Fox’s Yacht Sales Beneteau Owner’s Weekend
by Jacqui Kotze 4 Jul 2018 06:16 NZST
30 June 2018
Beneteau Fleet © Event Media
The 19th annual Fox's Yacht Sales Beneteau Owner's Weekend was put in the diary in January and at that stage who knew how glamorous the day would be for sailing!
Pre-start manoeuvres mainly involved a game of dare as to who would be the first boat to tuck a reef in. In 18 knots of breeze and for the reach out to Pennyhole the majority of the fleet stuck with full sail and one very game competitor hoisted his furling asymmetric – he didn't unfurl it!
The start was won by "Mr Blue Sky" who flew off like a frightened rabbit. "Viking Blue", the biggest boat in fleet was an impressive sight charging through the fleet arriving at the first mark with a clear lead.
The first foul tide beat from Pennyhole to the Fox's racing mark split the fleet, some going left looking for tidal shelter and some going right on a more making tack. The Oceanis 35's relished the upwind and rounded Fox's racing mark first, second and third on the water.
The downwind leg back to Pennyhole gave the crews a bit of a chance to re-hydrate and grab a sandwich whilst logging some impressive numbers in the SOG challenge for bragging rights in the bar! Meanwhile the breeze was increasing to over 20 knots.
The Oceanis 35's rounded Pennyhole for the second beat pretty much together with "Vixen" just leading from "FiFi" and "Extra Old". It was setting up nicely for a three boat match race at the front. Meanwhile there were battles aplenty throughout the fleet with the smallest boat, "Dotty", gamely hanging on to the coat tails of some much bigger boats.
"Vixen" rounded Fox's Racing mark just in front of "FiFi" and "Extra Old" with a three mile drag race back into the harbour to the finish. The rubber band holding these three together never seemed to get stretched despite furious trimming from all crews!
"Vixen" crossed the finish line first to a deafening silence. An infringement had been picked up by the on-water jury and they were therefore disqualified. "FiFi" were next over the line followed closely by "Extra Old".
A fantastic day on the water with some fabulous sailing followed by an excellent BBQ at Fox's Yacht Club. It doesn't get better!
The Beneteau Owners Weekend is a fun event with the main aim of raising funds for the RNLI, whose valuable work saves lives at sea. The event raised almost a £1000 for this good cause from the Beneteau Owners. Our thanks go to all who entered and to our sponsors and supporters.
Overall Results
1. FIFI Oceanis 35.1
2. Dotty First 25.7
3. Extra Old Oceanis 35.1
4. Mr Blue Sky First 310
5. Shazam First 27.7