I am writing from one of my favourite positions overlooking Puerto Andratx on the SW corner of Mallorca on what can
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
DON’T MISS A BEAT OR A BULLETIN!
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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