Beneteau Rendezvous

Races, rallies and rendezvous – Beneteau has had ’em all here in Hong Kong. The first was the Beneteau Owners’ Rally in January 1989 and the latest was the Beneteau Rendezvous 2025 on Saturday, the 25th of October.

Eleven boats joined the event which started near Middle Island, within sight of Ocean Park and Repulse Bay. Although a little overcast to the south, over Hong Kong Island the sky was an encouraging blue and the wind was blowing an even more encouraging 10-12 knots from the northeast – perfect for a fleet of cruising boats.

The 100 or so sailors taking part made it clear right from the 1100 start that they were going to make the most of conditions on the water. Being a rendezvous meant it was not actually a race but, sailors being sailors, the competition was on from the off. And why not?

With veteran racing boat, Ichiban, leading the way, the fleet slipped between Round Island and the Cheshire Home and was soon on its way to Beaufort Island. Off Stanley and Bluff Head, the breeze freshened to an invigorating 15-16 knots. Following the fleet was the host club’s support boat, Shun Fung.

The furthest mark of the course was TSS2 and there was little doubt that, if the wind held, all boats would be home in sufficient time for the party at the Aberdeen Boat Club’s Middle Island clubhouse, late afternoon.

After tacking through the Beaufort / Po Toi gap, the fleet passed Waglan Island before heading further offshore, Robert Cook’s Ichiban maintaining its lead. Returning to Castle Rock, some boats left Beaufort to port, others to starboard. After rounding Castle, what’s more, the breeze freshened and, with kites raised, Ichiban, Rampage 008 and Masamunay romped home to the finish off Round Island.

As the sun reached the horizon, boats and crews assembled at Middle Island and enjoyed an amazing spread of culinary delights, featuring chef Aurelien Lagrange at his best. After speeches and presentations, the party continued into the night.