China Cup growing stronger with 120 boats racing

The China Cup International Regatta held its 11^th edition on 26-29 October 2017, in Shenzhen’s beautiful Daya Bay, renowned for good winds and clear waters. 120 boats raced in 7 divisions with a total of 1500 sailors participating this year from all around the world, including the Emirates Team New Zealand team (winner of the 2017 America’s Cup), teams from Oman, France, US, Japan, Russia to name just a few, and many local Chinese, HK and SE Asia teams. The regatta was very well run, with great spirit shown among the competitors.

Simpson Marine and Beneteau have supported the Regatta for the past twelve years, with delivery of 35 First 40.7 boats forming the first, and still most vigorous, class in the field. This year, as with other years, we entered a Beneteau Simpson Marine team composed of Simpson Marine sailors Richard Allen, who also skippered the boat, David Walder, and Beneteau team friends. Beneteau’s Oceanis Yacht 62 received an award at the Grand Gala Dinner on 27 October for the Best Sailing Yacht in China.

On 28 October Beneteau held their Annual Beneteau Owners’ party that has now become one of evening highlights of the Regatta. We enjoyed spending time with our owners and Beneteau crews celebrating sailing spirit and adventures on the sea, together with Mike Simpson who also attended the 3-day event.

Another highlight at the regatta was the exhibition of the original Americas Cup, which was crafted in 1848 and is now proudly held by Emirates Team New Zealand in Auckland. The Auld Mug was exhibited at the race base in Dapeng Sailing Centre and the Emirates team sailors took part in CCIR, winners in the First 40.7 Class.

A major element of the regatta was the announcement of the new China Cup Limited Edition for the new OC41.1 and OC51.1 sailing yachts from Beneteau fleet. From next year we might see a new class forming! If you are interested to participate in the China Cup next year and owning your own Beneteau sailing yacht from a wide range of 20-62ft options, please let us know at beneteau@simpsonmarine.com