June is a month that is packed with regattas and events. Sadly this is not the case for 2020. We are now looking to late summer to be regatta-ready, circumstances permitting. Here is some of the latest news from the classic yacht racing circuit.
LA COPA DEL REY REPSOL BARCOS DE EPOCA – AWAITING CONFIRMATION
The Maritime Club of Mahón (CMM) waits for clarity on the Covid-19 pandemic before making a decision on the holding of La Copa del Rey Repsol Barcos de Epoca scheduled between the 25th and 29th of August in Menorca.
The regatta is one of the most important classic sailing regattas in Spain, and one of the most popular in the Mediterranean for the beauty of the location, intimate social events , relaxed island vibes and pomade (Xoriguer’s local gin drunk with refreshing lemonade on ice and lemon, perfect for sundowners after long hot August days sailing).
“At this time the event still stands but we depend on several unknown factors such as the lifting of restrictions on borders and permits from health authorities. It would be very positive given its sporting relevance within the classic yacht regatta circuit and the economic impact it generates in the city of Mahón” comments Nacho Marra , Manager of the Club and Director of the Regatta.
The organisation assumes that, in any case, the regatta “would need to be different from that of other years”, since the social distancing measures will continue in August. This would affect, above all, the acts that take place on land, although the competition at sea could be carried out relatively normally. “Recreational navigation – says the CMM manager – has already been authorised, sailing is a sport that is practiced in large open spaces in which the distances between participants are maintained by themselves”.
Marra maintains that the Mahón Maritime Club, which last March had to suspend the commemorative acts of its 75th anniversary due to the declaration of the state of alarm, has “a responsibility and at the same time a commitment”. On the one hand, it must “guarantee the health of athletes and respect the sanitary norms dictated by the authorities”; and, on the other, “to try to make the classic regatta contribute as far as possible to activate the Menorcan economy.”
“The key,” added the regatta director, “is to find a balance, provided the conditions are met and the number of yachts registered is sufficient.”
Marra wishes to reassure his loyal following of yacht owners who are keen to return to Menorca.
“Our idea is to keep going based on how the epidemic evolves. As that is not something that depends on us, our message to the hundreds of sailors who visit us every year is that we have to wait a little longer before making a final decision. It is as bad to rush as it is to be late.” He adds.
LES VOILES D’ANTIBES – POSTPONED UNTIL SEPTEMBER
Another casualty of the health crisis and travel restrictions, The 25th edition of Les Voiles d’Antibes which was to take place from June 3 to 7, 2020, has been postponed to September 16 to 20, 2020 (between Vele d’Epoca in Imperia (September 10 – 13) ) and the Régates Royales in Cannes (September 22 – 26).
The return to racing is being planned by the organisation. The New Registration Form and the new Notice of Race will soon be online. Boats pre-registered for the June event and who will not be able to participate in the new dates will be fully reimbursed for the pre-registration costs.
Yann Joannon, Regatta Director confirms his commitment to providing competitors with great racing and more information as and when possible.
“For the moment we have not planned any specific adaptations concerning Covid-19. It is too difficult, given the current situation and the weekly evolution of government authorizations and recommendations, to foresee what precautions will still be in force in September.
We are committed to maintaining the high spirit of Les Voiles d’Antibes: Great Classic Yachts, Great Racing and Great conviviality.
We will adapt ourselves to any scenario beginning of July when we feel we will have a better visibility of the situation and enough time to organise ourselves.”
LES VOILES DE ST TROPEZ – NEW FORMAT & PREDICTED PRECAUTIONS
In agreement with the French Sailing Federation and in accordance with government directives, the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez confirms the following in terms of organisation for the 2020 edition of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez for modern and classic boats from September 26th to October 10th.
“The popularity of the Voiles is long standing. Each year there is a waiting list which, for logistical and security reasons, we are often unable to accommodate. Explains Tony Oller, Director General of the Société Nautique.
“It is for this reason that the event is “by invitation”. We may have to do the same this year because of the restrictions that will be imposed on us, particularly with regards to foreign boats and crews. The other question concerns the on-shore organisation, receiving competitors and the public, the village festivities, the crew parade and all the entertainments which could, potentially, be restricted” Oller added.
At this stage with the information available the organisers are working on a number of options :
- A “normal” version with a capacity to welcome 2,500 people at the same time,
- Reduced version with a capacity of 1,000 people,
- Restricted version with a capacity of 500
- A version closed to the public.
The format of the event will be reviewed at the end of each month here on in order to better specify the conditions for welcoming competitors and the public, as well as ensuring the protection and safety of the staff and volunteers involved in the organisation.
The Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez approved the appointment of Pierre Roinson at the helm, in the capacity of President, taking over from Tony Oller – former President – who will, in turn, take-on the position of Director General from May 1st.
The Centenary Trophy by Gstaad Yacht Club held during Les Voiles de St Tropez is one of the races scheduled to take place during the event.
Stay tuned for the return to racing updates live on social media:
Facebook: @alicewiddowsregattamanagement
Instagram: @superyachtevents
Twitter: @alicewiddows
CLASSIC YACHT RACING CALENDAR 2020
25 – 29 August Copa del Rey Repsol Barcos de Época, Mahón www.velaclasicamenorca.com
10 – 13 September Vele d’Epoca, Imperia www.veledepoca.com
16-20 September Les Voiles d’Antibes www.voilesdantibes.com
22 – 26 September Régates Royales, Cannes www.regatesroyales.com
26 Sept – 10 Oct Les Voiles de St Tropez www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
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