The 2007 Beneteau First 36.7 North American Championship which was held at the Buffalo Yacht Club September 5th to 9th set a new high level of expectation for fleet racing in big racer/cruisers. With a record 47 boats competing, which is reported to be the largest American one design class championship for a boat of this substantial size, after four action packed days of racing the winner Zingara, skippered by Richard Reid of Toronto, was declared the victor. Richard Reid is not unfamiliar with the winners circle, with several class wins already under his belt. When asked about this win he commented, "47 36’ foot boats from all over North America came to compete in a 4 day North American championship. The Race Committee was excellent"they got a standing ovation from all the boats when they entered the harbor at the end of day 4. The competition was intense with the top 10 boats changing positions everyday. Boats appeared to be very evenly matched from both a boat speed and talent point of view. The Buffalo Yacht Club members gave up their slips so that all 47 competitors could all be in the same place. This gave the regatta a very intimate feel and many new friendships were formed. Chicago promises to deliver more of the same in 2008."

The Buffalo Yacht Club is located near the eastern shore of Lake Erie on the mighty Niagara River and is the 3rd oldest yacht club in America. The club is the only twelve month yacht club that enjoys locations in two countries. Due particularly to its location, the event attracted 9 boats from Canada and 38 boats from around the United States with the farthest traveling from Texas. This was a great milestone in the history of this growing one-design class. It demonstrates the momentum and growth of the 36.7 class over the last five years. With close to 250 boats built in North America alone and over 900 worldwide, the Farr Yacht Designed First 36.7 has quickly become the boat that is the perfect choice for racers who want optimum performance along with value and comfort.

The class has established fleets in major sailing areas such as Buffalo, Chesapeake Bay, Chicago, San Diego, Toronto and others. "What a marvelous sight to see that huge fleet of 47 Beneteau First 36.7’s coming into the starts and accelerating up the course. From rock stars to family crews, hundreds of participants had a lifetime thrill in some fierce yet mostly friendly competition. If anyone had predicted a few years ago that so many of these great Farr designs would be at one North American championship, it would not have been believed. Thanks to the incredible support of the Buffalo Yacht Club plus the 36.7 Class Association, wonderful sponsors like BMW and Saint Gobain, along with the extraordinary logistical efforts by the team at RCR Yachts, this North American Championship sets a new high for any class." said Wayne Burdick, president of Beneteau USA after observing several races as a spectator. For a list of all competitors, complete race results and photos by Tim Wilkes, please visit www.Yachtscoring.com. Beneteau USA, the American division of the world’s largest sailboat manufacturer, builds hundreds of 32-49 foot production sailboats, as well as the Swift Trawler 42, in Marion, SC and imports sailing yachts up to 57 feet in length from its parent company in France.