2008 China Cup International Regatta
“Simply Brilliant’
Endorsed by the Minister of Sport from China under the auspices of the Chinese Yachting Association, the Mayor of Shenzhen and its of population 16 million, and sponsored primarily by Beneteau, the 2008 China Cup International Regatta was held from 24 October to 27 October 2008.
The China Cup International Regatta Committee with assistance from the Shenzhen Vanke Longcheer Yacht Club and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, held a showcase world one-design regatta demonstrating China’s commitment to the sport of yachting.
The 30 international teams were presented with new or as-new Beneteau 40.7 Distinction yachts set up identically with new racing sails and equipment for this one design regatta.
Crew “Team Vic Sail Australia” took delivery of their yacht at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and after making tuning adjustments, set off on Friday 24th October on the 44 nautical mile off shore race to Shenzhen.  The race was conducted in ideal conditions of 13 to 15 knot northeaster (monsoon) sailing up wind on light seas.  The race took us north for some 5 hours following the picturesque China coastline, mostly shrouded by mist/haze, to port and then a run to the finishing line.  The racing was close and we managed to place our best placing for the regatta of 3rd.
We raced with a full crew of 10 but as fate would have it, our crew member Patrick’s partner gave birth to baby Isabella (nicknamed China) in Tasmania during the course of the race and he was sent home that night.  Susie also signed off after working her passage, for retail therapy in the shopping arcades of Shenzhen.
Now with our crew of 8 (most teams had 10), we raced the balance of the regatta on Saturday, Sunday and Monday with 5 windward leewards in the sheltered waters of Daya Bay adjacent to the new yachting facility and marina, Shenzhen Vanke Longcheer Yacht Club.   As we had predicted and as fate dictated, the wind did not peak above 14 knots for the series ,we were on the pace and competitive.
Our hosts treated the competitors as celebrities with Olympic production opening and closing ceremonies, dignitaries and speeches, live music, complimentary drinks and evening buffet banquets.
The racing in the top end of the fleet was close and intense and the final victor being the skilled Japanese Team Karasu, from a competitive team from Norway, Normar and third place going to the Japanese team Koufu.
It was interesting to learn that the Japanese and Norwegian teams regularly compete in Beneteau 40.7 one-design regattas and demonstrated excellent sailing skills in these boats.                  
There were 13 countries in the 6 race series and Team Vic Sail recorded a top ten overall finish.
 China Yachting and the China Cup committee’s commitment to lift the standard of yachting in China as a sport follows upon  China winning its first gold medal in windsurfing in the last Olympics. With the support of Beneteau this regatta will I believe, retain the status of a world one-design regatta.     
In my opinion the China Cup Regatta formula certainly worked, the sailing was brilliant, the venue great, the weather stable warm, the breezes light but fair and consistent, the courses true, and the hospitality superb.              
To my  “Team Vic Sail” China Cup sailing team, George, Micah, Patrick, Buzz, Chris, Mark, Justin and Robin, and of course Susie, thank you for your commitment, support and team work in making the regatta so exciting. 
And to Vic Sail Beneteau Australia, thank you for the opportunity to represent you and to Beneteau International “tres bien merci”.
Howard Piggott