For more information visit the Cape Town stopover site, www.volvooceanracecapetown.co.za.
KEY DATES IN CAPE TOWN
Leg 1 was won by Ericsson 4 at 05:54 GMT, 2 November 2008 after 21 days, 17 hours and 54 minutes of sailing, click here to read more about leg 1.
The fleet departed Cape Town at 13:00 local time on Saturday 15 November 2008 for leg 2 to Cochin.
ABOUT CAPE TOWN
Dominated by its immense flat-topped mountain, Cape Town sits at the convergence of two of the world’s great oceans, the Indian and the Atlantic
Dubbed the Tavern of the Seas, Cape Town has been a welcome sight for sailors ever since man took to wandering the oceans in search of new lands, new trade and ever greater riches. Today it still remains a major hub in terms of world trade, but for decades it has also been a vital stop in the ocean racing world. Apart from a brief hiccup when politics superseded sport, Cape Town has always featured in the Volvo Ocean Race and its predecessor the Whitbread. As a vital point to replenish supplies, fix the boat and fix the crew after the Atlantic and before the Indian and Southern Oceans they don’t come any better.
Aside from the looming mountain – always worth a visit via the cable car or, for the more hardy, via a breath-busting foot trail – the overarching impression of Cape Town is one of greenery. Huge trees, tropical gardens that encroach deep into the city, flowers in pots and baskets, everywhere the countryside infiltrates city boundaries.
Development is on every hand in this bustling town. Roads, flyovers, offices, houses; everywhere the eye lands there is new building. On the road from the airport where townships of ragged huts and shanties were once sprawled, new brick houses are springing up in neat rows, gardens, vegetable plots and schools showing the optimism of the Cape.
A rainbow city in the Rainbow Country, Cape Town offers every experience to the visitor; from ancient pre-history, through the turbulent politics of the nation – make a point to visit Robben Island - to modern urban life: shopping, eating, entertainment, more shopping - Cape Town has it all.
Close to the Volvo Ocean Race village, visit Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront complex – a good place for eating too, everything from fast food to super gourmet delights, but don’t forget to sample the local fish and chips - or Cavendish Square in the leafy Southern Suburbs.
The V&A Waterfront is located within the breathtaking setting of a dynamic working harbor and includes over 450 stores, more than 80 restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and take-aways, an aquarium, boat and helicopter charters, art and craft markets, a variety of leisure attractions as well as a choice of world-class conference and hotel facilities.
The V&A Waterfront offers a range of cultural landmarks including museums, historic buildings and exclusive access to one of South Africa’s essential heritage sites: Robben Island. All of this, coupled with ongoing events and entertainment, within a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere, ensures that the V&A Waterfront is the heart of your visit.
Visit the V&A Waterfront website and check out the monthly events calendar.
Shopping in Cape Town has been honed into an art form more than a pastime or an essential activity. City planners have made it as easy as possible for you to part with your money, though great value is on offer both in the malls and in the markets.
Cape Town is famous for its antiques - from art nouveau jewellery to rare books and precious objects - which can be ferreted out in the stalls along Church Street, or behind the aged shop fronts of the Victorian buildings lining Long Street and its environs. A block or two further on, the dazzling colours, textures, smells and sounds of Greenmarket Square, the city's favourite flea market, ensnare all who have saved enough energy and money to get this far.
If it is local curios you are after, Cape Town’s city centre is alive with informal markets and pavement traders, selling a vast array of bargain items, original curios and collectables, clothes and food. The sound of djembe drumming or children singing often sneaks between the modern blocks, putting a human face on the stone and concrete.
Shopping in the city is essentially on foot, but if you don't have a car at your disposal, getting to any of the malls or larger centres is as easy as hopping onto a taxi, bus or train.
Visit the Cape Town tourism website
KEY DATES Estimated Yacht arrivals: 03/11/2008 Leg 2 Start: 15/11/2008
EVENTS Sunday, 2nd November Official Cape Town Race Village Opening - 09:00–11:00
Monday, 3rd November Race Village Open 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 – Schedules TBA Estimated Yachts Arrivals
Tuesday, 4th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA
Wednesday, 5th November Race Village Open 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA National Children’s Day
Thursday, 6th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA
Friday, 7th November Race Village Open 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA
Saturday, 8th November Race Village Open - 09:00-21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA Free Concerts at the Amphitheatre – 17:00–18:00
Sunday, 9th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA Children’s shows – Schedules TBA Q&A Session at the Amphitheatre - 15:00–16:00
Monday, 10th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA Country Themed Days, Jetty 1 – Schedules TBA
Tuesday, 11th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA Country Themed Days, Jetty 1 – Schedules TBA
Wednesday, 12th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA Country Themed Days, Jetty 1 – Schedules TBA
Thursday, 13th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA Country Themed Days, Jetty 1 – Schedules TBA V&A Waterfront Schools Performing Arts Showcase, Amphitheatre and Race Village – Schedule TBA
Friday, 14th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA Country Themed Days, Jetty 1 – Schedules TBA V&A Waterfront Schools Performing Arts Showcase, Amphitheatre and Race Village – Schedule TBA
Saturday, 15th November Race Village Open - 09:00–21:00 Tourism Product Exhibition, Jetty 1 - Schedules TBA Free Concerts at the Amphitheatre – 17:00–18:00