30th Beneteau Cup

The latter, designed by Samuel Manuard, made its competitive debut under the helm of ocean-racing icon Wendy Tuck, who served as ambassador for the Making Waves Foundation and briefed participants on the organisation’s youth sailing initiatives.

Delivering the kind of classic Sydney Harbour conditions that allow a fleet to stretch its legs, a gentle nor’easter built steadily throughout the day; and 26 yachts – from Bob Swan’s 40-year-old Elusive Spirit to a First 30 barely 90 days out of the shed – traversed a course spanning Lady Bay, Fort Denison and Clark Island under consistent sunshine.

The fleet was a mix, which ranged from the magnificent Silver Cloud at 50 feet to Blizzard at 27, along with 40-year-old craft and vessels just 90 days old.

The former is Bob Swan’s Elusive Spirit, with the latter being the brand-new First 30 designed by Samuel Manuard – and acclaimed sailor Wendy Tuck’s enthusiasm for the new First 30 was particularly unmistakable, hinting she’d gladly borrow one for another double-handed tilt at the Rolex Sydney Hobart.

Star power on the start line

The event also carried additional gravitas with a rousing pre-race address from Olympic silver medallist and America’s Cup sailor Olivia Price.

Speaking on teamwork, composure, and competitive spirit, Price set the tone before taking the helm of the First 44 Lenny. Her crew gained yet another boost in race two when 10-time J.J. Giltinan champion Seve Jarvin joined the team.

Racing results

In the Non-Spinnaker Division, Uwe Roehm’s Currawong took top honours, followed by Firefox (Graham Williams) and Moondance (Michael Cooper).

The Spinnaker Division also lit up the harbour with colourful kites – none more eye-catching than the retro-panelled kite on Ian Creak’s GWM Pennant Hills. Jason Neuhaus’ impeccably prepared First 35 Crowded Haus claimed the win though, ahead of Michael Finney’s Tea for the Tillerman and David Boekemann’s Bombolo, which had made the trip down from Pittwater.

A notable performer outside the trophy list was former CYCA Commodore Howard Piggott’s Silver Cloud III, whose slick downwind work drew admiration across the fleet.

A day to remember

Summing up the sentiment dockside, Flagstaff Marine Director Micah Lane a veteran of at least 22 Beneteau Cups said the event was “A cracking day, awesome vibe, fantastic sail, and 26 happy owners and crews. What could be better?”

Lane also said the decision to shift the post-race festivities onto the CYCA’s newly reopened ground-floor deck was aimed at amplifying the social side of the regatta.

“It’s a privilege to hold these events for our owners, and their enthusiasm makes the whole day fantastic.”

He additionally acknowledged the support of this year’s sponsors, including Mitchcap, d’Albora Marinas, Pallas Capital, Club Marine, Boat Transport, Red Mill Rum, La Casa Homewares, Rolly Tasker Sails, Diverse Rigging, Wichard Pacific, North Sails, Matteo Double Bay, Ronni Rigging, Andersen Marine, Sydney Sail Makers and Boat Stripes.

With the 2025 Beneteau Cup now in the books, planning is already underway for the next edition – and sailors can look forward to the Beneteau Pittwater Regatta returning in May 2026.

Full results are available via SailSys.

flagstaffmarine.com.au