Information updates and registration forms for the two rallies being offered this year by Cape Yachts, Beneteau and Points East magazine. CLICK HERE.


Cruising World magazine announced today the winners of its 16th annual Boat of the Year awards................... from an independent panel of experts who inspected and tested 21 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. All of the winners, along with the rest of the 2009 BOTY nominees and several other boats reviewed by the magazine's editors, will be featured in the January issue of Cruising World...................

Following their deliberations, the judges decided this year to add an award for Best Value. Taking home this honor was the Beneteau 34. "The Beneteau 34 was the least expensive and one of the smallest of the cruising boats we looked at, yet under sail was a pure delight and handled well in the rather boisterous conditions we encountered," said Cruising World Senior Editor Mark Pillsbury...............

• » Providence Boat Show: January 29 - February 1
• » New England Boat Show: February 14 - 22
• » Cape Yachts Beneteau Rally 1: June 28 - July 4
• » Cape Yachts Beneteau Rally 2: July 4 - 18
• » Points East Work Shop Series at SWYY: TBA
• » Newport International Boat Show: September 17 - 20
• » Boston In-Water Boat Show: October 1 - 4
• » Annapolis Boat Show: Sail: October 8 - 12
• » Annapolis Boat Show: Power: October 15 - 18

Click Here for the fall edition of the Cape Yachts eNews.


Beneteau Owners! If you've ever wanted to try a longer voyage but didn't want to go it alone, consider a Cape Yachts flotilla! Bring along your family and friends, make new friends, visit port of calls you've always wanted to, all while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow boaters.

The CY Flotilla program is headed by former Points East Owner/Publisher, Bernie Wideman. Bernie developed the flotilla concept at Points East because they felt there is a population of boaters who are competent and who would like to see sights outside their usual cruising range but would feel a lot more comfortable going with boats that had been there before and who would like to leave the organizing of shoreside details to others. These original flotillas began with downeast trips to Fundy. Now, through the combined efforts of Points East Magazine and Cape Yachts we are bringing New England flotillas to you starting with the summer of 2009.

The flotillas are led by experienced boaters. Flotilla participants are invited to participate in pre-flotilla organizational meetings and educational seminars on various nautical issues that might come up during the trip. Flotilla participants receive discounts at harbors and marinas while on the voyage. We also plan shoreside activities that include tours of historical sites, dinners and presentations by local experts.

We look forward to cruising with you next summer! Complete details can be found in our fall eNews.


The National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) recently recognized Beneteau USA for once again achieving excellence in customer satisfaction this year as part of the Customer Satisfaction Index(CSI) program. NMMA launched its CSI program in 2001 to provide boat and engine manufacturers with an independently-measured, cost-effective tool to help improve customer satisfaction in the boating industry.

As a CSI Award recipient, Beneteau achieved and maintained an independently measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction throughout the past year, based on information provided by consumers who purchased a new boat between April 2007 and March 2008.


Nine marine manufacturers were honored for innovative achievement on the opening day of the Miami International Boat Show. The Innovation Awards are organized by the National Marine Manufcturers Association and judged by Boating Writers International.

For the Inboard and Outboard Cruisers, the True North 34 took the honor. The judges felt that the 34-foot True North combined an innovative hideaway tailgate/transom and a moveable cockpit seating for a truly unique design.

» Click here for the entire article.