43 Grandes Dames ready to race at Argentario Sailing Week
by Tessa Wiechmann 12 Jun 05:25 PDT
13-17 June 2018
Downwind Moro and Skylark – Argentario Sailing Week © Pierpaolo Lanfrancotti
Final countdown to the 19th edition of Argentario Sailing Week kicking off on Thursday 13 June and wrapping up on Sunday 17 June 2018 featuring four days of racing on the crystal blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea with the islands of Giglio, Montecristo and Elba as a stunning backdrop.
The history of yachting ranging from 1899 with lovely Tigris designed by Alfred Mylne to spirit of tradition Hanni II launched in 2013 will be docked in Porto Santo Stefano, offering sailing and beauty enthusiasts alike the opportunity of admiring these majestic Grandes Dames of the Sea up close. All participating yachts, their designers and stories are described in great detail on the event's Facebook page.
The Tuscan regatta continues to increase in popularity as proven by nine classic yachts debuting in #?argentariosailingweek and Porto Santo Stefano ready to welcome over 40 classic yachts from 11 nations participating in the international Classic Yacht regatta organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano in partnership with the Florentine haute horologerie brand Officine Panerai.
Debutants and old hands
In the Vintage class, Argentario Sailing Week 2018 welcomes Tigris (1899 – Alfred Mylne), Pandora (1907), Tilly XV (1912- Willi Von Hacht), Olympian (1913 – William Gardner), Santana (1935 – Sparkman and Stephens), and Cippino (1949 – German Frers).
In the Spirit of Tradition class, instead, Ma Cherie (1981 – Sciomachen), Scherzo (1982 – Sparkman and Stephens) and Hanni II (2013 – Andre Hoek) will be making their debut in Santo Stefano, Maremma.
Returning to race in the breathtaking Gulf of Argentario, Naif owner Ivan Gardini, Corsaro II (Marina Militare Italiana), Linnet owner Patrizio Bertelli, twin sisters Chinook e Rowdy, Skylark of 1937, Tabasco 5 and Halloween who all took the podium during last year's edition.
Prizes
As in past editions, the Argentario Sailing Week - Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge will be divided into five categories: Classic, Vintage, Big Boats, Spirit of Tradition, Metric classes and one-design. The Overall winners of the Regatta in the Classic, Vintage, Big Boat and Spirit of Tradition classes shall receive an Officine Panerai timepiece.
ASW 2018 Programme:
- Wednesday 13 June - Reserved for registration and measurement. In the evening, the Argentario Sailing Week welcome cocktail will take place at the Yacht Club Santo Stefano.
- Thursday 14 June - The Mayor of Monte Argentario will greet all participants at 8.30 at the Town Hall before the Skippers' briefing. The first warning signal.
- Friday 15 June - After racing, the Spanish Fortress built in the 18th Century overlooking the Argentario Bay will provide a magical setting for the crew dinner organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano
- Saturday 16 June – Racing followed by Oysters and Prosecco at the racing village
- Sunday 17 June - Prize Giving Ceremony 2018 at the Race Village followed by a Farewell Cocktail.
www.paneraiclassicyachtschallenge.com