Beneteau Nationals to be held at Geelong

Beneteau has confirmed that the second annual First Nationals will be held in conjunction with the Festival Of Sails Regatta in Geelong from January 23 to 27.

The First Nationals will be staged as part of the Festival’s official race program, with Beneteau Divisions including the First 35s, First 40s and First 45s offered exclusively to Beneteaus within their respective race categories.

Beneteau NSW Dealer Vicsail hosted the inaugural event on Sydney Harbour last year with the event travelling to allow owners from across the country to compete. Festival Of Sails was chosen this year to allow the competitive First owners from Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia a closer event to home and a nice stopover for those competing in and returning home from the Sydney to Hobart.

Yachts from Queensland and NSW have also expressed their interest in participating ensuring a healthy field of Firsts will be on hand for the event.

First Design Director Eric Ingouf is very keen on the idea: "Australia is a very important market for Beneteau and I take particular interest in the events and activities undertaken by our First owners in Australia," he said.

"We learn so much from their passion for racing and the feedback we receive, with design improvements and enhancements made to our range based on that feedback," Mr Ingouf added.

Ben Fels, RGYC Regatta Administrator said he was happy to have the Firsts on board: "We're always looking for ways to enhance our event and partnering with Beneteau for their First Nationals is a great way to add an extra incentive for those Beneteau owners considering sailing in the Festival," he said.

Official Festival Of Sails Notice Of Race is available from www.festivalofsails.com.au or contact your local Beneteau dealer for more details.