Alice Widdows September Article 2016

I am writing from one of my favourite positions overlooking Puerto Andratx on the SW corner of Mallorca on what can

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

only be described as one of the busiest weekends of the year for boating in the Mediterranean. Yachts come and go at a frantic pace and several of the world’s most significant superyachts are anchored in the bay. However, it is still heart warming to see the occasional vintage yacht cruising these waters and the new superyacht quay at Club de Vela Puerto Andratx has welcomed some beautiful classics this season including NY50 Spartan on her cruise of The Balearics.

Once again this month we are looking at racing in which Vintage, Classic and Modern Classic yachts compete.

 

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

For the Mediterranean classic yacht community September is the most significant month. The Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge in Imperia and Cannes and then the gran finale at Les Voiles de St Tropez marks the culmination of the Mediterranean Classic Calendar 2016, when a season of duals and challenges culminates and where points mean proper prizes. Battles are played out on and off the water in an attempt to win a much-coveted Panerai watch.

For the past month of August the Spanish Classic yacht regattas have dominated the calendar in Barcelona, Palma and Mahon. None of these events are included in the official Panerai circuit points so many owners and crew choose to use these as opportunities to enjoy some sun, sailing and contagious Spanish social life.

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

LA PUIG VELA CLASSICA BARCELONA

 

The regatta hosted by The Real Club Nautico Barcelona took place between the 13-16 July. Testament to the organisation was the range in size of the participants and the inclusion and size of The Big Boat Class which included: Eleonora, Mariette 1915, Moonbeam III, Moonbeam IV and Sumurun.

 

In the Vintage Gaff Class it was Marigold that cleanly took 1st Prize overall. However in the Vintage Marconi Class there was a big battle for the top spot and in the end following the three days of racing it was Jordi Cabau’s Sonata that took first overall beating closely Halloween and Islander. In Classics 1 Class it was Ramon Roses on Guia that took the lead over Mike Horlsey’s Outlaw and Yanira.   In Classics 2 it was Commodore of RCNB Damian Ribas in his beautiful yacht Alba that reigned over Kanavel and Atrevido. And finally in the Big Boat Class it was Moonbeam III that took first place overall followed by Moonbeam IV and Sumurun in second and third respectively.

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLASSICS 10 – 13 AUGUST

 

Hot Hot Hot! Heat Management was a key priority on the dock and deck amongst the crews of the participating yachts as the heat wave in Palma descended in a blanket of haze. Ice boxes were filled, beers were cooled, floppy hats and isotonic drinks provided. Sponsor of the event, local organic bakery Fibonacci supplied galloons of iced tea and coffee to the perspiring crew who took refuge at the dock bar following racing. Once hydrated, tea unsurprisingly quickly turned to something stronger, well we are talking about sailors after all!

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

The event is organised by The Club de Mar and the Real Federacion Espanola de Vela (RFEV). It is a regatta that has gone from strength to strength following the untimely demise of The Conde de Barcelona Regatta. It has a cosy family feel with a select number of yachts participating, the majority of which are owner driven and in many cases restored and maintained by the owner. 42 yachts represented 12 countries, the eldest of which was Marigan 1898 rescued, revived and restored lovingly by hand by the charming local surgeon, Tim Liesenhoff.

 

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Talk of the town was definitely the arrival on to the classic yacht circuit of the 22 metre NY 50 Herreshoff Spartan. Built in 1912 she is the only remaining survivor of the class originally designed as a one-design fleet for the New York Yacht Club. Shipped over to Europe in July she raced in Palma for the first time in Europe leaving many watching her stern disappear. With a Corinthian crew of ambitious Americans and Fins she was out to take gold. However she was in a class with a number of smaller boats and after a few easy races her owner was restless to compete against something meatier. Cue, the arrival of the F15 International Class.

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

The Lady Anne and Hispania representing The F15 International Class, by William Fife, returned to the event to compete in their own division on separate courses and starts. The Spaniards had professional helmsman Axel Rodger who was amazed at the responsiveness of the yacht. Hispania put up a fight but following two days of racing The Lady Anne had effortlessly glided to victory and she too was looking for a new challenge.

 

 

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Following lots of debate and rivalry on the dock a gauntlet was thrown down and a challenge was made between Spartan and the two F15 International Class yachts, Hispania and The Lady Anne. The owner of Spartan put forward two bottles of Goslings Black Seal Rum, Richard Le May, Captain of The Lady Anne seconded it with two bottles of Mount Gay Rum and the Captain of Hispania offered up wine from Jerez. History was about to be made with Herreshoff versus Fife and it was now time to race, then drink!!

 

The first time ever of a NY50 meeting a F15 International Class was

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

made this week in Palma.   It was a huge few hours on the water and after two very tight neck to neck races it was the US boat Spartan was victorious and sailed home to rum and wine. She later picked up prize for “Legends of the Sea” in recognition of an authentic classic yacht representing and spirit of the sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

 

Three days, seven categories of yachts and some hot headed docks side debate later and the results are in.

 

At the glamorous prize giving on the final evening held by the pool presented by Club de Mar President, Borja de la Rosa and Commodore Manuel Nadal

 

The Lady Anne – FI 15

Marigan – Epoca Cangreja

Delphis – Epoca Marconi

Giradilla – Clasicos

Young Tiger – Dragon

Anika – Vela Latina

Munga – RI Clasicos

Spartan – Leyenda del Mar

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

 

WHAT TO FOLLOW

 

24 – 27 August               Copa del Rey de Barcos d’Epoca                        Mahon, Menorca

7 – 11 September                       Vele d’Epoca Imperia                             Imperia, Italy

17-24 September                       Regates Royales                               Cannes, France

25 September                Coupe d’Automne                                  Cannes – St Tropez

25 Sept – 2 Oct             Les Voiles de St Tropez                          St Tropez, France

 

 

Photo © Nico Martinez XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

Photo © Nico Martinez
XXII REGATA ILLES BALEARS CLÀSSICS

 

DON’T MISS A BEAT OR A BULLETIN!

Sign-Up now to access my free Global Regatta Calendar for Vintage, Classic and Modern Classic Yachts and to receive The Regatta Bulletin: news, views, images and highlights from my journey around The Mediterranean. alicewiddows.com

 

 

Alice C I’ A Widdows is a Regatta Manager on the classic yacht circuit. A keen yachtswomen and self – confessed island hopping addict, preferably by boat. Meet our Classic Yachting Columnist. www.alicewiddows.com

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