NEW Beneteau First 30

New BENETEAU First 30

Check out this video. . .

2010 Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race: Battle of the Beneteau First 40s

The 25th Audi Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race is shaping up as a battle of the Beneteau First 40s. Last year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart overall winner Andrew Saies’ Two True will make the long trek to the start line from his home town of Adelaide, where he will be met by two other recently launched Beneteau F40s Flying Cloud (CYCA Vice Commodore Howard Piggott) and Closed Halled (Graeme Hall).  (more...)

Free Life Jackets

SACRAMENTO -- The Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW), RadioDisney and the UC Davis Children's Hospital announces the 11th AnnualLife Jacket Trade-In. The event will be taking place May 28 from 4-6p.m. at select Sacramento Kohl's department stores and from 1-3 p.m. at select Sam's Clubs in the Bay Area and Los Angeles region. A complete list of participating stores is attached......http://www.dbw.ca.gov/BoaterInfo/LifeJacketTradeIn.aspx

Please go to this website and find a location newar you if any of your kids (or grandkids) are in need of a quality life jacket. Too many accidents happen because jackets are not used (see the reports of the boat off Seal Rock this last weekend). The gift of safety on the water is really cool! Best, Mik

Five Tips for Choosing a New Chartplotter/Fishfinder | features.boats.com

Five Tips for Choosing a New Chartplotter/Fishfinder

Price does count when upgrading your electronics, and these tips will help you figure out what features are worth the extra dollars.

You could spend $500 bucks on a combination chartplotter/fishfinder, or you could spend $5,000—and there’s a world of difference between “inexpensive,” and “cheap”. How can you make an intelligent choice as to which unit best fits your needs and your budget? Make sure you consider these five important factors, before you pull the trigger.

1. SIZE MATTERS when it comes to the screen, because this dictates from how far away you can see the unit, how large the numerics will be, and how “squeezed” the screen will become if you use a split-screen or zoom function. Look for units with screens that are at least 5” diagonal, or larger. Anything smaller then this is going to be tough to see unless you’re hunched right over it.
Another important screen feature is resolution, which will determine just how much detail the unit can provide. Resolution is measured by the pixel count, with more pixels being better. Cheap units provide only a few hundred pixels by a few hundred, but you can easily find inexpensive units with 480 by 480 or more. And also check out the screen’s visibility when wearing polarized sunglasses. Many will fade when viewed from an angle in bright sunlight. To test this out in the store, bring a bright spotlight and your sunglasses with you when you shop. Hit the unit with the light, put on your glasses, and see if you can still see the screen as you lean off to one side.
2. POWER is another factor you’ll need to consider. But power is only one half of the equation that determines how deep and accurately your unit will be able to detect fish; transducer choice also plays a huge role. More on this in a moment, but first, note that units in the low end of the price range usually put out between 100 and 300 watts. (Remember to check the spec in RMS, not “peak”). If you’re fishing in water of 200’ or less that’s plenty, but if you need to reach bottom in deeper waters, additional wattage will help you punch through.
3. TRANSDUCERS need to be considered in concert with power. The larger the transducer crystal is, the more focused its beam will be. The more focused the beam, the deeper it will penetrate. Think of it like a flashlight beam: one that’s set to spotlight penetrates farther then one that’s set to floodlight. In real-world use, doubling the transducer crystal’s diameter has the same effect as quadrupling the output power. So a machine pushing 300-watts through a four-inch transducer will see just as deep as a fishfinder pushing 1,200-watts through a one-inch transducer. Unfortunately, depending on where you buy the unit you may not have a choice as to what transducer comes with it. In most cases, however, you can easily purchase an upgraded transducer. Airmar’s web site (www.airmar.com) has a lot of good info on what transducer upgrades are available and how to choose between them.
4. CONNECTORS may not seem like an important part of the machine, but they are. Connectors with flimsy plastic collars or thin metal prongs can get broken or bent, and replacing them can cost a large fraction of the unit’s price. So wiggle, push, and prod at them in the store to see just how tough they are, before you buy a unit. Pay special attention to these parts if you have to pull the unit off the boat each time you go home, because the more often you remove and replace the plugs, the more likely it is a problem will arise.
5. LONGEVITY is, of course, another important consideration. Water resistance, especially if you’ll be mounting the unit on a small, open boat, is the most important consideration in this regard. Pay close attention to the IPX (International Protection code) or JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) ratings, which are essentially identical. A rating of four is considered “splashproof,” which could accurately be interpreted as “will fry when wet.” A rating this low is simply insufficient for a small, open boat. An IPX/JIS of five means the unit can withstand low-pressure jets of water, six is high pressure jets of water, seven is submersible for up to 30 minutes at three meters, and eight can be operated while submerged continually. Obviously, the higher the rating number is, the longer your unit will survive in the marine environment—and that makes all the difference in the world, between “inexpensive” and “cheap”.
Lenny Rudow has been a writer and editor in the marine field for over two decades and has authored five books. He runs his own web site at HookedOnFishingBoats.com and his syndicated blog appears at Boats.com in the BoaterMouth blog section.
Five Tips for Choosing a New Chartplotter/Fishfinder | features.boats.com

