The BENETEAU First and JEANNEAU Sun Fast racing boats from the Groupe Beneteau made a strong impression at the prestigious 2024 Rolex Middle Sea Race, securing victories in five categories!
These outstanding performances reaffirm the Groupe Beneteau’s boats as some of the most reliable and high performing on the international circuit.
A WIN IN FIVE CATEGORIES
– 1st place in IRC Class 4: skippers Christoph Podesta & Aaron Podesta on a
BENETEAU First 45
– 1st place in IRC Class 6: skipper Simon Toms on a JEANNEAU Sun Fast 3300
– 1st place in IRC Double-Handed: skippers Milan Kolacek & Milan Tomek on a
BENETEAU First 36
– 1st place in ORC4: skippers Christoph Podesta & Aaron Podesta on a BENETEAU First 45
– 1st place in ORC5: skippers Milan Kolacek & Milan Tomek on a BENETEAU First 36
RELIABILITY AND EXCELLENCE: A SHARED DNA IN ALL BENETEAU AND JEANNEAU SAILBOATS
These victories highlight the expertise and innovation integrated into every sailboat in the BENETEAU FIRST and JEANNEAU SUN FAST ranges. Designed to tackle the challenges of the open sea and meet the demands of seasoned racers, these models offer a combination of speed, safety, and durability, the result of decades of precision and innovation.
Milan Kolacek, skipper of one of the winning crews, shares: “As a participant in this year’s ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE 2024, I had the pleasure of sailing the BENETEAU FIRST 36. In the highly challenging conditions of this prestigious race, the boat demonstrated not only its speed on the various courses but also its remarkable stability and maneuverability.
This vessel allowed us to harness its full potential, regardless of wind strength, whether downwind or with the wind aft, leading to a victory that would not have been possible without the qualities of such a well-designed and constructed sailboat “
“This was the most intense experience of my sailing life, and I will never forget it.” — Milan Tomek, skipper of the First 36 winner in IRC Double-Handed.
“I was very impressed with the robustness of the First 36, even in strong winds and heavy seas,” adds Milan Tomek.
“Racing with my friend Milan Kolacek, whom I met 30 years ago when we competed against each other as rivals on 420 class sailboats, was both a joy and a pleasure. The positive vibes and competitive spirit certainly kept us motivated and allowed us to endure the five days of adrenaline.
They were one of the key factors in winning the prestigious ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE in one of the toughest categories, the IRC Double-Handed. This was the most intense experience of my sailing life, and I will never forget it.”
WRITING THE NEXT CHAPTERS OF OFFSHORE RACING
These five successes only strengthen the Groupe Beneteau’s commitment to those who seek to fully live their passion at sea, whether in the thrill of racing or the enjoyment of coastal cruising.
The Groupe Beneteau with its brands BENETEAU and JEANNEAU will continue to support its racers by providing them with exceptional sailboats, designed to offer every competitive advantage, and to write the next chapters of offshore racing together with them.
