OPRAH COMES TO VICSAIL

What are the chances Oprah walks pass your office…

A Trooper’ would be the ultimate aussie interpretation for this incredible human being!

Not only does she excavate love, charm and all smiles; Oprah is seemingly humble as she entertains us all.

With her vivacious character Oprah entertains us as she sanders pass our office this morning just after 9am.

It seems the relaxed world of the marine industry reflects her true style as she continues down the stairs and onto the dock, accompanied with celebrity Russell Crow and his wife Danielle.

Awaits a beaming, Beneteau First 47.7 ‘Eagle Rock’ with Wendy a sailing instructor from EastSail. Oprah seems joyful to experience the thought of sailing Sydney’s harbour.

Beneteau bash with panache

Beneteau bash with panache

Beneteau Yachts annual regatta blasted off strongly thanks to a blustery southerly breeze that propelled the 44 boat fleet rapidly around their respective courses on Sydney Harbour. To start the day crews were fuelled up by a convivial champagne breakfast, as joint commodores Ian and Andrea Treleaven regaled the 300 attendees who packed the CYCA at Rushcutters Bay with their cruising exploits aboard their trusty Oceanis 50. “We loved the Med but motored for 70% of the time whereas in the Caribbean we sailed for 99% of our time,” a jovial Andrea told the gathered competitors.

On the race course the fleets split into their respective divisions - IRC, Spinnaker, Non-spinnaker – and Beneteau 57 . However the rough and tumble of the brisk windward/leeward courses proved to be good a leveller, preventing some of the faster boats such as the double line honours winner First 45 Honeysuckle from claiming the overall handicap trophy in IRC, that went to Howard Piggot’s First 40, Flying Cloud. A philosophical second placed Ray Harris said he greatly enjoyed the day. “It was a bit of blast today and we felt we were the fastest boat on the course but it wasn’t quite good enough to give us enough time on Howard,” said Ray.

Only metres separated the 10 boat IRC fleet at times as they flew fractional spinnakers for the fast run to round Fort Denison that saw speeds of 12knots and more. Elsewhere the spinnaker division had plenty of cut and thrust with some colourful vocals as the fleet converged at the windward mark in Rose Bay. Final honours were claimed by David Pulver’s First 42 S7, Second Chance, from Fritz Mare’s First 53 F5, Ocean Road.

The popular non-spinnaker division revelled in the heavy conditions with boats such as the evergreen First 305 of Bob Swan, who’d made the voyage from Gosford, rubbing shoulders at times with flagship Beneteau 57’s that regally cut through the chop under leaden skies as the Friday afternoon wore on. The conclusion of the two race series saw Big Kahoona (Steve MacManus, First 44.7) finish ahead of second placed In Cahoots, Patrick Easton’s Ocean 473. Elsewhere Bob Felton’s Losel took out the title in the Beneteau 57 division, followed by Hamish Petrie’s Knak Knak.

With each division enjoying fast passage times during their two races and with an onboard lunch between events kindly supplied by Beneteau distributor Vicsail, thirsty crews retired to the CYCA to enjoy a beer as Vicsail Principal Brendan Hunt and marketing manager Lucy Hogan got the prize giving underway. Competitors were well rewarded with an impressive list of donated prizes from sponsors that included Harken, Sydney Boat Works, Club Marine, Wichard, River Quays, AC Shoes, North Sails and numerous others.

Many of those skippers and crew who’d not made the podium were consoled with valuable gifts including spinnakers from Quantum Sails, Raymarine plotters, Hamilton Island package holidays and loads of deck gear and apparel.

A very special prize this year went to the effusive Paul Clitheroe who showed off his many colourful bruises sustained from a gruelling Lord Howe Island race, which nevertheless earned him second place on the podium. Clitheroe and crew were awarded the Beneteau Cup, a special accolade given only to those Vicsail consider to be outstanding members of the Beneteau family. “We pushed our First 45 hard this year in the Hobart and especially the Lord Howe race and it’s testament to these boats that it got us there safely, “Clitheroe told the crowd during his acceptance speech.

The afternoon moved up a gear as stunning soul singer AJ elegantly descended the club house stairs regaling the crowd. Her repertoire continued into the evening as crews tucked into fresh salmon and steaks as the sun set over the 19^th annual Beneteau Regatta.

