11th Jaguar Rally 2012

The National Jaguar Rally is always an event that Beacham’s look forward to. We were delighted to once again be involved as an official sponsor. The Rally also provided an excellent opportunity to combine a road trip in the new Jaguar XF 2.2Diesel  and experience firsthand if this car really is as good as the motoring reviews say it is.

Friday 6th April – Our road trip began at 8.30am in Hastings, where we set off to catch the ferry in Wellington. The XF 2.2, finished in Crystal Blue Metallic with Barley Leather, made very light work of the three & half hour drive through to Wellington, where we boarded the ferry and set sail for Picton.
We arrived into Picton at 5.00pm, and proceeded through to Rally Headquarters at the Clubs of Marlborough. The Rally was officially opened by Marlborough Mayor, Alistair Sowman. This was followed by a meet and greet and evening meal.

Saturday 7th April – Saturday morning broke with clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. The day time events consisted of the Concourse Judging and an organized run from Blenheim to Havelock for morning tea, then onto Picton for lunch before returning to Blenheim. The gathering for morning tea allowed a good opportunity to view for the first time the fantastic turn out of Jaguars. After a nice cup of tea and good look at the cars, we set out for Picton, via the very beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds. We took advantage of the magnificent scenery and stopped along the way for a few photos with the XF.
The XF showed just how sporty and balanced it is on the tight and twisty Queen Charlotte Rds, with the new 8 speed Auto constantly offering up the right gear. Some lunch and a quick look around Picton before heading back to Blenheim.

We assembled back at the Clubs of Marlborough for Dinner, followed by a 1970’s red, white and blue Dance Party. The band delivered a very energetic performance, and everyone enjoyed busting a few moves on the dance floor.

Sunday 8th April – After a quick briefing at the Club, we proceeded to the A & P showgrounds, the impressive fleet of Jaguars parked up under clear blue skies. We had a walk around the local farmers market and sampled the offerings of local produce. I purchased a lovely Garlic infused Olive Oil, which I am happy to report, has combined beautifully with an aged balsamic vinegar and created a mouth watery salad dressing. 

After a relaxing morning at the Farmers Market, we moved onto Omaka to visit the Aviation Heritage Centre and the Marlborough Motoring Trust Museum.  The Aviation Heritage Centre was an absolute highlight of the rally. The stunningly lifelike recreations of World War 1 aerial combat scenes portrayed a sense of uncanny realism. The attention to detail of the displays could not be faulted and the collection of WW1 memorabilia gave a fascinating insight into the early beginnings of the British & German air forces.  


Lunch was a well organised “Posh Picnic” at the Aerodrome, where we were able to sample the local Salmon. This was a real treat to savor. The scenery and planes buzzing over provided the perfect environment for a relaxing picnic in the sun.

We assembled back at the Clubs of Marlborough for the Final Dinner and Prize Giving. Another tasty meal was served up, complimented with a selection of fine local wines. The recipients of the prices were all deserving winners, and was just rewards for the effort that had gone into preparing their Jaguars for the rally.

Monday 9th April – The previous 3 days had gone so quickly. It was now time for the farewell breakfast at the Clubs of Marlborough. After watching Hagus being piped in and a final speech from the organizers, it was time for the Rally to draw to a close. Whilst I could not be tempted into sampling the Hagus, the entire weekend had been filled with unique experiences, generous hospitality, and of course plenty of Jaguars. Both Natasha and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and our thanks once again to the organizers. 

I decided to take advantage of being down in the South Island. At the conclusion of the Rally we toured around the top of the South Island, taking in Nelson before heading over the spectacular Takaka Ranges and into Pohara. In all we clocked up 1500 km, averaging 6.4L / 100km of Diesel. I can testify that the XF 2.2 really is as good as all the motoring reviews have stated. I have always been a fan of big engine cars, however this XF 2.2 really has changed my views on smaller engines. At no stage throughout our travels were we ever lacking power, torque or refinement. The XF 2.2 is a revelation and testament to how far the "New Jaguar" has come in a very short space of time.