Match racing yachts available for sailing charters.
MRX Yachting, beside RNZYS, Westhaven, Auckland

NZ BMW Sailing Cup

Saturday 28 & Sunday 1 March 2009

The BMW Sailing Cup is the foremost amateur keeboat sailing contest in New Zealand.

Bunched up at the start boat

The skipper and crew from the winning boats in each division at BMW Auckland Regatta (including IRC, and multihulls) were eligible to compete in the BMW Sailing Cup. All crew members have to be amateur sailors to qualify.

The BMW Sailing Cup was scheduled to be sailed on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March, in MRX yachts, with crews of five. It was free for all qualifying crews to compete in. The wild weather that hit the northern half of the North Island on Saturday meant racing was cancelled on Saturday, but excellent conditions prevailed on Sunday with 7 races being sailed.

Racing was very close with 4 skippers winning races. Roger Pagani and his crew from Young 88, Triple 8 gained the early lead before being challenged by Rob Bassett and finally Greer Houston.

Peter Strathdee wins race 4

Roger Pagani however prevailed with a deserved win in the last race and clinch the series.

Roger Pagani and crew lead the fleet to trip to Italy

Roger and his crew now go on to an all-expenses paid trip to race in the World Final on Lake Garda, Italy from 21-26 April 2009, a fantastic, prestigious event open to all qualifying amateur skippers and crew.

Lake Garda, Italy, venue for the BMW World Amateur Keelboat Championships

This regatta is a great concept and BMW should be recognised for the introduction and support for this event which should become the preeminant amateur keelboat event in NZ and perhaps the World. Thanks to BBYC and RNZYS also for their support of this event and initiative.

Results