Copyright (0000) Basil Psaltis

From: BoatingOz -

http://www.boatingoz.com.au/news001115b.htm
November 15, 2000

AUSTRALIANS EXCEL IN THE BENETEAU BLUE CUP REGATTA HELD IN GREECE

A contingent of 75 Australian sailors recently returned from an extremely successful assault on the Blue Cup sailing regatta conducted by Vernicos Yachts in Greece. Vernicos is the Greek importer of Beneteau yachts and this year was the 10th. Blue Cup regatta conducted by the company.

A Beneteau 50 chartered by Brian Marshman from the Geelong Yacht Club won the Oceanis Class and the trophy for the highest scoring Australian yacht, donated by Beneteau Vicsail Australia. Australian crews also finished 5th, 6th and 10th in this class, which totalled 26 yachts from 14 countries.

In the class for First yachts, the Beneteau cruiser racer line, Australian crews finished 2nd. 3rd and 5th.

The regatta, sailed in the Saronic Gulf to the south of Athens, was held in amazing summer conditions with day temperatures in the mid 20's and clear blue skys. Winds were very light, however, which taxed the skills and patience of competing crews to the limit.

The Australian contingent was organized by Sydney charter specialist Mariner Boating. In 2001 Mariner Boating will orchestrate Australian participation in the Aegean Rally in July, with a three yacht Australian team competing for the inaugural Meltemi Cup being donated by Sydney sailing dignitary Mr. Bill Psaltis, who originates from the Greek Island of Kythera. [Village of origin: Mitata.] (Meltemi is the prevailing wind in the Aegean Ocean.)

In September next year Mariner Boating will also conduct its own regatta in Greece, the Greek Island Odyssey 2001, which will incorporate a lay day between each of of 7 short passage races from island to island. This concept was very successfully used this year in the inaugural Tahiti Cup, also run by Mariner Boating, with the lay days providing ample opportunity for race participants to relax, enjoy the islands and spend time enjoying world famous Greek Island hospitality and food.

A fleet of 20 up to the minute Beneteau yachts, which includes the Beneteau 50, the new First 47.7, First 40.7, Oceanis 473 and Oceanis 393 have been chartered from Vernicos Yachts in Greece. Details are available from Trevor Joyce at Mariner Boating, telephone Sydney 99669014.