2017 One Design Cape 31 - IMAGINE

The Cape 31 is a 31-foot composite racing sailboat built to compete at a serious level without the complexity of bigger yachts. Conceived by Lord Irvine Laidlaw and designed by Mark Mills, the boat combines affordability with genuine performance—it sails efficiently as a one-design and has also proven competitive under IRC rating, with multiple event wins recorded this season in the UK.

The design accommodates seven crew comfortably, typically an owner-driver with a mix of amateur and professional sailors. The boat's moderate beam of just over 10 feet and light construction keep handling responsive, while a single Yanmar 13.4 hp diesel engine provides auxiliary power.

Built by CarboTech under license, the Cape 31 draws from an established fleet already thriving in Cape Town. The composite hull delivers durability and low maintenance alongside the performance demanded of a modern racing platform.