The Rolex Sydney Hobart Race is one of five big ocean sailboat races and arguably one of the toughest. It starts the day after Christmas on "Boxing Day" with the fleet leaving Sydney, Australia then down the coast, across the notoriously rough Bass Strait and ending 628 nautical miles later in Hobart, Tasmania. This year was tough with gale force winds in the upper 30s and low 40s on the first night at sea. Again, the Beneteaus showed their ability to perform in these conditions with the First 45 Victoire (upper left) winning IRC Division 2 and Paca (upper right and below) winning IRC Division 3.
This continues a winning tradition for the Beneteau brand in this ocean race, where in the 2009 edition, Two True and Wicked, both Beneteau First 40s finished first and second overall in the IRC Division.
A Beneteau First 40.7 has won the race and a Beneteau First 44.7 has also won.
A Beneteau First 40.7 has won the race and a Beneteau First 44.7 has also won.
A little closer to home, two Beneteau First 40.7s came in second and third in their division in the Winter Vashon Race. See Snake Eyes and Bravo Zulu below in a tight finish after a windy, sunny and perfect day in the Pacific Northwest. (photos by Daniel Foerster and Jan's Marine Photography)
