Four winning boats
For this first Mediterranean stage of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 80 sailboats took part in the three races off the coast of Antibes. Initially planned as four, the lack of wind reduced the organisers to abandon the Saturday regatta. The competitors of the Golden Age of yachting therefore competed in a friendly atmosphere on Thursday, Friday and Sunday in summer conditions and under a light breeze.
Despite the weather conditions that favoured lighter boats, the competitors still fought well during these three days. In the Big Boats category, it's Mariska a 1908 auric cutter, led by Christian Niels and Lionel Péan who won the race in front of Moonbeam IV, who had been leading the race from the beginning and who thought he would win a title for his 100th birthday. Lionel Péant, Christian Niels' teammate, confided "It's a boat that likes light airs. I am delighted to have sailed aboard Mariska in Antibes and won in the Big Boats category" . In this article, we will see how to roll up long ends. In this example the technique is described for a right-handed person.
Holiday Day a 1930 Marconi sloop from 1930 and recent winner of the Classic Calanques, won the event in the "Marconi C Era" and "Era" categories. Pascal Oddo, the owner confided "I am delighted, we won the Classic Calanques and we are winning here in Antibes. We're having a great start to the season" . In this article, we will see how to roll up long ends. In this example the technique is described for a right-handed person.
Finally, Sagittarius, sloop of 1971, is the winner of the Marconi Racer Classics category and the Classics ranking. Freya, designed in 2004, won the Spirit of Tradition category.
Events bringing together all the crews
In addition to the regattas, a big celebration was organised by Mikael Créac'h, former captain of Prince Rainier's boat, to celebrate the centenary of the Moonbeam IV with the crews and organisers of the race.
Finally, on Saturday afternoon, Angelo Bonati, CEO of Officine Panerai, received a special award from the Deputy Mayor of Antibes, Jean Leonetti and the President of Les Voiles d'Antibes, Jacques Grima. They thanked him for his commitment and loyalty to the event and to the classic yachting circuit.
On the way for the second leg of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge
While some ships are preparing to join Porquerolles and then Marseille for the Porquerolles Classique and Voiles du Vieux-Port regattas, the others will head for Italy. They will meet in Porto Santo Stefano from June 19 to 22 to start the Argentario Sailing Week, the second leg of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.
