XIV COPA DEL REY – PANERAI VELA CLASICA MENORCA 29^th August – 2 September 2017

 

STRONG WINDS AND BIG SEAS AT THIS BOUTIQUE REGATTA IN MAHON – Photography © Martinezstudio

 

Sailing in Menorca over the first weekend in September was wet, wild and windy. The event that is sponsored every second year by luxury yacht maker Panerai is hosted at the Club Maritimo in the pretty Port of Mahon on the East coast of the island.

 

The conditions challenged the yachts and the results were certainly a big talking point. The playing field for the mid to end of season events has shifted and it will be an exciting time to follow the circuit as the fleet juggle for podium position and Panerai watches over the next month.

 

The laid back social scene in Menorca is always a hot favorite with the owners and crew. Visits to the famous cave nightclub, the white beaches, après sailing San Miguels and of course drinking refreshingly cool pomada, the local lemon and gin drink which has a certain kick.

 

The Results for the class winners overall were:

 

Hallowe’en Big Boats

Cippino Vintage Marconi

Linnet   Vintage Gaff

Ardi          Classics

Calima   Spirit of Tradition

 

 

CORSICA CLASSIC 2017

27^th August – 3rd September

Rally 4^th – 10^th September

Photography © Philippe Azara

 

The 8^th edition of Corsica Classic took place in the more undiscovered regions of the Mediterranean. Husband and wife team Thibault Assante and his wife Katia show us how its done by organising a two week long event that is built around fantastic sailing and privileged social experiences. The regatta is hosted under the patronage of the Yacht Club of France and is the only regatta to sail over a weeklong event along the Corsican coastline.

 

The fleet of 27 yachts ranged from several yachts under 10 metres to the mighty Fife Cambria of 23 metres who joined for 3 of the four stages.

 

This year included new destinations along the Corsican coast and participants enjoyed luxury lifestyle and local entertainment as they hopped between ports from Ajaccio on the West Coast to Saint Florent in the North.

 

Looking for something a little different? I challenge you to consider cruising a little out of your usual comfort of the well-trodden route along the Cote d’Azur and stretch further afield to the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean that is Corsica Classic.

 

“Despite the aura of wealth and pedigree, the mood here is not elitist. Billionaire or bowman, both are united in a shared enthusiasm for ocean racing.” The Telegraph

 

The results for the class winners overall were:

 

Serenade  Vintage Marconi

Aigu Blu Classic Marconi

Hanni 2   Spirit of Tradition

 

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Alice C I’ A Widdows is a Regatta Manager providing yacht management, logistics and shore support on the classic yacht regatta circuit.   A keen yachtswomen and self – confessed island hopping addict, preferably by boat. Meet our Classic Yachting Columnist. You can find more of me at www.alicewiddows.com and more on social media @alicewiddows