Argentario Sailing Week - Day 1
by Massimo Procopio 14 Jun 2013 23:45 BST
14-16 June 2013
First day of racing in Porto Santo Stefano, Tuscany, at the Argentario Sailing Week, part of the Mediterranean Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2013. The over 40 boats from France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States and Italy left the docks shortly before 11 am under sunny skies, with calm seas and a westerly breeze that reached 12 knots in the afternoon. The winners of day 1 are: Skylark of 1937 (Vintage > 15mt), Sirius (Vintage < 15mt), Il Moro di Venezia (Classic > 15 mt), Sagittarius (Classic >12 mt), Namib (Classic < 12 mt), Wianno (Spirit of Tradition), Tara (5.5 SI) and Mariquita (Big Boats).
First off the line Yachts in the Vintage class, followed by Classics and those in the Spirit of Tradition. All headed out towards the town of Talamone and its ancient Roman port, after having rounded the offset mark just outside the Porto Santo Stefano harbor. The fleet then sailed back from Talamone coasting the lovely Giannella beach under spinnaker and crossed the finish line under the Yacht Club Santo Stefano.
The impressive Big Boats were next on the line with Cambria and Mariquita "battling it out" close to the town's shore to round the offset mark. The fleet which also includes Javelin, Hallowe'en, Mariquita, Caroly and Mariette of 1915 then sailed on, to the Formiche di Grosseto and after having rounded the islands returned to Porto Santo Stefano in the late afternoon.
Last class on the starting line the 5.5 SI that completed three races: Tara, owner Mariacristina Rapisardi, stole the show with three impressive victories.
In the evening owners and crews dined at the Tenuta Agricola dell'Uccellina. after having enjoyed Panerai Tent hospitality.
The yachts are divided in five categories: Vintage, Classic, Big Boats, Spirit of Tradition, Metric classes and One Design. Racing will take place from the 14th to the 16th of June.
Daily awards for the 1st of each division in classes Vintage, Classic, Spirit of Tradition, Big Boats and 5.5 SI. Officine Panerai will award a silver plate for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each division in the Vintage, Classic, Spirit of Tradition, Big Boats and 5.5 SI classes. Overall winners in classes Classic, Vintage, Big Boat and Spirit of Tradition will receive a Officine Panerai watch.
The Argentario Sailing Week is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the support of the Monte Argentario municipality, of AIVE (Italian Association of Vintage Yachts), the Chamber of Commerce of Grosseto and the local tourism board.
The Argentario Sailing Week is part of the Mediterranean Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2013. The opening stage was Les Voiles d'Antibes (29 May – 2 June 2013). It is followed by the Argentario Sailing Week in Porto Santo Stefano, Vele d'Epoca in Naples (26-30 June), X Copa del Rey de Barcos de Epoca in Mahon (27-31 August). The final event will take place in Cannes with the Régates Royales (24-28 September 2013).
www.argentariosailingweek.it