Beneteau announces first nationals to be held during Festival of Sails in Geelong

Beneteau has confirmed that their second annual First Nationals will be held in conjunction with the Festival Of Sails Regatta in Geelong between the 23^rd to 27^th of January, 2014. In a coup for the leading French manufacturer, the First Nationals will be staged as part of the Festivals official race program, with Beneteau Divisions including the First 35’s, First 40’s and First 45’s offered exclusively to Beneteau’s within their respective race categories.

Beneteau NSW Dealer Vicsail hosted the inaugural event on Sydney Harbour last year with the event travelling to allow owners from across the country to compete for the prestigious honours. Festival Of Sails was chosen this year to allow the competitive First owners from South Australia a closer event to home and a nice stopover for those competing in and returning home from the Sydney Hobart. Yachts from Queensland and NSW have also expressed their interest in participating ensuring a healthy field of Firsts will be on hand for the event.

“Australia is a very important market for Beneteau and I take particular interest in the events and activities undertaken by our First owners in Australia. We learn so much from their passion for racing and the feedback we receive, with design improvements and enhancements made to our range based on that feedback,” said First Design Director Eric Ingouf. “The First Nationals are a great event to bring our owners together in friendly competition, allowing them to sail their yachts as true racers, which we know they are built for.”

"We're always looking for ways to enhance our event and partnering with Beneteau for their First Nationals is a great way to add an extra incentive for those Beneteau owners considering sailing in the Festival," said Ben Fels, RGYC Regatta Administrator. 

Official Festival Of Sails Notice Of Race is available from www.festivalofsails.com.au or contact your local Beneteau dealer for more details.