Beneteau Regatta at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron
by Sarah Henry 29 Mar 2018 13:30 PDT
Victorian Beneteau Regatta 2018 © Sarah Henry
On the 24th March Sundance Marine hosted the 15th Victorian Beneteau Regatta on Port Phillip Bay. Known as a great day for Beneteau owners to come together, the 2018 event proved a great success with 17 boats participating from Sandringham, Brighton, Williamstown, Mornington, Martha Cove and Blairgowrie.
Assembling for the first time at Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, a great spread of Beneteau owners with different models including the impressive Sense 50 and a variety of the very popular Oceanis range braved Melbourne first real rain in 3 months to arrive at RMYS.
The wet start to the day faded as crews enjoyed a fabulous lunch at RMYS before heading out to race. A Spinnaker and Non Spinnaker division raced and a shortened course was still enjoyed with 10-15 knots. With the rain cleared the finish was much nicer and boats crossed the line under the watchful eye of Luna Park and the St Kilda foreshore.
With the fleet heading towards the Yarra River, the upside of Melbourne's 'four season in one day' reputation delivered a very pleasant cruise up the Yarra to Marine YE and once on land the fleet enjoyed a sunny, picturesque location for drinks and sandwiches plus a jet display courtesy of the Melbourne GP!
John Beck said "It's always a fun day, we love getting everyone together, the comradery between the Beneteau owners is always great and the day delivers lots of fun, good food and company - ending up in the heart of the city shows off just how easy it is to enjoy your boat in Melbourne."
Several of those unable to sail then joined for dinner at Cargo Hall, a restored Pier shed on the Yarra River. Sundance Marine Director David Beck presented trophies and awards during a great evening with plenty of dancing! With the boats berthing in the heart of the South Wharf precinct owners and crews either returned headed to their beds at Yarras Edge or heading out for further socialising.
Made possible by major sponsor Nautilus Marine, the assistance of RMYS for race management, the perfectly placed Yarras Edge Marina and other partners including North Sails, Musto & Sails Magazine, it was a great event.
Line Honours went to Paul Commin's First 50, Carpe Diem in Spinnaker Division and to Ross Johnson's Sense 50, Circe in the Non Spinnaker.
Handicap results
Spinnaker Division
- Bigger Day Out, Remco Pen, Oceanis 45, MYC
- Elegance, Nick Knezic, Oceanis 41.1, RBYC
- Carpe Diem, Paul Commins, First 50, SYC
Non-Spinnaker Division
- Dilli Gaff, Paul Macbain, Oceanis 40, SYC
- Brigitte, Oceanis 38, SYC
- Etoile, John Gordon, Oceanis 38.1, SBYC