Beneteau Wins Two Classes at the 2010 Rolex Sydney to Hobart

Beneteau First 45s and First 40s took top honours in IRC Class 2 and 3 at the 2010 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race, which started on Boxing Day in Sydney Harbour.

2010 was one of the toughest races in memory, with massive seas, 40 – 50 knot winds and conditions described by Volvo Ocean race veteran (and navigator of the 100 foot line honours winner, Wild Oats XI) Adrienne Cahalan as the “worst crossing of the Bass Straight she had ever encountered” and “violent and awful”. Of the 87 starters, 18 retired.

For Beneteau, the wins come after First 40s claimed:

• 1^st and 2^nd overall in IRC (and in class) in the 2009 Sydney to Hobart

• 1^st in IRC Class 2 at Cowes Week 2010

• 2^nd and 3^rd in Class 2 at the 2010 Commodores Cup

These results make the First 40 one of the most successful IRC yachts in the world during the last 12 months. Significantly, the 2009 Hobart Race winners went cruising around Tasmania after the prizegiving, showing that the First 40 is, indeed, a true dual-purpose boat.

The First 45 also has a great track record, winning various events since 2008, including taking 1^st in IRC Class 3 at the 2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race around Malta.

We are very proud to say that, working with the official local agents Dudov Marine, we have sold the first South African Beneteau First 40 and it will be in the country in time for the MSC Regatta in July. The yacht will be based in Durban afterwards and will have a full racing and cruising programme.