Beneteau 25s at Alassio Week Regatta, Italy

Alassio is the first major event in the Beneteau 25 Italian Circuit that closely follows the Primo Cup event in Monaco. The Beneteau 25 normally delivers a fleet of international boats and this event was no exception. There were boats from UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and of course the Italy. The British travelling contingent of Holy Mackerel (2nd in the Primo Cup) and E1 Business Penguin Power arrived on Thursday to winds hitting around 40 knots. In sharp contrast to the day of arrival, Friday set about with light winds and tricky conditions. In the first race Positions between 1st and 15th changed with every puff of wind. Holy Mackerel secured a 3rd place in the dying seconds taking two places on the line. The rest of the day's races were called off due to the wind dying and shifting unpredictably. Saturday was completely lost due to the weather, as the Mediterranean spring meant not enough sun for a thermal sea breeze.

On the last day a race was finally underway although the tricky conditions remained with a noticeably strong tide (almost like being in the Solent). The two British boats ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time slipping back into 13th and 15th. With the other north European crew from Germany splitting them. The last race of the day was slow progress and left a couple of boats almost a leg behind due to the wind dieing. With time running out one by one the boats dropped their kites and headed in to join the scrabble at the crane!

The Italian hospitality didn't let their regatta down though, as free beer and fantastic food was available each day. This was laid on by the race organisers and by the sponsors for the event (Audi). With the results still to be confirmed the two British boats started a new race (back to England).

Overall Results:

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com Beneteau 25 Page
• Team GBR Beneteau 25 Team