The fourth edition of the Beneteau Cup was organised last weekend by Mediterranean Yacht Sales under the auspices of the Beneteau Sailing Association.

This annual event enables all Beneteau owners to compete against similar boats, be them cruising or racing sailors and this year the event saw a record participation of 42 boats and 39 competing. As usual both First and Oceanis models were split into different classes. The overall trophy was awarded to that boat with the best result in the largest division.

True to the spirit of Beneteau, many owners sailed the races with family and friends, creating a friendly and lively atmosphere. This is the objective behind the Beneteau Cup, an event that brings together like-minded people to a sport that can be enjoyed by everybody, especially those who would have otherwise never considered joining a race. The aim is not to win, all participants race for the simple joy of taking part.

The weather this year was kind, fair winds, easy sea conditions and enough variety to keep the most demanding sailor happy. The event started with a passage race from Marsamxett to the North Comino Channel, a fast reach under spinnaker with around 12-15 knots of East North East.

Alfie Manduca’s Allegra crossed the finish line first, followed by Philip Apap Bologna’s Wet Blue and Arthur Podesta’s Elusive. Breezer, Allegro Andante and Rhapsody ‘n Blu were among the front runners in the Oceanis division.

The second day took the fleet around Gozo, a relatively long, but scenic, course. Wind conditions dictated that many boats passed close in under the awe-inspiring cliffs of Gozo’s West and South coast. This time the Beneteau 25 Farr Out sailed exceptionally well managing to keep up with larger boats.

The two short and sharp round Comino races on Sunday were both exhilarating. Raced under a stormy sky, the fleet dealt with wind speeds shifting from zero to 30 knots within seconds, and all in the space of one to two hours.

The Beneteau Cup 2005 was won by Breezer, John Formosa’s Oceanis 473 with four first places achieved in four races. The prize giving was held at the Mgarr Hotel and amongst the many prize winners one couldn’t forget the facial expression of the seven year-old Karl Miggiani when he was called for his trophy as the youngest sailor in the event.

The regatta results were as follows

F1 Class: 1. Elusive; 2. Allegra; 3. Wet Blue; 4. Gee Wiz; 5. Fast Forward; 6. Liberty; 7. Maltese Falcon

F2 Class: 1. Farr Out; 2. Mystique of Malta; 3. Tinda; 4. Salus; 5. First Class; 6. Keel Joy; 7. Kartali; 8. Maarial; 9. Moonduster

OC1 Class: 1. Breezer; 2. Misty Blue; 3. Mistral; 4. Indigo Too; 5. Fear of Flying; 6. Kanpai; 7. Kamikazi

OC2 Class: 1. Rhapsody ‘n Blu; 2. Jan Cux; 3. Allegro Andante; 4. Annie G; 5. Fekruna; 6. Moonsong; 7. Dovecote; 8. Hemda; 9. Caprina

OC3 Class: 1. Skua; 2. Magic; 3. Xanna; 4. Calabash; 5. Illusion.

The event was organised by Mediterranean Yacht Sales and its partners including Medcomms Ltd, Beneteau, NV Equipment, Gauci Borda & Co Ltd, the Malta Maritime Authority and Marsovin.