Experienced and novice sailors alike will participate in the 15th annual Beneteau Cup at San Diego Yacht Club on September 8-9, 2018. This family-friendly race is open to all Beneteau owners, non-owners, coaches and crew for a laid back, educational sail at Coronado Roads and all around beautiful San Diego Bay.
What started as a One Design race over a decade ago quickly developed into the Beneteau Cup when the format switched to allow Cruising Boats on the course in 2012. Now, each year, with the right guidelines and informative sessions, the Beneteau Cup has transformed into the largest one of its kind in the world. On Friday evening, before the races begin on Saturday and Sunday, all newer and novice participants have the opportunity to sit in on an education session and learn all there is to know about sailing their boats in a race, what it entails and how to race safely. But mostly, they are encouraged to have fun.
“The Beneteau Cup makes me proud because after Beneteau owners take part in our race, they often enter other races. In a way, we never intended this to be the case, but we like to see it as we’re helping to build sailboat racing in San Diego. It’s a family-friendly, low key race that can give you the confidence to keep going,” explained Beneteau Cup Co-Chair Rick Day.
Last year, SDYC’s Drew Belk won the First Series class and overall Beneteau Cup on his Beneteau First 40 Club Racer Precepts II. David Normandin (DPYC) won the Cruising Class Overall Beneteau Cup on his Beneteau Oceanis 48 Freedom and Keenan Hirsh won the Cruising Class 2 trophy on the chartered Oceanis 41 Sweet Denyse.
Beneteau Cup Co-Chair Barret Canfield looks forward to the competition. “This regatta encourages new racers into the sport and introduces sailboat racing to their crews. It has been interesting to watch how this event sparks the competitive spirit in new sailors and seasoned veterans. We also love how the event highlights the beautiful venue and impressive catering at SDYC.”
Commodore Mike Dorgan expressed his excitement as well. “SDYC is thrilled to have the Beneteau Fleet joining us for another year. It’s exciting to see so many different levels of racers sailing on the same course, from beginners and novices to seasoned professionals helping on the course. The Beneteau Cup always ends with a lavished, well-deserved celebration to wrap up the night.”
After the races on Saturday and Sunday, all sailors and their families will celebrate with a well-deserved evening at San Diego Yacht Club and listen to live music by Band Overboard.