After seven months at sea, an Australian teen on Thursday was just two days away from reaching the finish line in her bid to become the youngest person to sail solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world.

Thousands are expected to line Sydney Harbour on Saturday to offer a hero's welcome to 16-year-old Jessica Watson, who has battled 40-foot (12-meter) waves, multiple knockdowns and critics who called her too immature and inexperienced for the treacherous journey.
Many thought she couldn't, and her parents faced withering criticism from those who believed allowing a teenager to attempt such a feat was foolish, insane — even borderline criminal. But the couple repeatedly defended their decision, even after their daughter, who has been sailing since she was 8, collided with a merchant ship during a test run.
Watson, from Buderim, north of Brisbane in Queensland state, sailed out of Sydney on Oct. 18. She traveled northeast through the South Pacific and across the equator, then south to Cape Horn at the tip of South America, across the Atlantic Ocean to South Africa, through the Indian Ocean and around southern Australia. She has survived on prepackaged meals, the occasional freshly caught fish and a steady supply of chocolate.
Another Australian, Jesse Martin, who was 18 when he completed the journey in 1999, holds the current record for the youngest person to sail around the world solo, nonstop and unassisted. But Watson's feat will not be considered an official world record, because the World Speed Sailing Record Council discontinued its "youngest" category.

Sixteen-year-old American Abby Sunderland of Marina del Ray, California, launched her own solo round-the-world bid in January. In May, she had to pull into port in South Africa for boat repairs, ending her nonstop attempt. She still plans to try to complete her voyage.

I was thinking about taking up windsurfing...

What do you suppose he's thinking about?

Blue Cup Regatta documentary

Athens Greece - 2009 Blue Cup Regatta.... the year after the Passage Yachts team attended this great race/party. This is a great video documentary of the event and the passion for sailing that surrounds it. Notice the fleet of Beneteau Yachts too!

click: Blue Cup Regatta - In Pursuit of Passion

Seminars & Sails: Sunday May 2

Please Join us for our Summer Seminar and Sailing Series

      Join us on Sunday, May 2, for the first seminar in our series of summer seminars. Each month we'll feature one or two seminars on a variety of topics.  In addition, we will host sailboat rides for women who are not interested in the seminar topics but want to join in the enjoyment and learning about boating (sailing is for women only!).  

   This month's featured speakers:

Scott Koehler: Senior Master Mechanic from Svendsen's Marine: This is a hands on seminar of basic repairs and services to a diesel engine. The information you'll learn here will help you in understanding the necessary maintenance of a marine engine and give you valuable information in case of an on the water emergency.

 

 Kimmie Haworth: Columnist at Yachtman's Magazine, TV Producer: Kimmie has been writing on the bay and delta for years and is an expert on where to go and what to do on your boat in our local area. She is full of local knowledge and is entertaining as well!

 

Event Hours:

11:00 AM:  Engine Seminar

1:00 PM: Cruising the Bay & Delta Seminar

Location:
Passage Yachts

Pt. Richmond

These seminars pack the house so please reserve a chair so you won't be disappointed!

 
Hope to see you there! 

The Crew at Passage Yachts, Inc.
 

BMW ORACLE Racing to bring America’s Cup to Strictly Sail Pacific

The America’s Cup Comes to Strictly Sail Pacific!

West Coast sailors and the public are in for a treat as the celebrated BMW ORACLE Racing Team, winners of the America’s Cup, comes to Jack London Square on Thursday, April 15 as part of America’s Cup Day at Strictly Sail Pacific!

COME SEE THE CUP!

Don’t miss this phenomenal opportunity to view The America’s Cup! It will be proudly showcased and on public display from noon until 6 pm on Thursday, April 15.

COME MEET THE RACING TEAM!

