Voiles d’Antibes – Incidence Sails to be represented by classic yachts

by Incidence Sails on 27 May 2016 The Voiles d’Antibes, the first French event on the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge takes place from the first to fifth of June on the French Riviera. The festive event gathers vintage yachts, the classics, Spirit of Tradition boats and Metre Classes and provides a whole host of musical and cultural activities around the competition. Leading French sailmakers Incidence have a dedicated team working on manufacturing classic sails. Many of the boats competing in Antibes across the respective classes will be using these sails.

Of the 75 yachts competing on the Voiles d’Antibes, eight have a full set of Incidence sails, created and finished in true classic sail making tradition by the master sail makers. These sails benefit from the latest technology software developed by the sail makers especially to create these unique sails, bringing with it increased precision and power.

The Moonbeam III and IV owners are particularly loyal to France’s leading sail maker. Three sets of sails have been made for Moonbeam III, meaning nearly 300 m2 of hand stitching…

“I've worked with Fabrice Hudelot and Incidence Sails for 15 years, and have been Boat Captain on Moonbeam IV for the past 10 years. Almost all of our sails are 'Incidence' and there is no reason to change that. The service has been absolutely outstanding. I can’t tell you how often, on important events, we needed a repair for the next day and, automatically, the team of sailmakers worked throughout the night so the next morning we could set off at the boat’s full sailing potential.

Our gaff sails are very technical and have many edges. These are very complicated cuts. For 25 years I have sailed and worked on classic yachts and these cuts have advanced significantly, largely through the work of Fabrice and his team. Both production and support are truly at a very high quality.

We won the Panerai Trophy in Big Boats in 2011, 2012, 2015, and intend to retain the title again this year! So, yes, the first event of the season is going to be a challenge!' exclaims Mickael Creach, Moonbeam IV’s Boat Captain.

A team dedicated to making sails for the classics
Incidence is one of the few French sail makers to have a proper team specialising in making sails for the classics. Design, drawing, cutting and assembling all benefit of course from the Incidence group’s modern production facilities, however the technical, bespoke parts and the aesthetics of the sails are all done by hand in the most traditional way.

Incidence’s understanding of these yachts and mastery of their specific characteristics means that the cut of the sail and performance improves each year.

The more technical, the more exciting
“Master craftsmanship, attention to detail and perfectionism are at the heart of good sail making. Today’s classic yachts equipped with Incidence Sails are the leading boats in their respective categories. In terms of gaff sails, each of the sails require great skill to manufacture, and are really exciting to make!” tells Fabrice Hudelot, who heads up the classic department.

After work in the sail loft, it’s time for racing! Come and meet Incidence from first to 5th June in Antibes for a unique classic sailing festival where both top level competition and fun ashore are guaranteed.