Lipton Challenge CUP

17/06/2026

⛵📢 4th ENTRY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy has officially entered the 2026 Lipton Challenge, marking a welcome return to South Africa's premier sailing contest.

This is the second year that the Lipton Trustees have opened the competition to recognised sailing academies, creating an important pathway for emerging talent to compete alongside some of the country's most established yacht clubs. We are delighted to see the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy back on the start line.

Led once again by skipper Sibusiso Sizatu, the Academy team impressed during their debut campaign in 2025, recording a third-place finish and two fourth-place finishes across the ten-race series. Having gained valuable experience and proven they can compete at the front of the fleet, they will undoubtedly be looking to improve on last year's overall result.

Will any more Academy’s or Sailing Schools join the Challenge?

RCYC Sailing Academy

10/06/2026

⛵📢 3rd ENTRY ANNOUNCEMENT

Boskop Yacht Club has officially entered the 2026 Lipton Challenge, bringing one of South Africa’s most passionate inland sailing clubs back to Table Bay.

Leading the campaign is skipper Michael Robinson, a respected sailor, longstanding contributor to the sport and SA Sailing President. Under his leadership, Boskop has earned a reputation for bold tactical decisions.

Few teams demonstrated that better than last year’s Lipton Challenge, when Boskop ignored the conventional wisdom in one of the opening races and chose a completely different side of the course, rounding the first mark with a commanding lead over the fleet.

With Hermanus Yacht Club preparing to defend the Cup and Royal Cape Yacht Club already confirmed as Challenger of Record, Boskop now joins the growing list of clubs ready to take on South Africa’s most prestigious inter-club sailing contest.

Who will be next to answer the challenge?

09/06/2026

45 days until the entry cutoff.
76 days until registration.

Already confirmed for the 2026 Lipton Challenge are the holders, Hermanus Yacht Club, who stand ready to defend the Cup under skipper Calvin Gibbs, and Royal Cape Yacht Club, who have lodged the first formal challenge and become Challenger of Record under the leadership of David Rae, as well as a soon to be announced third entry.

Stay tuned for updates.

liptoncup.com

03/06/2026

🏆🔥 2026 Lipton Challenge Cup – Challenger of Record Confirmed 🔥🏆

The challenge is on.

Royal Cape Yacht Club has become the first club to formally challenge Hermanus Yacht Club for the 2026 Lipton Challenge Cup, earning the title of Challenger of Record and officially setting the stage for this year’s contest.

Leading the campaign is David Rae, one of South Africa’s most accomplished sailors and a multiple Lipton Cup winner whose name is firmly etched into the history of the event. Renowned for his success in both keelboat and dinghy racing, Rae brings a wealth of experience, tactical expertise and championship pedigree to the Royal Cape challenge.

After finishing a close second in 2025, with the outcome only decided on the final day of racing, RCYC will be determined to reclaim the trophy they have won more times than any other club.

With the first challenge now lodged, the 2026 Lipton Challenge is now officially under way.

08/05/2026

🏆🔥 2026 Lipton Challenge Cup – Defending Champions Confirmed 🔥🏆

Hermanus Yacht Club, holders of the “Lipton Cup” since they successfully wrested this historic trophy from the defenders Royal Cape Yacht Club after a 10-race contest last year, announced formally this week that they are ready to defend the Cup against all-comers on the waters of Table Bay this August.

Leading their team again is skipper Calvin Gibbs, returning to the helm after their winning campaign in 2025. Going into last year’s contest Hermanus YC was just one of the 17 clubs challenging for the Cup. This year they set the benchmark, and will feel the added pressure of being the defenders.

As holders of the Cup HYC have thrown down the gauntlet. Who’s ready to challenge them and take the Cup home?


Hermanus Yacht Club

04/05/2026

Get ready… ⛵🔥
Lipton Challenge Cup 2026 is on the horizon.
Stay tuned.

Hermanus Yacht Club x Royal Cape Yacht Club

16/04/2026

The Lipton Challenge Cup returns.

25–29 August 2026 | Cape Town

South Africa’s most prestigious inter-club regatta is back, bringing together the country’s top sailors for five days of tight, one-design racing on J22s in Table Bay.

Jointly hosted by the Defending Club, Hermanus Yacht Club, and Royal Cape Yacht Club, the 2026 Challenge promises high-level competition, proud club representation and the continuation of a legacy that defines South African sailing.

Entries are open to all clubs affiliated with and in good standing with South African Sailing.*

Enter now: www.liptoncup.com

07/11/2025

7th November 2025

Clubs around the country are being asked for their opinion on the Lipton Trustees’ proposal that the 2026 & 2027 Challenges be raced in J22s.

01/11/2025

We are proud to be have the 2026 edition of the Lipton Cup jointly hosted by Hermanus Yacht Club and Royal Cape Yacht Club, after HYC’s unbelievable win in Table Bay this past August, encouraging the election to sail next years edition in Table Bay waters once again.

01/09/2025