The Argentario Sailing Week: Results

Last week the second leg of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge took place against the stunning backdrop of the Argentario peninsula, one of Tuscany's most beautiful stretches of coastline.

The Islands of Montecristo and Giglio etched against crystal blue skies, white capped seas and a steady 15 knot northwesterly breeze set the stage for the 40 Grandes Dames racing in the second Mediterranean leg of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. 

The Overall winners of the Regatta received a Officine Panerai timepiece: Ivan Gardini on Naif (Classics), White Oyster on Skylark of 1937 (Vintage) and nei Classici, Yula Sambuy on Raindrop(Spirit of Tradition).

RESULTS:

• Linnet, owner Patrizio Bertelli with Max Sirena calling tactics wins in Vintage +200

• Leonore with helmsman Mauro Pelaschier wins in Vintage -160

• Skylark of 1937 wins in Vintage – 200

• Naifowner Ivan Gardini wins in Classics -160

• Madifra 2 owner Maurizio Brunori wins inClassics + 160

• Raindrop the Wianno owned by Yula Sambuy is first in Spirit of Tradition

To watch the video of the races click here. 

Thumbs up from Scott Perry

Scott Perry, Vice President of World Sailing (formerly ISAF) and owner of Fjord III (German Frers Senior, 1947) participated in Argentario Sailing Week for the first time.

“This is my first time sailing in Italy in general and I must say that the Argentario is a fantastic sailing venue: good wind conditions, a stunning landscape and warm hospitality are a perfect recipe. As a Technical Delegate for Olympic sailing in Rio 2016, I would like to compliment all of the organization and in particular the Race Committee. They are competent, listen to what racers have to say and actually act upon their suggestions, which is quite unusual. We received a very warm welcome here in Santo Stefano, and if I may make one suggestion, I think extending the Regatta by a day would be a great idea, as it would allow competitors to discard their worse result.”

When speaking about the world of classic sailing Perry stated “Sailing is truly a sport for life and classic yachts bring it all together. Youngsters start on dinghies and then graduate to ORC and IRC racing. Classics are the natural progression for those who have done it all. When I bought Fjord III five years ago, I felt I was investing in preserving the heritage of sailing and we brought our yacht back to what her original layout was, letting her true personality shine through”.

The Uruguayan 50-foot classic Fjord III proved pivotal in establishing German Frers’s international reputation. Built on a tight three-month launch deadline to compete in 1947’s Buenos Aires-Rio Race, Frers missed the start by 24 hours, but set off anyhow and cut the finishing line in second position. 

Gulf of Argentario keeps everyone guessing

Brendan MacCarty is the Captain of Rowdy, a breathtaking NY40 designed by Herreshoff in 1916 and sister to Chinook (NY48). “What I love about racing here in Argentario is that it is a unique place to sail. A very technical course where the wind keeps everyone guessing. Three days of great racing in very different conditions. On top of that, the setting is wonderful and seeing sea turtles and sunfish while racing is a definite bonus. We would really like to see the regatta extended by a day in order to introduce a discard and enjoy this venue to the fullest!” 

The Argentario Sailing Week 2016 is organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Grosseto, and the Municipality of Monte Argentario and of AIVE (Italian Association of Vintage Yachts). The local tourism board supports the event. Officine Panerai is the Title Sponsor and MediaTouch 2000 is the main one. Other sponsors includeArgentario Approdi Spa, SLAM, L Marine Group (Gleistein & Dr. Sails) and Argentarola srl. Official Suppliers LaMMa (weather forecast), Roman’s (Oysters) and Verdissimo.

Panerai Classic yacht Challenge

The sea represents Panerai’s identity and its place of origin. To honor its historic ties with the sea, for over 10 years Officine Panerai has been committed to sustaining the culture of classic sailing through the sponsorship of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, the leading international circuit for classic and vintage yachts. In 2007, Panerai bought and restored the Bermudian ketch Eilean, built in 1936 by the legendary yards Fife in Fairlie, now brand ambassador during the classic yacht regattas.

FULL RESULTS

2016 CALENDAR

*Images courtesy of Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge