Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge underway in Tuscany

2014 Argentario Sailing Week - Paneria Classic Yacht Challenge - Raindrop James Robinson Taylor

2014 Argentario Sailing Week - Paneria Classic Yacht Challenge - Javelin
© James Robinson Taylor

Back on the docks Patrice Clerc, tactician on board Shamrock V, stated: 'I have raced Argentario Sailing Week in two past editions, first on Mariquita and then Cambria, but this is Shamrock’s first time! What always amazes me, is the color of the water. Today we started out with a deep blue hue, which then turned into cobalt, turquoise, aquamarine and finally vivid green on our way back. The sea color of course reflects the wind patterns: this is a challenging racecourse that always keeps you on your toes. The beauty of the natural scenery with the Tuscan coastline as a backdrop and the warm, friendly welcome that always awaits for us ashore make this Regatta memorable .The standards of quality at this event are so high that it is hard to say what could be improved':

First off the starting line Yachts in the Classic class, followed shortly later by the Vintage one, then Big Boats, 12 meter class and the Spirit of Tradition. With the starting line just off Giannella beach, the Grand Dames sailed to the windward mark close to the town of Porto Santo Stefano, then heading downwind to Talamone and returning to cross the finish line under the Yacht Club Santo Stefano. The 12 meter class completed two races whereas Spirit of Tradition completed three.

In the early morning, the Mayor of Porto Santo Stefano, Arturo Cerulli had greeted the skippers and presented them with a gift from the Municipality to thank them for making the event such a success year after year.

In the evening owners and crews dined at the Tenuta Agricola dell'Uccellina, after having enjoyed Panerai Tent hospitality.

The stories and legends of all yachts taking part in Argentario Sailing Week can be found here.

Racing at the International Regatta continues tomorrow, Saturday and finishes on Sunday, June 22nd with the Prize giving Ceremony followed by a Farewell cocktail held at the Race Village.

2014 Argentario Sailing Week - Paneria Classic Yacht Challenge - Mariquita crew © James Robinson Taylor

The fleet taking part in Argentario Sailing Week has been divided in five categories: Vintage, Classic, Big Boats, Spirit of Tradition, Metric classes and One Designs. Officine Panerai will award the top three in the Classic, Vintage, Big Boats and Spirit of Tradition categories and the yacht that ranks first overall in the Classic, Vintage, Big Boat and Spirit of Tradition categories.

The Classic Yachting event is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano in partnership with the Florentine haute horologerie brand Officine Panerai, which for the 10th consecutive year is sponsoring the largest international circuit of regattas reserved for classic yachts.

The Argentario Sailing Week 2014 is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Grosseto the Municipality and of AIVE (Italian Association of Vintage Yachts). The local tourism board supports the event. Officine Panerai is the Title Sponsor. Other sponsors: Argentario Approdi Spa and Tenuta Agricola dell'Uccellina. Technical Sponsors: NYL FTS and Argentarola srl. Official Suppliers Roman's and Garden Vivai Mediterranei. Weather forecast for the Race Area Consorzio LaMMA.

The Argentario Sailing Week is part of the Mediterranean Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. The opening stage was Les Voiles d’Antibes (4-8 June). It is followed by the Argentario Sailing Week in Porto Santo Stefano, Vele d’Epoca in Naples (2-6 July 2014), X Copa del Rey de Barcos de Epoca in Mahon (26-30 August), the Vele D’Epoca d’Imperia (10-14 September). The final event will take place in Cannes with the Régates Royales (23-27 September 2013). Event website