2024 San Diego BENETEAU Cup

On the weekend of September 20-21, 2024, the San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC) hosted the largest All-Beneteau Regatta in the world. Over 300 sailors aboard 40 Beneteau yachts converged at SDYC, traveling from across Southern California to partake in this much-anticipated annual event. With its perfect setting, SDYC once again proved to be the ideal host for this exceptional gathering of sailing enthusiasts.

A Regatta Tailored for All Skill Levels

The Beneteau Cup offered a unique combination of education, competition, and camaraderie, designed especially to welcome new and novice racers. Regatta Co-Chairs Barrett and Lily Canfield of South Coast Yachts were thrilled with how the event has evolved over the years. Many sailors introduced to racing at the Beneteau Cup have since progressed to participate in prestigious regional regattas such as the Beer Can Series, Hot Rums, CRA-sponsored races, and long-distance events like the Newport-Ensenada and the Transpac.

The weekend kicked off Friday evening with an engaging seminar led by Eric Heim and the Quantum Sails team. Attendees packed SDYC’s Jessop Room to learn about racing basics, including starting techniques, mark rounding, weather patterns, and safety protocols. This well-received session, complete with catering by SDYC and sponsorship by South Coast Yachts, equipped participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the racecourse. Seasoned sailors in attendance also shared valuable insights, further enriching the experience for first-time racers.

Saturday: Perfect Conditions for Racing

Saturday’s racing at Coronado Roads lived up to the forecast shared by Quantum Sails’ Andrew LaPlant during the seminar. By noon, the marine layer cleared, giving way to sunshine and a steady Pacific breeze of 10-12 knots. The races were organized into multiple classes:

• Cruising Classes 1 and 2: These classes, featuring 13 and 11 boats respectively, competed on two triangle courses.
• First Series Class: The Beneteau First 36.7 fleet, with a strong showing of seven boats, ran three windward-leeward courses, delivering exciting one-design competition and testing team strategies.

Saturday Evening: Festivities and Fellowship

After the day’s races, crews returned to SDYC for an unforgettable evening. The Yacht Rock band "Wristband" set the tone, while SDYC’s catering team served a delicious Italian buffet alongside a fully stocked bar featuring plenty of Mount Gay Rum. Crews shared stories and celebrated their day on the water well into the night. Barrett Canfield and his team captured action-packed photos from the South Coast Yachts chase boat, while professional photographer and drone pilot Christian Dumas provided stunning aerial footage. These highlights played on SDYC’s big screen, much to the delight of attendees.

SDYC’s Guest Dock, expertly coordinated by Dockmaster David Randall and the marina office, hosted over 20 Beneteau yachts, including eight larger cruising boats that stayed overnight, lining up “stern-to” in spectacular fashion.

Sunday: Closing with Style

On Sunday, SDYC’s Race Committee, led by PRO JR Young, delivered another day of excellent racing. The First 36.7 fleet competed in two windward-leeward races, while the other classes tackled random-leg courses around San Diego Bay. With vibrant spinnakers flying and the September sun glistening on the bay, it was a breathtaking sight to see over 30 Beneteau cruisers in action.

The regatta concluded with an awards ceremony on the SDYC deck, featuring Maui Brewing Lager courtesy of Harbor Sailboats. Trophies provided by Quantum Sails were awarded to the top three finishers in each class, along with Beneteau Cup hats, Mount Gay Rum hats, and gifts from local sponsors.

Standout Performances

• Cruising Class 1: Federico Pavoncelli’s Oceanis 41 Marilu (DPYC) claimed victory for the fourth consecutive year.
• Cruising Class 2: Geoff and Sally Giblin’s Oceanis 45 La Tueuse de Dragon (SDYC) emerged as winners among 13 competitors.
• First Series Class: Rick Harris’s First 40.1 Sweet Okole (Coronado Yacht Club) dominated with four first-place finishes, earning the First Series Perpetual Trophy.
• First 36.7 Class: Eric Hansen’s Given-Ho (SDYC & NYYC) won the High Point Championship.
• Special recognition went to 10-year-old Vivi McGrath (SDYC), the youngest sailor, who received a Beneteau inflatable paddleboard.

Acknowledgments

The Canfields and South Coast Yachts extend their heartfelt thanks to SDYC for their exceptional hospitality, catering, and support. Special appreciation goes to PRO JR Young and the Race Committee for their outstanding work, as well as sponsors including Beneteau America, Quantum Sails, The Dinghy Doctor, Harbor Sailboats, Novamar Insurance, Mount Gay Rum, Safe Harbor Shelter Island Boat Yard, Sunroad Marina, and the South Coast Yachts Sales and Service crew. Photographer Christian Dumas and the SDYC Marina and Racing office staff also played pivotal roles in making this regatta an unforgettable success.

The Beneteau Cup 2024 was a true celebration of sailing, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the sailing community.