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Beneteau Cup Hong Kong enters new era
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The annual Beneteau Cup Hong Kong started a new chapter this year, with the event now run by Asiamarine, the brand’s new local sailboat dealer.
With Beneteau celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2024, the French brand’s annual Hong Kong sailing event changed hands as the event was organised for the first time by Asiamarine.
Founded in 2021 and held each autumn, the Beneteau Cup Hong Kong adopted a new rally format this November under the new organisers, with the dealership hosting the event in collaboration with Beneteau’s Asia-Pacific office.
The fourth edition welcomed 14 Beneteau sailboats ranging from 26-51ft and “over 100 enthusiastic sailors, uniting seasoned professionals, enthusiasts and sailor families,” according to Asiamarine, which was announced as the Beneteau sailboat dealer for Hong Kong in March.
The day began with a rally departing from Repulse Bay. With wind ranging from 4-7 knots on the day, participants navigated a scenic course to Cape D’Aguilar and Castle Rock, then back, completing the rally within a four-hour timeframe.
VIP guests followed the course of the rally aboard the official spectator boat, a beautiful Lagoon 560, sponsored by its owner and now for sale with Asiamarine. The celebrations continued with a prizegiving ceremony and afterparty at Aberdeen Boat Club’s Middle Island clubhouse.
Erwan Her, Beneteau’s Asia-Pacific Sales Director, attended the event and highlighted the significance of the fourth Beneteau Cup Hong Kong during his speech at the closing ceremony.
“This year’s Beneteau Cup was a unique one as we celebrate Beneteau’s 140th anniversary, blending the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship with the shared passion for the sea,” Her said. “Congratulations to all the participants and to the Asiamarine team for making this such a memorable occasion.”
Asiamarine impressed participants as the dealership successfully took over organisation of the event. Alexandre Tricot, Brand Manager of Beneteau and Lagoon at Asiamarine, was a key part of the organising team, having previously won the Beneteau Cup Hong Kong as a participant.
“Sailing has always been a personal passion of mine, which is why this event holds such special meaning,” Tricot said.
“It’s an honour for Asiamarine to organise this, bringing together the sailing community in Hong Kong. We’re thrilled to expand this community even further next year, not just increasing the sale of Beneteau sailboats across Hong Kong and Singapore but having more people fall in love with the sport.”
The Beneteau Cup Hong Kong also raised over HK$11,000 for the Heep Hong Society, a local charity supporting children and youth with diverse needs.
The event’s sponsors included LQV, Clean Max, Optical 88, Vines & Terroirs, Ullman Sails, Taittinger, Only Beverage, Mystic Island, Mazu, Corona, Determinant, Franck Muller, Pedro and Bain Marie.
“Asiamarine extends its gratitude to all participants, sponsors and partners for making the Beneteau Cup a spectacular success,” the dealership stated. “With the overwhelming support received, the Beneteau Cup is set to become a flagship annual event in the Hong Kong sailing calendar.”
Headquartered in Hong Kong with offices in Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore, Asiamarine specialises in sales of new and pre-owned yachts, yacht management in Asia-Pacific, and charters across the world, also specialising in superyachts as Fraser Asia.