The BMW ORACLE Racing Team will make a FREE presentation from 6 to 7 pm! The event includes sailing and design team members in an open and interactive Q&A session. See video highlights from the team show during its winning campaign for the 33rd America’s Cup.

Strictly Sail Pacific Show At a Glance

Location
On San Francisco Bay at Jack London Square in Oakland, California. Just across the Bay from downtown San Francisco, with easy access from around the Bay Area by ferry, BART or bus.

Hours

Thursday and Friday, April 15 – 16:	10 am – 6 pm
Saturday, April 17:	10 am – 7 pm
Sunday, April 18:	10 am – 5 pm

                                      

Admission
$12 – Thursday and Friday (Adults)
$15 – Saturday and Sunday (Adults)
$24 – Two-Day Adult Pass
$40 – Four-Day Pass (Available Online Only)
FREE – Children 15 years and under (when accompanied by a paid adult)

Advance ticket purchases available. Buy Tickets Now!

See You at the Show!

http://www.strictlysailpacific.com/shows/pacific.asp?show=pa

So do you want to cruise your racer or race your cruiser?

When you have a Beneteau, new or old, maybe the lines are blurred.

In the recent Banderas Bay Regatta (Click here to check out the race website) that took place in Puerto Vallarta March 16 – 20 some 58 boats were competing in the 2 multihull and 5 monohull classes.

These are primarily cruising boats that have made their way down the California and Baja Coasts to enjoy a winter of fabulous sailing in Mexico. By no means are they stripped out racers, but boats that sport solar panels, dinghy davits and all kind of cruising gear.

This year was a great year for anyone bringing a Beneteau to the regatta.

Here are the top boats in the mono hull classes:

DIVISION A: The hard core racing division was won by Cirque, a 13 year old Bruce Farr designed Beneteau First 42s7 skippered by Louis Krug, who has been cruising Mexico for the last several seasons.

DIVISION D: The ‘light’ racing division was won by Wind Child, a Beneteau First 36.7 that did the Bajaha last fall. Another Bruce Farr Design skippered by Rudy Heessels - still a current production boat - narrowly beat out a 20 year old Beneteau First 405!

DIVISION E: The medium displacement division did not have any Beneteau’s in the line up, so honors went to a boat build by the Groupe Benetaus sister company, a Jeanneau 43DS.

DIVISION F: The heavy division saw a boat that must be close to 25 years old, Bolero a Beneteau Idylle 43, walk away a 1^ST place. Bolero had nothing but bullets in the entire regatta! Great job by Thom and Cheryl Landgreen.

DIVISION G: Won by Music, a 2009 Beneteau 40 that we just commissioned last summer. Music also did the Bajaha ’09 and have been cruising Mexico since. Co-skippers Jan Grant and Rick Gio had a great time sliding down the Baha Peninsula and stayed out when a majority of the Bajaha fleet sought shelter the first night out of San Diego.

We are currently doing the final preparations to our Beneteau First 42s7, TIVOLI, to leave for Mexico in the fall of 2010 on an extended cruise: watermaker, solar panels, wind generator, canvas, SSB, big anchors with lots of chain……….next year we will be competing at Banderas Bay.

If you want to discuss how to make your boat ready for the Bay, Ocean or the ’11 Banderas Bay Regatta I will be happy to chat with you.
Torben Bentsen
Passage Yachts

E-mail Torben Bentsen        Cell: 510-851-3082

The First 40 was awarded Boat of the Year by Sailing World Magazine for Best Crossover

Sailing World Magazine announced the best in boatbuilding for 2010 with its 26th annual Boat of the Year Awards. The results will be featured in Sailing World's January 2010 issue.
An independent panel of experts inspected and tested the 14 nominated boats during the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis earlier this year. Decisions were based on extensive inspections and sea trials of the boats. Taking home the honor for the Best Crossover was the Beneteau First 40.
For the complete story visit Sailing World.com.


Here's a video link to an up close look at the boat by Sailing Anarchy at the Annapolis Boat Show.
Beneteau First 40

BENETEAU USA INC. TRANSFORMS FACTORY INTO "JUST IN TIME LEAN MANUFACTURING"

Marion, SC, October 19, 2009: With a huge investment in a new CNC machinery driven woodshop and a complete overhaul of its production areas, Beneteau USA Inc. is in the process of revamping its 250,000 square foot facility into the most modern big sailboat factory in America. Contractors, advisors from parent company Groupe Beneteau, and South Carolinian team members are scurrying to change the 25 year old factory from the past style of eight independent production lines into a new, single line, continuous flow production facility comprising 20 operation positions. The outcome of this new way of building will allow shortened lead times, less work in process and greater flexibility in model mix. The Marion plant will be the only American sailboat plant able to build anything from 30 footers up to 50 footers, all in the same quick-flow process.

