Argentario Sailing Week 2019 - Day 1
by Tessa Wiechmann 20 Jun 2019 11:13 PDT
19-23 June 2019
First day of racing of the 20th edition of the Argentario Sailing Week, the not-to-be-missed international classic yacht regatta organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano and by the Municipality of Monte Argentario. 20 years of racing, friendships created on the docks and challenges at sea. Even this year, 120 years of sailing history can be admired from the quay.
After having enjoyed the welcome cocktail at the YCSS clubhouse, this morning the Mayor of Monte Argentario, Franco Borghini, officially welcomed the crews from 12 nations that for the next four days will compete on the racecourse set out in front of Giannella beach.
After a full day of racing under sunny skies, with flat seas and a south-easterly breeze that reached 12 knots, the Sporting Director of YCSS Marco Poma shared what it means to him to be celebrating the event's 20th anniversary. "The Argentario Sailing Week regatta was basically created for fun during a dinner in 1999 with yacht club members. Seeing these wonderful yachts from 12 different nations even after 20 years gives us great joy and motivates to think how we can organize this event for the next 20 years!"
Among the yachts making their debut at Argentario Sailing Week 2019, Viola designed by William Fife III and launched in 1908. Back from racing, Viola's skipper Fabien Despres spoke about the stunning Grande Dame: "The Belkin family believes that they are the keepers and not the owners of this lovely yacht. They are the custodians for future generations. Over the years, we have learned that Viola sails well only if all those who are on board are joyful and work in harmony. I have been the skipper on board for five years now; and Viola is like a woman who has many lovers. We are all in love with her and with her generous roundness. She is warm and welcoming, but commands attention to detail and taking the time to make sure that everything is in order".
When asked about his relationship with the sea, Fabien answered: "I grew up on board. The first time I set foot on a boat, on Notre Dame des Flots, I was five months old and did not live on land until I was 19, when I decided to attend nautical studies. Living aboard is similar to undertaking a long, slow journey in which you are able to meet people, host them in your floating home and nurture a true exchange of experiences."
Day 1 Winners - Spirit of Tradition Toi and Moi (Dykstra Naval Architects - 2018 - Alessandro Maria Rinaldi) -; Classics Il Moro di Venezia I (German Frers - 1975 - Massimiliano Ferruzzi); Aurici Vintage Olympian (William Gardner - 1913 - Idat); Vintage Marconi Varuna (Sparkman & Stephens -1939 - Jens Kellinghausen)
The Argentario Sailing Week fleet is divided into three categories: Classic & Spirit of Tradition (Classic Yachts and replicas of Vintage Yachts), Vintage Aurici (Vintage Yachts) and Vintage Marconi (Vintage Yachts).
Argentario Sailing Week 2019 is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano and by the Municipality of Monte Argentario with the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Grosseto, of the Proloco di Porto Santo Stefano, Approdi SsA and of the Comune di Monte Argentario. Sponsors of 20th Argentario Sailing Week: Bettoja Hotels, Caffè Mauro, Dino Zei Orologi, Sittel, Nautica Vitelli, Zeurino snc, Engel & Völkers (Castiglione della Pescaia), Farblue.it, Autonautica Diglio and Delta Yachting Service. Technical Partners: Verdissimo, Argentarola, Acquedotto del Fiora, Cantina Vinicola Banfi, Consorzio Tutela Olio Seggiano DOP, Moroni Editore and Consorzio LaMMA for weather forecasting.
Quick Links: