Argentario Sailing Week and Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge – Day 1

by Tessa Wiechmann on 16 Jun 2017 Perfect racing conditions on day one of Argentario Sailing Week – the second leg of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Mediterranean Circuit.

Sunny skies, the typical “Girasole-Sunflower” thermal breeze building up to 14 knots, shifting to the right in the early afternoon as the fleet of over 45 stunning classic yachts made their way around the course set in the Gulf of Argentario.

A sight to behold on land as the Grandes Dames from Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States and Italy sailed just off the town of Porto Santo Stefano on a close haul to mark one, then parading their beauty and grace under spinnaker as they put their bow on the Ancient Roman harbor and medieval village of Talamone.

A kaleidoscope of multicolored vibrant spinnakers and gennakers competing with the crystal blue waters of the Tyrrenian Sea, the pristine emerald green pine grove and the immaculate white beach of La Giannella.

Federic Vanderelst navigator on Savannah back on the docks stated, “This is the first time I race at Argentario Sailing Week and Porto Santo Stefano is truly a delightful spot. The organization is excellent at sea, communication from the race committee is precise, the flat sea and shifting winds make racing very interesting. On shore, we have found great hospitality and a very warm welcome. Everyone is impressed and we are having a great time”.

Savanna races in the Spirit of Tradition class and was inspired by the J Class sloops, William Fife and designed by d Pedrick Yacht Designs in Newport. The 30 meter Grande Dame was launched in 1997.

Day one results
Ivan Gardini on Naif is first in the 'Classic A” division and Ganbare owned by Don Wood, designed by Doug Peterson ranks number 1in the Classic B class. In the Vintage Aurici class Linnet owner Patrizio Bertelli with Pietro D’Ali on board is in first place, first position for Rowdy in Vintage Marconi A. and for Skylark of 1937 Vintage Marconi B. Wind & Wine wins today in the Spirit of Tradition Class. Finally, after day one Moombeam of Fife is first in the Big Boats category.

The international regatta is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano in partnership with the Florentine haute horologerie brand Officine Panerai with racing starting tomorrow Thursday 14 June and wrapping up on Sunday 18 June 2017. Racing continues tomorrow until Sunday.