June 29, 2021

Beneteau America proudly announces its partnership with Chicago’s legendary Columbia Yacht Club and North Sails Group, the world’s leading sailmaker. The partnerships mark Beneteau’s renewed commitment to the racing scene with an updated lineup of the First series, including the First 27 and First 27SE, which will make its Race to Mackinac debut.

To celebrate the partnerships, Beneteau will host two informative seminars. Andraz Mihelin, CEO of Seascape and Project Manager of Beneteau First, will speak on the topic of Short-Handed Sailing, and John Baxter and Perry Lewis of North Sails will share their perspectives on what you need to succeed when racing to Mackinac Island. The seminars are open to all Beneteau owners and their friends in the Chicago area who RSVP by July 10th. In conjunction with this event, a new First 27SE will be on display by Sail Place at the Columbia Yacht Club. Sail Place is Beneteau’s authorized dealer for the Chicago area. Beneteau Sales Manager, Sarah Jones, believes that the partnerships are natural fits for the celebrated boat builder.

“The Columbia Yacht Club is a Chicago institution and a haven for experienced racers and newcomers to boating alike. North Sails is known around the world for its innovative engineering and expert craftsmanship. Together, we look forward to advancing the science, the art, and the sheer fun of boating.”

Beneteau is no stranger to Lake Michigan or to its signature race, the 333-mile Race to Mackinac, or simply The Mac. Twenty-eight Beneteau designs competed in the 2019 Mac, and thirty-nine are registered for the 2021 race, which starts on July 16. This will be the First 27SE’s debut at the Mac, the longest and most prestigious annual freshwater sailing race in the world. Andraz Mihelin won the 2014 Mac’s Doublehanded Division in a Seascape 27, and seeks to repeat his feat in 2021 along with Dave Reed from Sailing World, in Seahorse, a Beneteau First 27SE. Amongst various Beneteau models racing this event, the First 36.7 class will have a strong showing with 15 boats competing, and another 12 First 40.7s will also be racing to the finish in Mackinac Island. To learn more about Beneteau’s unmatched blend of performance and style, please contact Aura Bordage at 410.990.0270 or a.bordage@beneteau.com.