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Beneteau Cup 2009!

The 2009 Beneteau Cup took place on 21st - 23rd August in Cowes. Weather conditions were generally kind with the first day's strong winds and sea state challenging all participants.
The regatta is open to all Beneteau yachts and sees a great combination of out-and-out racers alongside family teams battling it out over three days of exceptional racing in the Solent, the home of world yachting.
Portia, the Beneteau First 40.7 owned by Andrew Iyer dominated Class A with their consistently good results in class, and walked away with the overall Beneteau Cup 2009 Champion trophy. Congratulations go to them.

The line up for Class A consisted of a good match of 31.7's, 40.7's, 47.7's amongst others and not forgetting the brand new First 40, Watermark III, who saw its UK race debut in the Beneteau Cup racing.

In Class A division 2, Stephen Parry and his crew on the 31.7 "Kurketrekker" sailed fantastically well again this year, taking divisional winners, for the third year, and 3rd in the overall championship.

Class B, for non IRC boats and cruisers, was contested by a great mixture of yachts and crews this year. Black Pearl of London the Oceanis 523 performed well, battling it out with the best of them, but Buccaneer and Lancelot, Beneteau 40.7's who were with cruising crews for the event pipped them at the post, just taking first and second places respectively. A family affair lead to some added rivalry in Class B with brothers Steve and Eric Whitelaw both taking part, racing alongside each other for family honors! Sailing Today, the official media partner to the Beneteau Cup, were also amongst the action in Class B with competition winners taking to the water for some racing and partying.
Class C's treasure hunt was a real challenge this year, with the difficult conditions on the Friday. All teams entered into the spirit fantastically well, and did exceptionally well to reach their cryptic locations and decipher each clue. Despite a late arrival, in the end it was team "Cobra" who took honours in the family class, with the whole family onboard.
The Saturday Gala was again the highlight of the event for many. The theme "superheroes and villains" resulted in some fantastic and original fancy dress costumes, and a great night of dancing and socializing was had by all, not forgetting lots of lycra!
Build a Boat competition was also welcomed back this year, with some seriously imaginative entries! Square riggers, race boats, and even a Titanic replica were amongst this year's designs!
Congratulations also go to Minx 2 for their victory in Sunday's Pursuit Race.
The event which was run by Britannia Corporate Events and Ancasta International Boat Sales, was supported by Beneteau, Raymarine, Henri Lloyd, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Old Pultney Whisky , North Sails and Nautica Watches. Thanks go to all competitors and sponsors.