As we near the start of the last venue of the 2015 Mediterranean Panera Classic Yacht Challenge, we look back at all of the regattas that form the Med circuit, the rules, results, and videos that define them.
The Mediterranean Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge (PCYC) is spread over four events taking place between Italy, Spain and France:
1. Les Voiles d’Antibes June 3rd – 7th, 2015
2. Argentario Sailing Week June 18th – 21st, 2015
3. Mahon, XII Copa del Rey de Barcos de Epoca August 25th – 29th, 2015
4. Régates Royales, Cannes September 22nd – 26th, 2015
The regattas that form part of the Mediterranean Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge are organised by the Yacht Clubs and the local Associations of Antibes, Porto Santo Stefano, Mahon and Cannes. Each stage is valid for the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Trophy.
The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Trophy for the Mediterranean Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge will be awarded to the winning yacht from the Vintage, Classic and Big Boats categories. The Trophy is awarded directly by Officine Panerai in accordance with its own rules and in line with a Gentlemen’s Agreement-type philosophy.
The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Trophy can be awarded only to boats that have taken part in at least two of the events on the calendar. In the event of failure to compete in one or more events, at the end of the Circuit, a score equal to the overall number of competing yachts in the relevant category plus one will be assigned to the non-competing boat. If a boat enters an event and presents itself at the start line in good order, to find that its class has not been organised by the Yacht Club, it will be awarded two points in the overall classification for the Trophy. Should this arise in the case of two boats, elapsed times will be taken into consideration with 2 or 3 points awarded to them respectively in the final classification.
The classification for each event is drawn up on the basis of elapsed times for the categories in question and each Yacht Club is responsible for calculating scores and times, as well as drawing up the overall and final classification for each category for the Trophy. Scores are given in ascending order per placing. Regattas with equal courses are considered valid for the calculation of the final classification of each individual event. If, for force majeure reasons, the organising Yacht Club is forced to modify the courses for a single grouping of a class, the scores from that regatta will not be put towards the final classification for the class in question if at least three other valid regattas have been competed.
4. Cannes Regates Royales – September 22nd – 26th, 2015
Included in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge calendar since 2005 as the closing leg of the season, the Régates Royales in Cannes represent one of the most prestigious fixtures in the entire international regatta season reserved for classic and vintage yachts. The large number and variety of boats present as well as its long history make this event an extraordinary festival devoted to the sea and its leading ladies.
The name Régates Royales, dating back to 1929, recalls the royalty who took part in the regattas with their boats right from the very first years of the event. Cannes, however, had already acted as host to the first regatta – for tall ships – organised by the then Société de Régates de Cannes in 1863.
Years Running: 36
Yacht Club: Yacht Club de Cannes (Cannes, France)
Founded: 1860
3. Mahon XII Copa del Rey de Barcos de Época – August 25th – 29th, 2015
2015 Final Results
Mahon XII Copa del Rey de Barcos de Época Video
Launched in 2003 by the Club Marítimo de Mahón (CMM) and the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona (RCNB), the Copa del Rey de Barcos de Época – Vela Clásica Menorca has, over its seven years, attracted hundreds of “Ladies of the Sea” with their owners and crews to the enchanting Balearic island, whose natural harbour has been one of the most strategic in the whole of the western Mediterranean since antiquity.
The variety of winds, the crystal clear waters and the breathtaking scenery together with the classic and vintage boats that flock in great numbers to the island to take part in only Spanish leg of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, a part of the Mediterranean Circuit, make for an unforgettable spectacle.
Years Running: 11
Yacht Club: Club Marítimo de Mahón (Mahon, Minorca, Spain)
Founded: 1945
2. Argentario Sailing Week – June 18th – 21st, 2015
2015 Final Results
Argentario Sailing Week Video
In the second half of June, when winds blow more strongly, ideal conditions are created for racing around the ancient port of Santo Stefano, on the western side of Mount Argentario. That is precisely when the Argentario Sailing Week is held, the regatta reserved for classic and vintage yachts, which each year hosts watercraft from all over the Mediterranean to partake in thrilling challenges celebrating beauty and love of the sea.
Began in 1992 under the name Vele d’Argento and rechristened Argentario Sailing Week in 1999, the Porto Santo Stefano fixture is now one of the great classics of the vintage sailing season. Owners, crews and fans gather in Porto Vecchio, known also as “La Pilarella”, from the name of one of the districts into which the charming seaside village that hosts the event is traditionally divided.
Years Running: 15
Yacht Club: Yacht Club Santo Stefano (Porto Santo Stefano, Italy)
Founded: 1960
1. Les Voiles d’Antibes – June 3rd – 7th
2015 Final Results
Les Voiles d’Antibes Video
Since its debut year in 1996, Les Voiles d’Antibes has been the first major European event of the classic yachting season for many sailing enthusiasts, and the opening event of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge for many years. Every year, in early June, Port Vauban – Europe’s largest marina – and the coastal waters between the bay of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, host a fleet of legendary boats, which challenge each other over the five days of regatta and match-races that spark competition between the crews.
Famous for the beauty of its scenery and wealth of culture, it offers owners and crews an atmosphere of great cheer during the Antibes regattas, as one of the liveliest regatta resorts on the circuit. Concerts, exhibitions, parades and other surprises animate life on land, yet leaving the event’s leading role to the “ladies of the sea”.
Years Running: 19
Yacht Club: Les Voiles d’Antibes (Antibes, France)
Founded: 1996