Father-son team “fly” to Philippines on Figaro Beneteau 3

April 20, 2023
1:11 am

Simpson Marine, a Figaro Beneteau 3 helmed by Philippe and Cosmas Grelon, was fifth across the line in the recent Rolex China Sea Race.

Cosmas Grelon at the helm in Hong Kong © RHKYC / Vivian Ngan

Philippe and Cosmas Grelon reached a top speed of 21 knots in the recent Rolex China Sea Race on Simpson Marine, the “flying” Figaro Beneteau 3 that finished second in IRC Overall in the 565nm offshore classic organised by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (click for article).

Competing in the race together for the second time, the father-and-son team topped the double-handed class and were the fifth team to reach Subic Bay, after 3 days 22h 47m 10s, as the race was held for the first time since 2018.

Simpson Marine, a Figaro Beneteau 3 © Rolex / Daniel Forster

Cosmas Grelon, Beneteau Sales Manager at Simpson Marine in Hong Kong, started sailing at a young age with his father and has participated in many sailing competitions, but was overwhelmed by the performance of the VPLP-designed Figaro Beneteau 3.

“The Figaro 3 is an absolute machine,” said Cosmas. “We were flying downwind. It was the most exhilarating sailing I’ve done in years!”

Cosmas and his father Philippe arrive in Subic Bay © RHKYC / Vivian Ngan

The world’s first production foiling one-design monohull, the lightweight Figaro Beneteau 3 has a higher-performing ballast-free hull, a slender, deep keel, a setback mast and a large sail plan.

Two other Beneteau boats, a First 40 CR and a Sense 46, also competed in the biennial race. Of the 18 competing boats, 14 are based in Hong Kong, three were from the Philippines and one was from mainland China.