The Beneteau Cup and French Yacht Challenge

The Beneteau Cup in Queensland is in its 11th year and going from strength to strength with the continued support from Spirit Marine/The Yacht Brokerage, which is now in the hands of new principal Peter Nicholson.

But now the big event on the weekend of October 29 and 30 is open to all French-made yachts and their crews. With encouragement from other French-made yacht owners, the French Yacht Challenge has now been extended to two days and is open to all French production yachts.

The regatta starts this Saturday with a typical French breakfast, where crews from all the boats dress up in French attire and parade before the Judge, Sara Egan, from Yacht Style and a previous Beneteau owner.

A special prize is presented to the best dressed crew, which last year went to the crew from Satisfaction, a Jeanneau 39i Yacht Share boat based at Manly.

The regatta, hosted by Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, consists of two passage races with two divisions: Performance and Cruising for both the Beneteau Cup and French Yacht Challenge.

Competition is said to be strong in both divisions and everyone will be trying to topple last year's champions who will all be back to defend their titles.

Yacht Share is supplying spectator boats, one of which is a Lagoon, so that friends and family who are not sailing can watch the spectacle from the water.

There will also be a brand new Beneteau Oceanis 45, courtesy of Yacht Share, on display for those interested in the latest in style from the Beneteau Group.

Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions and Entry via Beneteau Cup and French Yacht Challenge or head to the Beneteau Queensland Owners Group on Facebook.