Argentario Sailing Week 2019 - Day 2
by Tessa Wiechmann 21 Jun 2019 21:42 PDT
19-23 June 2019
After two days of racing at the 20th edition of the Argentario Sailing Week, Viola (Vintage Aurici-1908-William Fife III), Comet (Vintage Marconi-1946-Sparkman & Stephens), Il Moro di Venezia I (Classics-1975-German Frers), and Toi et Moi (Spirit of Tradition - 2018 - Dykstra Naval Architects) lead the provisional scoreboard in their respective classes. The international classic yacht regatta is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano and by the Municipality of Monte Argentario.
The race course in the Argentario bay was once again bathed in sun, with calm seas and a south-easterly breeze that reached 10 knots.
Among the Grandes Dames of the Sea making their debut at Argentario Sailing Week, Ilhabela II, the Spirit of Tradition Yacht designed by Sean MacMillan and launched in 2005. Back from racing, Ilhabela's owner Eric Levet talked about what sailing means to him: "In my case, the sea is a lifelong passion. I couldn't live without it and even in the Winter I love soaking up the sea's energy when I go to La Rochelle. Sailing is a way to reconnect with what is important in life and we have a No Devices on Board rule when I go cruising with my wife, children and nephews. My son was 7 years old when we launched this yacht and she, Ilhabela, over the past 15 years has become a member of our family. The boat's name means beautiful island in Portuguese, a tribute to the years I spent in Brazil at the beginning of my career. Ilhablea II to me is a wonderful woman who is incredibly forgiving of my mistakes and, just like a beautiful girl, when she is under way people turn around to stare at her stunning lines. Spirit of tradition yachts are where classic yacht aesthetics and architecture blend seamlessly with performance. Timeless beauty that could not ask for a better showcase than the Argentario Sailing Week: an extraordinary racing venue that I am thrilled to have finally been able to discover and enjoy."
Speaking of what is important in life, today the crews of Viola and Marga (Liljiegren C.O-1910) organized a small party to celebrate the beauty of sailing, of friendship and Viola's debut at the regatta.
In the evening, all participants enjoyed a dinner offered and organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano in the 18th century Spanish Fortress, which dominates Porto Santo Stefano. A breathtaking view of the ancient port of La Pilarella and of the entire gulf accompanied by a gourmet selection of Maremma's excellent food and wines.
Day 2 Winners - Vintage Aurici Viola (William Fife III-1908-Kostia Blekin)-; Vintage Marconi Comet (Sparkman & Stephens -1946- Woodward-Fisher); Classici Ojalà (Sparkman & Stephens-1973- Susan Carol Holland); Spirit of Tradition Toi e Moi (Dykstra Naval Architects - 2018 - Alessandro Maria Rinaldi).
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, VNS Vitelli Nautica Store, 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.
20th Edition Argentario Sailing Week Programme:
- Wednesday 19 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 20 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 21 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 22 June - Racing followed by Party at the racing village.
- Sunday 23 June - Prize Giving Ceremony 2019 at the Race Village (6 p.m.) followed by a Farewell Cocktail.
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