Sailing weekend for Beneteau owners

Sailing is fastly evolving into a more popular sport on our islands. Surrounded by the ideal Mediterranean Sea, it is becoming increasingly customary for local water-sport lovers to purchase boats and venture into one of the most fascinating and demanding disciplines around.

This trend is becoming more evident with Beneteau owners. During the weekend of November 29 and 30, they will be taking part in a second competition, exclusively reserved for them - the Beneteau Cup.

Alfred Manduca, Beneteau Sailing Association president, yesterday gave details of the competition during a press conference at the offices of BJ Marines Med. Ltd, importers of Beneteau yachts.

Manduca said the main aim of the organisers is to bring all Beneteau owners together. Last year's cup was an instant success - 26 Beneteaux raced against similar, and in some cases, almost identical boats of their own.

The weekend racing is open for two classes. The main one is the Beneteau First, which comprises high-performance boats. There is also the Beneteau Oceanis Class, open for slower cruisers.

Elusive, skippered by Arthur Podesta, topped the 2002 Beneteau First Class 1 ahead of Christopher Saliba's Primavera and Flying Shadow, of David Mulmat. Ivan Mallia's Vega won Class 2.

In the Oceanis Class, the honours went to Uhuru 2, of Anthony Miggiani. Calabash, of Charles Vassallo, was second and Anthony Diacono's Indigo Too placed third.

With 105 Beneteau boats moored in our waters, the number of entries is set to increase this year.

So far, 30 skippers have already pledged their presence for the two-day racing series.

Racing starts on November 29 with a regatta outside Marsamxett Harbour, through the north Comino channel and Mgarr Harbour. The following day a coastal race in the waters around Comino will be held.

A skippers' meeting is scheduled for tomorrow at the Royal Malta Yacht Club, at 7.30 p.m.

The race headquarters will be the Mgarr Hotel. The prize-giving ceremony will also be held there after the last race is over. The cup sponsors are BJ Marine Med. Ltd, Medcomms, Gauci Borda Ltd and the Malta Maritime Authority.