MOANA, a Belgian Beneteau First 47.7 owned by Fran�ois Goubau enjoyed a good week of sailing and took 2nd place in IRC 2 at Cowes Week this summer and 1st place in the B�n�teau 47.7 fleet. The closest competitor was KIRRIBILLI, another First 47.7 also suited with a full UK-Halsey inventory.
Commenting about the race helmsman Mathieu Goubau said, "I was particularly pleased with the way MOANA is performing since she was suited with her new UK Sails. We managed to be faster upwind. Especially in the medium breeze we sailed much higher and faster than everyone else."
MOANA took victory in a very hot contest for the Skandia Young Skipper�s Trophy. Goubau edged out Mark Campbell-James helmsman of the Farr 52 BEAR OF BRITAIN for this prestigious trophy after putting together a fantastically consistent series dropping out of the top five just once.
The family crew was assisted by their sailmaker Alfred Van Rijckevorsel from UK-Halsey Benelux. The crew was made up of: Fran�ois & Mich�le Goubau, Laurent, Alexis & Mathieu Goubau, Thierry & Guy Duhameeuw, C�dric Declercq, Patrick Le Jeune, Denis Lardinoit and M�lissa de Burbure.
The Fastnet Race was sailed for the most part in light airs, though that didn't stop the heavy Ben 47.7 from sailing in the right direction. A correct interpretation of the weather charts brought MOANA in a comfortable position at Fastnet Rock which encouraged the crew to drive the boat hard to the finish securing a third place in IRC 0, chased by the Grand Soleil 45 SATORI and the impressive Mills 37 THUNDER, that finished second and first respectively.
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