Royal Cape Yacht Club welcomes Alderman JP Smith from City of Cape Town as Honorary Member
by Christa Badenhorst, RCYC 6 Jun 04:34 NZST
Alderman JP Smith receives his honorary Royal Cape Yacht Club in front of the Lipton Challenge Cup trophy cabinet. (Seen from left to right): William Crockett, Dave Hudson, Alderman JP Smith, Toni Mainprize and Kerry Pryde © Royal Cape Yacht Club
Dave Hudson, a four-time winner of the prestigious Lipton Challenge Cup and a current Lipton Trustee, recently welcomed Alderman JP Smith as an Honorary Member to the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC).
Established in 1905, the RCYC has a storied tradition in the maritime community of Cape Town.
Alderman JP Smith expressed his gratitude for the rich sailing heritage that the Club brings to the city. "The City of Cape Town has consistently contributed financially to the Lipton Challenge Cup over the years as we acknowledge the importance of the Club in maritime history. I had the privilege of spending time with the RCYC Academy, which empowers youngsters who otherwise would have no exposure to sailing," Smith stated.
JP Smith highlighted the importance of nurturing future sailing talent: "These are the future sailors who will take part in prestigious sailing events like the Lipton Cup. Already, we have seen RCYC Academy students making an impressive mark with a podium finish at the 2023 Cape2Rio race," he said. Smith emphasized the need to honour long-standing traditions, such as the firing of the historic cannon to signal the start of significant races, while also encouraging the creation of new traditions for the future.
The Lipton Challenge Cup, widely regarded as the premier keelboat sailing contest in South Africa, continues to attract significant financial support from the City of Cape Town. Celebrating its 70th regatta this year, the event will be held from 27 to 31 August on Table Bay. The trophy, steeped in history, was donated to the RCYC in 1909 by the renowned tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton.
The Lipton Challenge Cup not only showcases top sailing talent but also underscores the Club's commitment to transformation. The names of the crew members inscribed on the trophy highlight the Club's efforts to provide opportunities to up-and-coming sailors, reflecting a diverse and inclusive sailing community.
For more information about the Lipton Challenge Cup and the Royal Cape Yacht Club, please visit liptoncup.com.