“This is an amazing feat for our team, as it truly was an internal initiative that came from the leadership of our Vice President of Manufacturing, Gerard Martineau, working with the full spectrum of production from managers to those on the floor. They have developed a system that is unique in our end of the industry and will eliminate wasted time while improving quality and flexibility,” said Wayne Burdick, President of Beneteau USA. “When the plant reconfiguration work is complete and we are able to turn on the new, lean, mean, production machine, no one else in the US will be able to make cruising sailboats with as much efficiency and flexibility of product mix. This should give Beneteau a strategic advantage to quickly provide the best value in exactly the model our customer wishes to buy.”

“I am proud of all the work by our people in Marion to prepare for this mode of manufacturing. We all went to school together to learn about lean manufacturing, work flow and value stream mapping, and the result proves that this great team of boat builders is equal to any in the world when it comes to new ways of thinking and doing. Great work by this very motivated group will launch us into a new era of excellent quality at the best price and the quickest delivery, continuing Marion’s claim of being the largest producer of sailing yachts on this continent,” stated Mr. Martineau. “In the month of November current production will temporarily cease, so that the remains of the existing independent lines can be moved into the new continuous flow platforms which are already in place. I can’t wait to see the results when we start humming in early December!”

Beneteau USA, the American division of the world’s largest sailboat manufacturer, builds hundreds of 31 to 50 foot production sailboats in Marion, SC and imports sailing and power yachts up to 58 feet in length from its parent company in France.

ROLEX Big Boat Series

Here is shot of some competitors from the Beneteau 36.7 fleet from last week-end.
Passage Yachts chartered a boat to bring the local fleet up to 6 boats for a One Design Start. We also made sure all the crew was easy to recognize in their bright, red shirts from Passage!
The racing in the Beneteau fleet was tight, but ultimately Pat Patterson's 'Summer and Smoke' emerged a winner.

http://marina42.net/cgi-bin/p/m42p-broker.cgi?d=passage-yachts-inc&id=283

Rolex Big Boat Series SF gearing up...

News from the 2009 Rolex Big Boat Series and Rolex US-IRC National Championship event:

September 2, 2009

With one week until the start of the 2009 Rolex Big Boat Series, St. Francis Yacht Club (StFYC) Race Office is busy coordinating the many logistical details that accompany running one of the world’s most-loved regattas. Racing this year is scheduled for September 10-13, and includes racing in seven one-design classes – 1D35, Beneteau 36.7, Express 37, J/105, J/120, Melges 32 and, for the first time, the Cal 40 class, as well as divisions for IRC-rated entries. At the conclusion of the four-day regatta, specially engraved Rolex timepieces will be awarded to the St. Francis Yacht Club’s six Perpetual Trophy winners and to the overall IRC winner as the Rolex US-IRC National Champion. Although the Rolex Big Boat Series will be celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, another occurrence will take center stage, the StFYC’s tribute to the late Tom Blackaller. Full article here.

*note Passage Yachts mention in the Beneteau 36.7 fleet section.... we are proud to help the fleet get their own start by chartering a boat.

Brave sailor goes around England....

Beneteau 393 video on SF Bay - summer fun!

Just another summer day on San Francisco Bay! Thanks to our customers the Kerr's on their Beneteau 393 Jabulani for the video!

New Beneteau 40 - offshore delivery

Thanks to Passage Broker Torben Bentsen,

Here is a little clip from 5 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge with a brand new Beneteau 40 last week.

Windspeed in the low 20’s, and pretty good seas.

IT WAS FUN!!

Beneteau 36.7 photos - our newest boat arrives

Galley - yes, a bit cluttered at the moment.

Starboard Settee - note the Blond Oak Alpi wood finish... very nice!

Nav Station

I like the black mast - very sexy!

Nice Bruce Farr designed bow...

Clean engine instrument cluster

Autopilot controls on the molded steering pedestal

Tridata and wind instrument over companionway

Molded steering pedestal and large wheel

A nice looking boat!


Look for 6 of these fast fun racer/cruisers to be going head to head at the Rolex Big Boat Regatta coming up next month!

Sailing small boats on San Francisco Bay