Beneteau Dock & Go

Beneteau's New Dock and Go System
Gone is the stress of manoeuvring in harbour. BENETEAU is launching DOCK & GO, an exclusive innovation to bring your boat alongside with complete peace of mind.
BENETEAU re- invents boat handling
By allowing yachtsmen to have access to the most complicated harbour berths, BENETEAU is removing a huge burden from sailors' enjoyment of being on the water and lifting the apprehension felt about manoeuvring.
A child would be able to bring an Oceanis 50 alongside her berth, in complete confidence.
An intuitive joystick makes berthing precise, safe and fun
Thanks to its joystick, which synchronises a pivoting saildrive base and bowthruster, DOCK & GO allows you to manoeuvre a large sailing yacht calmly, whatever the wind and tide or port layout.
Fun and very intuitive, the system makes berthing the boat in a restricted space easy and gives a precision of movement without comparison.
Safety and thrust for error-free handling
Uniting safety and thrust, DOCK & GO combines the assistance of the engine and bowthruster, giving the same thrust both astern and ahead. Compatible with feathering or folding propellers, DOCK & GO optimises a yacht's thrust for all-round manoeuvrability.
video demonstration
Available from September 2010, DOCK & GO will be offered on models fitted with Yanmar 75HP SD engines. The DOCK & GO option will therefore fit the new Sense 50, Oceanis 46 and Oceanis 50.

For more information, brochure or to book a personalized video tour call Beneteau Vicsail Sydney 02 9327 2088 or go to www.vicsailsydney.com.au

Live the magic of the sea - SENSE 42

SENSE(42’) – The second yacht with the name at the Paris Boat
Show
BENETEAU invited you to discover the SENSE at the autumn boat shows, a new
concept in sailing cruisers, whose positioning is innovatory and well-claimed:
SENSE brings a new, hitherto unseen quality of life on board, combined with an
impeccable seaworthiness, to meet the new demands of the most hedonistic sailors.
Hardly has a 50-footer in this range been launched than it is enriched with a new
model ! Yes, BENETEAU will be unveiling for its world premier a totally new 42-foot
SENSE yacht at the Paris Boat Show.

Here now is some information about the forthcoming Sense (42’):
Fitted with two spacious cabins forward, the Sense (42’) retains the proportions, Live the magic of the sea
layout
framework characteristic of the concept. Life on board is organised around three main living
areas, from stem to stern:
1- A living space on the sea with an extra-large cockpit and clear access to the water.
2- An interior living space conducive to shared moments between the vast saloon and galley.
3- Finally, life after dark at the forward end of the boat offers two cabins and a head
compartment.
Light, spacious, flowing, and close to the water, this cruiser is built with a well thought out hull
to give a particularly reduced angle of heel, guaranteeing not only great comfort when
sailing but also a good speed through the water.
Specifications (42’)
The SENSE offers a very wide range of options and is available with two standards of trim:
Inspiration and Sensation.
Principal technical specifications (provisional):
pacity max: 675 L
Summary of the basics of the SENSE
concept:
A – Live the magic of the sea
Life on board SENSE is organised around three main living areas, from stem to stern:
1. Exterior living with bathing platform, helm position and a cockpit width never seen
before.
2. Daytime life in perfect harmony with the exterior: saloon and galley.
3. Life after dark at the forward end of the boat: bedrooms and bathrooms.
1) An innovative cockpit design
BENETEAU have designed a low cockpit which radically alters life on board. Thanks to this
real innovation, SENSE combines stretched and flowing lines with ease of access to the sea
and the saloon.
The ultra wide, spacious and safe cockpit is
designed to accommodate sailors and guests in
novel and distinctive spaces, free from the
constraints normally generated by aft cabins.
Under the cockpit there is still a technical area,
which can be converted for use as an occasional
cabin on the 50’ and over versions.
2) A well protected living space having perfect communication
with the cockpit
The companionway is ultra convenient. The cockpit
is separated from the saloon by just 3 steps raked at
a 45° angle to provide safe and easy access, whilst
everywhere the generously wide hand and safety
rails ensure safety while moving about on board.
A wide glass area and openings on both sides of the
companionway promote a sense of harmony
allowing life below and above deck to blend
smoothly together.
3) Life after dark at the forward end of the boat: bed- and
bathrooms
Ainsi, les cabines beneficient d’une meilleure ventilation et l’intimite sera privilegiee avec des
chambres eloignees des bruits du cockpit et du quai.
These choices confirm the hedonistic commitment of SENSE to provide increased levels of
comfort for the owner and his guests.
Additionally, all the systems, machines and deck equipment are brought together under the
cockpit to ensure that noise is separated from the living area.
B - A boat that simplifies life on board
On board SENSE, priority is given to the pleasure of being on the water.
1- Innovative deck plan
For the comfort of guests, the controls (winches,
halyards, genoa sheets, etc.) are located aft of the
″relaxing″ cockpit area.
The mainsheet is led back to a fixed arch which allows
the companionway to be unrestricted.
2- More freedom!
SENSE is designed for sailing with complete freedom with large fresh water and fuel
capacities. It is also ready for renewable energy equipment (solar, wind).
Sense (50’)
Sense (50’)
Sense (50’) Sense (50’)
The SENSE is also suitable for tomorrow’s technology: hybrid propulsion, boat handling
assistance.
C – SENSE: seaworthy boats designed for sailing on
a more even keel
When cruising, comfort and therefore enjoyment also include comfort when sailing.
The hull design has been created in collaboration with Berret Racoupeau
Yacht Design, to deliver maximum performance with 15° heeling angle
instead of the normal 20°.
The advantage of this is clear - movement around the boat while sailing is
safer and easier.
Olivier Racoupeau
The trio of BENETEAU, Nauta Design and Berret/Racoupeau together form a team of proven
and complementary talents, who already have to their credit the complete renewal of the
nine models of the OCEANIS range.
D - Interior beauty
Insight into the latest design trends
The quality of the design being fundamental to the well-being of the crew, SENSE extends an
invitation to view interiors that are elegant and contemporary in style.
Gloss Alpi fruitwood finish, bleached oak laminated sole, ″homestyle″ upholstery, synthetic
resin work surfaces with built in sinks and high-tech equipment have been selected with care
in collaboration with the Nauta design studio.
Certain items fold away when not in use such as the gas cooker, TV, seats, etc.
SENSE: seaworthy boats which provide owners and their
guests an exceptional quality of life on board.

