QLD Beneteau Cup racing cancelled in blustery Moreton Bay conditions

by Tracey Johnstone on 2 Oct 2011

Lady Jaqualyn heading back to shore after making a brave attempt to reach the offshore course area for the second day of racing - Ensign Yachts QLD French Yacht Challenge and Beneteau Cup 2011 Tracey Johnstone

Blustery west-south-west conditions 25 knots gusting to 30 greeted as the fleet contemplated the second day of the Ensign Yachts Queensland Beneteau Cup on Brisbane's Moreton Bay.

The race committee, after going out on the course to review the sea and wind conditions, made the prudent decision to postpone the first of the two scheduled windward/leeward races.

Back on shore race officer Sylvia Talbot advised the competitors that racing would not go ahead today in what has been designed and enjoyed as a fun regatta.

'We went two miles offshore to check it out and it was survival conditions, not racing and certainly not conducive for the boats. We felt that they would be breaking equipment and it wouldn’t be fair racing. It’s different in the ocean as you have to keep going. We will just sail another day,' Talbot said.

RO Sylvia Talbot confers with organising committee chair, Jane Virtue, before announcing the decision to cancel racing in day two of the fun regatta - Ensign Yachts QLD French Yacht Challenge and Beneteau Cup 2011 © Tracey Johnstone

The Queensland Beneteau Owners Group and host club, Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, will now review their options to find a suitable day for the racing to be completed.

The QLD Beneteau Cup and French Yacht Challenge is sponsored by Ensign Ship Brokers, Doyle Fraser Sails, Ullman Sails, Muir Marine, The Hatchman, JSA Marine, North Sails, Manly Marina Cove Motel, Nautilus Marine Insurance, Bias Marine, Bottoms Up Marine, Sailtech Sailmakers, Dulon, Boaststyle, NU Bolt and Hose Supplies.

Full results of the first day of racing is published on the RQYS website, go http://results.rqys.com.au/