Fast Forward takes Beneteau honour

Fast Forward, a Beneteau First 40.7, is the winner of this year’s Beneteau Cup.

This annual event brings together owners of series produced Beneteau sailing yachts for a three-day celebration of competitive spirit and social enjoyment. The ninth edition was held last weekend in near perfect weather conditions.

Friday’s event was originally meant to be a passage race to Mġarr, Gozo, for all of the 27 boats entered. However, in view of the lack of wind, Principal Race Officer, David Farrugia, opted for a shortened course to a finish line off Għallis.

After rounding the fairway buoy, all spinnakers were hoisted to maximise speed in the light and shifty easterly breeze. Boats then headed to Mġarr Harbour for the night.

Saturday’s racing took an unusual form. Sailors formed crews of four and raced against each other in the Beneteau Owner Fleet Racing Challenge, held on board six identical 20-foot Beneteau Firsts.

Racing, held under the scrutiny of an ‘on-the-water’ jury took place in the north Comino channel. Two preliminary rounds and a final were sailed in 10 to 14 knots of south southwest winds and bright sunshine.

The team from Fast Forward won the challenge.

Sunday morning’s light and changing conditions called for a delayed start. At 11 a.m. the forecast south southsest Force 3 blew in and the racing resumed.

Two races were sailed, each involving one lap around Comino but including a couple of marks to make competition more exciting.

In view of the short course distance, the racing was closer than ever with boats jostling for positions from start to finish which made crew work a fundamental ingredient in order to place well.

Results

First Division, Class 1: 1. Allegra (Alfred Manduca); 2. Elusive (Arthur Podesta); 3. Liara B (Anthony Bernard).

Class 2: 1. Fast Forward (Andre Borg); 2. First Time (Mark Vassallo); 3. Sea Pearl (Jean Borg Olivier).

Oceanis Division, Class 3: 1. Allegro Andante (Mark Abela Scolaro); 2. Fekruna (Kevin Dingli); 3. Escada (David Zammit Tabona).

Class 2: 1. Misty Blue (Mark Galea); 2. Breezer (David Cremona); 3. C’Scape (Alan Bartoli).

Class 1: 1. Diva (Joe Gerada); 2. Manana (Peter Ellul Vincenti); 3. Saharan (Chris Saliba).

IRC Class: Elusive (Arthur Podesta).