Meet Our Classic Yacht Columnist Alice Widdows.
Alice is a regatta manager on the Superyacht circuit offering a first-class racing experience.
A keen yachtswoman and self confessed island-hopping addict, preferably by boat!
THE SUPERYACHT BUSINESS IS EXTREMELY RESOURCEFUL AND RESILIENT
Adjustments and new guidelines are now required practice around the world. Medical, sanitising, safety, social – distancing practices. We are rapidly adopting new SOP’s in order to protect our clients, customers and crew for the safe return to racing.
Here is an update 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 Covid-19 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 (the island’s local gin, Xoriguer’s drunk with refreshing lemonade on ice and lemon) the perfect antidote to long hot August days on the water).
“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”.
“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.
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 Notice of Race are now available 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. Historically, Les Voiles d’Antibes opens the Classic Yacht Racing season in the Mediterranean and serves as a spring/summer reunion. It will indeed prove to be a very special reunion for many sailors this year.
“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 – OVER 250 YACHTS READY-TO-RACE
In agreement with the French Sailing Federation and in accordance with government directives, the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez is following terms of organisation for the 2020 edition of the Voiles de Saint-Tropez for modern and classic boats from September 26th to October 10th.
Newly elected President of the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, and long-standing club member of 37 years, Pierre Roinson is a passionate yacht racer and has participated in every edition of the event since inception as La Nioulage in the ‘80’s.
“Our priority is to keep alive the seafaring spirit and sense of conviviality, as set up in the beginning by Patrice de Colmont: the participants come to the Voiles de Saint-Tropez to race and to have fun.”
There is a real desire to race in the 2020 edition of the event, to date the race office has received over 250 inscriptions.
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 Centenary Trophy by Gstaad Yacht Club, the 10th edition will be held on Thursday 1st October during Les Voiles de St Tropez . This is the most discerning race of the classic yacht calendar as yachts need proven heritage. The entry requirement is to be of 100 years of age. A glamorous evening event hosted by GYC is the most sought-after invitation on the social calendar in St Tropez.
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.co
22 – 26 September Régates Royales, Cannes www.regatesroyales.com
26 Sept – 10 Oct Les Voiles de St Tropez www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
1 October The Centenary Trophy www.gstaadyachtclub.com
How are you preparing your yacht campaign for a return to racing?
share with me your new protocols and SOP’s for safe sailing alice@alicewiddows.com
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