Classic sailing regattas
A fine tribute to the charm, elegance and graciousness of a bygone age.
A dazzling spectacle, these sumptuous yachts glide swiftly over the waves. A fine tribute to the charm and elegance of a bygone age.
At least three regattas are held every year. The season kicks off with “Les Voiles d’Antibes”, celebrating their 10th anniversary in June. Appreciated for the quality of the races and its highly festive atmosphere, this event is the liveliest in the Mediterranean season. In contrast, the “Vele d’Epoca di Imperia” has a stylish Italian family atmosphere. One of the oldest classic regattas, it became a biennial race in 1994, with over 100 yachts participating in this prestigious 5-day event.
The sumptuous Monaco Classic Week, first held in 1994, brought together motor dinghies, classic sailing yachts and vintage motor yachts for the very first time. Held in September in each odd-numbered year, it endows Port Hercule with all the glamour associated with the early 20th century, when Monaco was a famous port-of-call. Taking pride of place during the week-long event is Tuiga, designed by Scotsman William Fife in 1909 and today the flagship of the Monaco Yacht Club. Regular helmsmen have been HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and the late Eric Tabarly, who considered Tuiga (photo previous page, top) as “one of the most beautiful yachts in the world”.
Cannes played host to the very first sailing race in 1852. These annual get-togethers were so popular that in 1880 Cannes became known as the “Cowes of the Mediterranean”. After the First World War, the presence of many crowned heads inspired the name “Régates Royales”. Nowadays the Old Port comes alive each September as densely packed and brightly illuminated yachts line the quays beneath Le Suquet.
After the popular Bailli de Suffren Trophy in June-July, Saint-Tropez organizes the fantastic finale of the season. A veritable forest of rigging replaces the smoked glass and stainless steel of the summer’s luxury motorboats. For fourteen years, the Nioulargue enthralled participants and spectators alike : sadly, an accident during the 1995 regatta curtailed the event. In homage to the spirit of the race, boats arrived in number the following year with the desire just to meet and sail. Which prompted the “Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez” to create “Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez”. Remaining true to tradition, both modern and older boats take part in the various contests staged during this week of excitement, challenge and festivities.
The Mediterranean circuit attracts many nationalities and boat types : “Vintage” (built before 1950), “Classic” (built between 1950 and 1976) and “Spirit of Tradition” (modified older boats or yachts built after 1970). Metric Classes - 6-metre, 8-metre, “Twelves” (competitors in the America’s Cup from 1958 to 1987) and “Moderns” (over 18 metres) - have also joined their ranks. Of varying lengths and sizes, cutter-rigged sloops and ketches compete with schooners and gaff-rigged yawls. Clashes are rare, in spite of the tension around the starting lines. The atmosphere is one of friendly, determined competition, highlighting seamanship and teamwork. The various hosts also organize parades, elegance contests, exhibitions, music, cocktail parties and gala evenings…
The website of the Comité International de la Méditerranée gives full listings of all Classic Sailing Regattas in the Mediterranean : www.cim-classicyachts.org
By Mary Curtis - Photos : Voiles d'Antibes - Presse.