First 30 Update.

The new First 30 is a bold choice for one of the largest sailboat builders in the world. An entirely new design by Juan Kouyoumdjian (with technical input from double Vendee Globe winner Michel Desjoyeaux), it features twin rudders, torpedo keel, full-width traveller and no backstay.

As the rockstar designer du jour, getting Juan K to take on a moderately priced 30-foot sailboat is a major coup. (for those who don’t know, Juan K is perhaps best known as the designer of the 2005 Volvo 70 winners, ABN Amro 1 and 2. Then he designed the winner of the 2008 – 2009 Volvo Ocean Race, Ericsson 4.)

Juan’s influence is heavily felt on this boat, working within the parameters set by Beneteau. You see it in the shape of the hull, with the short, fixed bowsprit, wide hips and blunt bow. The aggressive rig. The full-width traveller in the stern, and gross and fine-tune controls on the mainsheet. The foot-braces on the deck. The First 30 is optimised for IRC racing, with a choice of aluminum or carbon rigs, at least in Europe.

So the design is bold and innovative. But how does it sail? How does it look down below? Would you spend a week with your family on it? Read on for more…

Pros
First off, this is a fast boat. Torpedo keel, wide stern designed for surfing, and aggressive rig (SA/D ratios of around 25). We’ll have to see how the rating turns out (preliminary IRC is 1.001, or about 92 PHRF), but overall, the boat promises to be a fantastic downwind ride, while being fast enough upwind for you to enjoy it. I’d expect this to be a good choice in any venue which gets 15 to 20 knots regularly due to its surfing potential.

I really like the twin rudders – these add great control while being heeled over, while also eliminating vibration from the prop wash on a traditional, single rudder. Of course, you can’t direct the thrust of the 20 horsepower saildrive in the same way, but with a boat of this small size, you have pretty good control manuevering. The twin rudders also help the boat maneuver under sail.

The boat sails well, too. In our 6 to 10 knots, both uphill and downhill, it almost sailed itself. Even when relatively powered up with a big asym chute, you could let go of the beefy tiller and it would continue on its own.

The sail control systems are fantastic. Really love the traveller – full width (and I do mean full – check out those photos) – and with easy-to-use control lines. No backstay at all – use the traveller, the mainsheet, vang sheeting, and, ultimately, a reef if it is over 20. Low-profile roller furler on the jib is another nice touch – lets you put a little more sail area on it down low.

The design team also really nailed the little things – for example, netting underneath the traveler cars to keep any lines up and out of the way, the spinnaker halyard coming back on the port winch, allowing you to cross-sheet during the set. Also, foot supports (although please get some non-nylon bushings so they don’t drive you crazy with their squeaking) in the cockpit. Farther aft, the foot blocks aft to allow the helmsman to stand comfortably out of the way of a dedicated main and jib trimmer. Adjustable jib cars. Beefy lifeline supports. Hockey-pucks on the exit of the clutchs to allow easy cross-sheeting. Great tiller design and strength. Innovative mainsheet system. On-deck life raft. Bottom line: the sailing setup is one of the best I’ve seen.

