Sunny skies, temperatures in the upper 70s and breezes 8-18 knots welcomed Beneteau Cup 2012 participants at San Diego Yacht Club the last weekend of September. The events has historically been a One-Design event, but has been rearranged to accommodate all First Series, and all owner of Beneteau Cruising yachts racing under PHRF ratings. Cruisers ranging from 32 to 58 feet competed, along with 14 First Series yachts. It was a huge success!
The well-attended Basic Racing Rules & Sail Trim seminar kicked off the weekend's festivities on Friday evening. Rights of way, starting, mark rounding, and finishing basics were presented, followed by some good sail trim tips in the Jessop Room. Plenty of volunteer coaches from our racing community joined the first-time racers for the regatta, keeping things safe, competitive, and fun for the novice boats.
Saturday's two races in the Bay, with winds in the high teens, provided great conditions for everyone. The First Series racers were eager to get rolling. So eager, in fact, that there were two general recalls on the first start before Race Committee put up the "I" flag, for the round-the-end fule. The breeze really got those cruising boats moving well too!
Saturday evening, nearly 150 people enjoyed SDYC's Staff Commodore room and balcony upstairs in the main clubhouse, with an open bar and a great menu put together by our SDYC catering department. It was great fun watching the first time racers mingle with many sailors how race often, and fun stories and smiles were plentiful. SDYC generously provided raft-up room for the competitors on the I Dock, and the hoist dock between B and C docks.
Sunday, the fleets ran a Hot-Rum type course for the final race in slightly lighter breeze, rafted up on the Guest Dock, and enjoyed the fun Awards Ceremony on the main deck in the afternoon, with trophies presented, and gifts given out from generous local area sponsors.
Some comments from participants after the regatta:
"Our crew, our coach, and I had such a good time out on the water together we are definitely in for next year!"
"I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the Beneteau Cup! Great fun, great racing, great parties!"
"I'm hooked. Why? We didn't just sit in a corner and watch. We were part of a real race! The Cruisers get an opportunity to discover racing by living it."
"You guys made that event so relaxed, yet still sneak in the meaningful competitive spirit to encourage the true racers to stay involved."
"That competitive nudge encourages us beginners to really pay attention to the rigging, and be AMAZED at how well those boats can perform."
Also at the Awards Ceremony, the First 40.7s who competed in the Summer Beer Can Series were recognized in order of finish. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at SDYC who assisted in putting together this fun event. We are already looking forward to next year!