2010 Melbourne Beneteau Regatta Survives the Storm!

09/03/2010

What was thought to be a yet another light wind Nautilus Insurance Melbourne Beneteau Regatta turned out to be far from that!

The day began with a seated lunch at the new Sandringham Yacht Club followed by a 1pm start of the spinnaker division and the non-spinnaker division 10 minutes later.

There was a small amount of confusion from some starters about the actual start time as it was advertised as a 1:05pm start at the briefing, however all seemed cross the line as supposed to.

The first leg was pleasant 5 knots from the south west, however there was looming signs of a large squall on the North Western horizon that was sure to bring down plenty of rain and ample wind to push the boats back towards the club for a one lap race.

Sure enough when it did hit, we had more rain in five minutes than the last five weeks in Melbourne but most Beneteau owners seemed to handle the 20-30 knots without one single incident.

No one was more happy about this than event sponsor Nautilus Insurance. However other insurance companies would not be so happy after an estimated $220 million damage was done to property and thousands of cars across the north eastern suburbs. Had of the hail storm been 25 kms further south, it could have been a different story at Sandringham.

However there was a scary moment for event organiser John Beck who struggled to locate a few yachts after the storm pushed through, but all were accounted for eventually as some went back home to dry off.

Eventually an overall handicap winner was announced for the Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker divisions but all Beneteau owners were eagerly awaiting the lucky dip prize for a $200 fine chocolate hamper donated by Hillier's Chocolate and a $1,000 voucher from Mariner Boating Holidays.

Paul Commins and family/crew onboard Dyonisis somehow ended up with all the chocolates, while Madgy and Jan Iskander claimed the voucher to be used on their next overseas yachting charter.

Line Honours
'Reverie', Alan Woodward, First 45 (Spinnaker)
'Leeto', Kevin Bell, First 36.7 (Non-Spinnaker)

Overall Spinnaker Results
1st - 'Can Can', Bruce Morgan, First 34.7
2nd - 'Stitched Up', Peter Jackson, First 34.7
3rd - 'Upbeat', Peter Dunne, First 36.7
4th - 'Schuss', Denis & Chris McConnell, First 45

Overall Non-Spinnaker Results
1st - 'One on One', Alan Clarke, First 32s5
2nd - 'French Toast', Brian & Lisa Marklew, Oceanis 423
3rd - 'Leeto', Kevin Bell, First 36.7
4th - 'Lucille', Kim & Jan Edwards, Oceanis 43

The night concluded with a delightful three course meal followed by solo stage act Steve Wade who kept the 200 guests entertained on the dance floor.

Thanks to all the participants, crews, sponsors, volunteers and family involved in the regatta. We hope to see you all next year.

Photo credits: Barbara Moore, Nathan Beck, Paula Kilpatrick, Ian Whitbread & Rohan Veal.

(If anyone would like photos of their boat racing on Saturday, please email info@sundanceyachts.com.au and we will email you back anything we have.)