Heineken Cape to Rio - www.capetorio.heineken.com

International brewing giant, Heineken, has announced that they will once again be the Title Sponsor of the  Royal Cape Yacht Club's premier South Atlantic race, the Heineken Cape-to-Rio, which will take place in January 2011.

"The Heineken Cape to Rio is a jewel in the crown of Heineken's global partnership with the premium sport of sailing.  As Title Sponsor for the third Trans-Atlantic race in a row, we have certainly consolidated our brand ownership of one of South Africa's iconic sporting challenges," said Franco Maria Maggi, National Brand Manager, Heineken.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Heineken back onboard once again and are equally pleased to be taking the Race back to its roots in Rio de Janerio, site of the finish of the first race forty years ago."  said John Martin,  Commodore of Royal Cape Yacht Club.  "Ever since then, the event has maintained its status as the top Trans-Atlantic race on the ocean racing calendar."

"The Heineken Cape to Rio - and its partner destinations, Cape Town and Rio de Janerio, Brazil- embodies the glamour and excitement which is central to the Heineken brand promise.   Heineken is proud to support and be associated with the unique spirit of friendship, adventure and achievement which is epitomized by this Race.

We wish best of luck and fair winds to all the yachtsmen competing in the event." said Maggi.

The 2011 Heineken Cape to Rio Race will see the introduction of a special class for racing multi-hulls in recognition of their increasing presence in ocean racing.

The IRC Mono-hull class will start on the 15th of January 2011 along with the cruising mono-hulls and cruising multi-hulls, with the racing multi-hulls starting on the 22nd of January.  

The festivities will culminate with the grand Prize-Giving and the awarding of the much sought-after South Atlantic Trophy, just prior to Rio Carnival which commences on the 3rd March.

FOLLOW THE RACE LIVE ON www.capetorio.heineken.com