What about cruising? First, the good. This boat has a real interior. The overall design down below is well executed. This is a good layout. Aft head, forward main cabin, quarterberth for kids or race crew. It works. To have a full navigation station, forward stateroom with standing room and closing doors, and kitchen on a 30 foot race boat is impressive. Six feet of head room, including in the head / shower. And there is good storage in the starboard quarter due to the wide beam. Remarkable.

Down below, the navigation station with a flip-up chair is a really positive solution for a 30 foot boat. The shallow keel has a electric bilge pump with an attached hose and strainer so that you can reach the other sections of the bilge as the boat heels.

For cruising, the sail controls actually work pretty well too. There is a full six feet of headroom in the cockpit under the boom – an important safety issue. No backstays simplifies the controls. The big cockpit is comfortable for guests, with wide sitting area for the driver or for lounging in the cockpit. No traveller to step over, either. It would be hard to rig a dodger, however, although it apparently is a relatively dry boat – hard to tell in the Chesapeake chop.

Cons
Topside, overall this boat is sorted out, but there are a couple things which didn’t quite work for me. It does have the usual Beneteau non-skid, and a white plastic look – not my favorite. But the non-skid worked well on my bare feet and sailing shoes. Stylistically, the ‘eyebrows’ look over the window is a bit much, but may be slightly functional as well.

We will have to see about the racing potential of this boat – I was concerned about the lack of a 155% jib for the PHRF racer (the shrouds go all the way outboard). But with the mast moved back, the jib ends up being a big 107% or so. It is a shame that so much of a boat’s worth is defined by racing performance and rating rules, but this is the First series, after all.

But several things down below made me think it was not as well polished as the topsides. Things which I noticed on my early version – hopefully they’ll be fixed by the later hull numbers. First, the ‘handrails’ down below – a thin birch piece – will not last past the first offshore trip in this vessel – really not sure what they were thinking (the First 35 has robust steel handrails). Second, the light next to the nav station – permanently attached – prevents you from opening the access panel for the electronics. Third, the handle for the aft stateroom hits the safety bar for the stove. You can use it to hold the door open if you jam it in, but it isn’t a delicate solution. Finally, due to the placement of the engine, you lose a portion of the aft stateroom. Instead of a double, you end up with a single with some extra space along the centerline. Also, the joinery work has a lot of sharp edges which would beat you up over time as you access the cabinetry.

Fuel and water will be limited, but this isn’t a boat you’re likely to sail across an ocean.

Conclusions
This is an impressive boat. The more you look at it, the more you realize the design team really put a lot of effort into getting the systems right for sailors. Go though the Pro list – they nailed all the key sail handling systems. On the down side, this is a production boat built to a price point. You see that down below with cabinetry and a look and feel which is on par, but not better than the typical Beneteau offering. This is a good looking interior, but not one built with a price-no-object ethos.

In the end, it is all about value. With a base price of $100,000, plus an extra $25k for sails and electronics, this is a lot of bang for your buck. You can’t get a good 10-year-old J/105 for that. Compare to the Jenneau SunFast (PHRF around 81, at $182,000 sailaway), and the J/95 (PHRF 109, at $179,000 with the carbon rig, including $20k of sails, electronics and delivery fees). In the end, you could take this boat out for the weekend series with the race crew, and then cruise with a family for a week. You’d get some looks, but you’d also have more time exploring the town.

Recommended

3.5 stars (out of four)

Beneteau First 45 One Design Rally Croatia June 10 – 26 2011

The Adriatic Coast of Croatia offers incredible scenery, crystal clear seas, flat-water sailing, fascinating history, impressive medieval walled cities, great food, great people, great post race party venues and plenty to do on the lay days.

There will only be ten yachts next year - all exactly the same. We already have 7 yachts confirmed – so if you want to join this two week combination of casual no spinnaker racing, partying and being a tourist along the stunning Dalmatian Coast you need to act now…Split, Trogir, Vis, Hvar, Lastovo, Korcula, Mljet, Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep are all on the one-way rally route to Dubrovnik.

Please be assured these 45’s have not been tampered with to suit the charter market. They each have a lead keel, 2.4 metre draft, sail drive with folding prop, triple spreader rig, and composite sails in addition to a luxurious Beneteau cruising fit out. PS The jib is roller furling.

For more information call Lauren at Mariner Boating Holidays on 99661244 or email lauren@marinerboating.com.au

Annapolis Boat Show

Annapolis Boat Show

Great welcome for the Sense and Dock & Go at the Annapolis Boat Show !

BENETEAU has created a sensation on the pontoons of the Annapolis Boat Show, which took place from 7 to 11 October, with a hitherto unseen stand that notably won the prize for the best stand - the Best in Show trophy – awarded by Sail America magazine.

A demonstration of DOCK & GO took place every two hours under the watchful eyes of many visitors and proved to be of great interest for all the models in the range.