Great energy at the 2016 Beneteau Cup
October 16, 2016
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Yacht Club hosted the 2016 Beneteau Cup in ideal conditions- sunny and mid-70s with steady winds between 12-14 knots. Longtime race organizers, Rick Day and Barrett Canfield of South Coast Yachts confirmed that with almost 50 boats participating, this event has become the largest Beneteau Cup in the world.
Prior to the weekend racing, South Coast Yachts and UK Sails provided a classroom training session at San Diego YC where almost 50 people attended. The classroom training combined a comprehensive address from the two sponsors, a Q&A session and opportunities for people to get to know each other.
On race day the course was filled with boats and spinnakers as the sailors raced, some with coaches and crew on board to help those new to racing. After racing, almost 350 people congregated on San Diego YC’s waterfront lawn and deck to celebrate the first day of racing, while listening to the great sounds of the all sailor band “The Lifted Tack”, and enjoying food and drinks.
Sunday featured a more scenic random leg course through San Diego Bay and the club’s deck was lively after racing concluded as sailors recounted the weekend. Adding to the fun energy of this event is the presentation of atypical awards such as best dressed crew and newest boat in addition to class winners.
The 2016 race was separated into four classes of Beneteaus. Harbor Sailboats Racing won the Cruise Class 1 in their Oceanis 41, Sweet Denyse, while Lowell Potiker, San Diego YC, won the Cruise Class 2 in his Oceanis 55, Sereine. Chick Pyle, San Diego YC won the First 36.7 Class on Kea and Rick Harris, Coronado YC, won the First Series on his First 40.7, Sweet Okole. This regatta was also the West Coast Championship for the Beneteau First 36.7 fleet, with Chick Pyle on “Kea” taking the win.
Full results are available at sdyachtclub.org.
