Beneteau Regatta NZ

[Gavin White]

We have just had the annual Beneteau Regatta here in NZ. So I thought I would give a heads up.

The race format was Mark Foy and about 15 boats lined up.  We gave 10 minute to 3, 40's and had 5 minutes on three 473's.  Some older cruiser 443's were off with us  The Firsts were basically handicapped out of it 30 minutes behind us. Unfortunately there were no 46's or other 43's to square off against.

The course was approximately 15nm comprising a run, a long reach, a short beat then a tight lead and a beat to the finish in 15 to 20 gusting 25.

We managed to pick up two 40's and ended a minute behind the fastest 40 ( the newest boat in the fleet ie cleanest bottom).  The fastest 473 was breathing down our neck, they beat us last year, but we held them off for a satisfactory 2nd place this time.

We had three girls on the rail, a man on the main and a trimmer.  Could have used a reef at times in the heavy gusts (we flogged) but overall the boat handled really well especially on the reaches.

Neil Diamond performed (Impersonator) at the after match, everyone won a prize and a fine old time was had by all.

If you are thinking of escaping the winter some time this could be a good regatta to put on the list. Second weekend in Feb.

 

Cheers

Gavin