Farr Out crew shine in racing series
Reach speed of 19.3 knots
The fifth Beneteau Cup, organised by Mediterranean Yacht Sales Ltd and the Beneteau Sailing Association, was held recently.
After three days of racing, it was the teenage crew aboard Farr Out who claimed the trophy ahead of Arthur Podesta's Elusive.
In a regatta of close matches, competition was keen particularly between Diva, Joe Gerada's new Beneteau 50, and John Formosa's Oceanis 473 Breezer.
This 'contest-within-contest' was eventually won by Breezer, the boat that carried away the Bene-teau Cup trophy last year.
There were two divisions: Cruising (Oceanis and Cyclades) and Racing (First). The Beneteau Cup is awarded in each division on alternate years. This year, a fleet of 25 Beneteau boats took to the water despite the adverse weather forecasts.
The first race of the series took off from Marsamxett in three groups. The moderate easterly winds gave the fleet an exhilarating race up to Gozo with Farr Out registering an impressive top speed of 19.3 knots.
The fleet spent the night at Mgarr marina where the Malta Maritime Authority provided berthing facilities.
The second day of racing presented similar, though slightly cooler, conditions. The fleet headed out of Mgarr and then down Malta's west coast to the Grand Harbour marina.
The last day of racing dawned bright and sunny, but, unfortunately for sailors, short of wind.
That meant a shortened race. In the end it was victory for Farr Out, sailed by the youngest team in competition.
Prize-giving was held at the Maritime Museum with video footage of the three days of racing shown on the occasion, courtesy of Teddie Borg.