the overall podium in third with 14 points.
Circuit Glory – Alessandro Rombelli's Stig celebrates the 2026 Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit title after securing 10 points net, including victory in Porto Cervo and podium finishes in Bonifacio and Hyères. Photo: Sailing Energy
Accepting the circuit championship trophy, Rombelli looked ahead to the Gold Cup challenge. "I'm really looking forward to the battle with some amazing teams and such a big fleet," he said.
Four Days to Decide First Gold Cup Winner
Championship racing begins on Wednesday, 14 October, with the first warning signal at 10.30am. The programme continues through Saturday, 17 October, when the inaugural Cape 31 Gold Cup champion will be crowned.
With established Mediterranean circuit contenders meeting the UK fleet on a single start line, the event promises one of the strongest tests yet for the growing international Cape 31 class.
