The Cape 31 is a Grand Prix high performance 31 foot race boat. 

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The boat was masterminded by Lord Irvine Laidlaw, designed by Mark Mills and is now built by licensed boat builder Cape Performance Sail Ltd. in Cape Town. Teams usually sail 7 up on this latest generation race boat. The class rule prefers owner driver (always amateur) and a mixed crew of amateurs and professionals. 

The key to this boat’s success is that it has proven itself as not only a great one design boat, but also as a competitive boat under multiple handicap systems with some extremely impressive regatta wins. 

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The International Class is governed by an Executive Committee. 

The purpose of the Cape 31 Class Association is to provide fun, competitive and affordable one-design racing in a professional and fair way with a friendly vibe on and off the water, by:

• Providing a structure for Class administration and the exchange of information among members;

• Protecting the one-design integrity of the Class and the Class Rules;

• Organising and conducting a series of regattas at attractive and affordable sailing venues;

• Promoting the Class and developing regional fleets and regional sailing events;

• Providing structure for regional and local fleets to organise and to collaborate with each other and with the International Class Association.