Capri Classica - First Regatta Purely for Classic Schooners

The Capri Classica - the first ever regatta purely for classic schooners - has been founded by The International Schooner Association (ISA) and the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia and the Yacht Club Capri, with the support of the International Maxi Association (IMA).

The new regatta takes place from 8-12 May, just before Capri Rolex Sailing Week, the regatta will have a unique format with courses optimised for classic schooner sailing. 

Representing the first round of the International Schooner Association’s 2019 Schooner Cup Series, The Capri Classica is followed by the Monaco Classic Week (11-15 September) and Les Voiles de Saint Tropez (26 September- 6 October).

Capri in May

Capri, with its dramatic terrain and the surrounding jewels of the Sorrento and Neapolitan coasts, provides the perfect canvas for the start of the new racing season for traditional schooners. May also is the ideal month to enjoy the colour and atmosphere of Capri at its best, before the tourist season begins. 

The three towering rocks that form the Faraglioni are one of the Capri's main landmarks the schooner crews will get to sail by. Photo: ROLEX / Studio Borlenghi

Monaco in September

Monte Carlo will host the second round of the Schooner Cup Series, during Monaco Classic Week in September. This could not come at a better moment as this year the Principality of Monaco will celebrate the ‘sailing traditions of the United States of America', of which schooners are a vital part.

Of course in 1851 the USA also won the legendary 100 Guineas Cup against the Royal Yacht Squadron aboard the schooner America, the trophy going on to become the most prestigious in sailing, namely The America’s Cup.

Saint Tropez in October

Les Voiles de Saint Tropez is widely considered to be the premier annual regatta of the French Riviera. For competitors and spectators alike it provides the unique opportunity to see the world’s top yachts, modern and classic, sailing together at the end of the Mediterranean season.

Mariette of 1905 with the recreated three masted-schooner Atlantic. Photo: ©Francesco e Roberta Rastrelli / Blue Passion 2018

Following this final round, the International Schooner Association will crown its first winner of the annual Schooner Cup Series.

“It’s a great honour to be representing the interests of owners, captains and crews of these wonderful yachts." said Tomas de Vargas Machuca, President of the ISA. "Going forward, the ISA plans to offer a platform that will help all things schooner and attract other owners to compete and negotiate similar challenges through one united voice. The Capri Classica and the wider Schooner Cup Series will hopefully represent just the beginning of a fertile future for classic schooners.”

Andrew McIrvine, Secretary General of the International Maxi Assocation said, "The IMA is delighted to be supporting the first regatta designed solely for classic schooners and the inaugural event for the International Schooner Association. Our stated aim is to stimulate and support all forms of maxi yacht racing. We look forward to continuing our affiliation through the next events in their series in Monaco and Saint Tropez."

*Image credit - thumb - Photo ©: Francesco e Roberta Rastrelli / Blue Passion 2018