October 2026 will see many of the world’s top ‘radio-sailors’ congregating in the Western Cape. They will be coming to compete in the “Globals” – a world championship level sailing event. The venue for this premium event will be the Theewaterskloof Dam, a major source of potable water for Cape Town and its environs. Host clubs for the championships will be the Cape Radio Yacht Club and the Theewaterskloof Sports Club. The racing will take place under the auspices of South African Sailing (SAS).

Radio-controlled competitive sailing (where yachts are raced from the shoreline using a radio transmitter/receiver system) is fast becoming a major sub-sport on the world sailing calendar.

The design of the yacht that will be sailed at the event is known as the Dragonflite (DF) 95. Thousands of these yachts can be seen racing on international waters. The DF 95 is indeed popular globally, with a strong presence in countries like the USA, UK, Australia and Sweden, among many others. In fact, the class has organised owners’ associations on every continent, showcasing its widespread appeal. South Africa itself boasts a fleet of well in excess of 200 boats.

Following on the success of the previous Globals which were sailed in Fleetwood, UK during 2023, South Africa is expecting to attract some 80 yachts to the 2026 edition here in the Western Cape. There are several reasons for this expectation. Not the least of which is the pool of experienced sailing talent spanning several age groups which promises some exciting racing – but the attractiveness of the Cape itself which has carved a prominent role as a major player in internatinal tourism. Particularly the “Mother City” of Cape Town itself with its magical Waterfront area, and of course the nearby winelands among many other attractions that the Cape can proudly boast.

Focusing on the DF 95 itself, this yacht has quite a pedigree. Originally designed by leading radio-sailors in the UK, it is now manufactured in China in sizeable numbers. From there the yachts are exported worldwide.

Given that the 2023 Globals in Fleetwood attracted a fleet of some 78 yachts representing 15 countries added to the attractiveness of the Western Cape itself, one can expect 80 entries – given the keen interest already shown by the major radio-sailing countries.