Beneteau 44.7 takes IRC Cruising Class

by Al Constable on 26 Aug 2006 Ray Harris’ Beneteau First 44.7 Honysuckle came home well in the second half of the 23rd Hahn Premium Hamilton Island Race Week regatta. Harris, with Michael Spies calling tactics, outsailed the fleet in the final two light weather races to record to wins, shutting out the early series leader, Luke McGrath’s asymmetric Sydney 36 Greater Springfield.

Harris commented; ‘This boat just loves the light conditions; it’s been a joy to sail. I am a committed Beneteau owner having owned a 36.7, a 40.7, a 47.7 and now the 44.7 and with Michael’s considerable assistance we’ve done well.’

Brendan Hunt from Vicsail, the Australian and New Zealand Beneteau importers announced this afternoon that Ray had won the prestigious Hesperus trophy, for the top performing Beneteau sailing at Hahn Premium Race Week 2006.

In second place in Premier Cruising was Luke McGrath’s Sydney 36 Greater Springfield, who prevented a clean sweep of the class by the 44.7’s.

‘We’d rather have had more breeze, but we’ve really enjoyed the regatta. I do want to thank our sponsors Greater Springfield, the Queensland property developers who have ventured into yachting sponsorship for the first time to support us.'

Third and fourth overall were two more Beneteau First 44.7’s Greg McMahon’s Afternoon and David Beak’s Mr.Beak’s Ribs.