The Best Upcoming Regattas in France, Italy and Greece in 2017

The Mediterranean is home to some of the finest shipbuilders in the world including Benetti, Amel and Azimut, not to mention an array of luxurious ports. Therefore, it goes without saying that it is also home to some of best international regattas with beautiful and historical vessels as well as brand new cutting edge designs. The picturesque ports of France, Italy and Greece play host to some high-profile and exciting sailing regattas. Yachting enthusiasts jump at the chance to take part in or watch the thrilling races from the comfort of a Mediterranean yacht charter.

France

Regates Royales de Cannes

23rd-30th September

The 39th edition of the Cannes Regates Royales takes place this September as the glamorous town will once again welcome stunning vintage yachts from around the world. It is one of the largest classic yacht races in the world and an unabashed celebration of the virtues of tradition. The yachts are built from wood and feature huge white billowing canvas sails showcasing an old-fashioned craftsmanship that is rare to see in modern boat design.

 

The Regates Royales is the final stage of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, which consists of a series of 10 regattas held in America and the Mediterranean. Up to 100 yachts cut dazzling silhouettes gliding across Cannes Bay. All are built using traditional methods, but they are divided into three categories depending on when they were constructed: before 1950, before 1975 and after 1975.

Les Voiles de St Tropez

30th September – 8th October 2017

The Golfe de Saint Tropez is taken over by a fleet of classic sailing yachts for a week at the beginning of October and the result is a magical sight. Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez wows spectators who admire up to 330 of the finest sailing yachts on the Cote d’Azur competing in the prestigious international regatta. Les Voiles de St Tropez was established in 1891 and has become a beloved fixture in the calendar of international sailing events. Around 4,000 sailors compete in an unrivalled range of classic and modern yachts across approximately 900 nautical miles.

The event attracts strong crowds and never disappoints; even when particularly bad weather necessitates the cancellation of a race or two, the event’s spirit is never dampened. The organisers, Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, consistently offer some new features and surprises for visitors in accordance with their varying personal tastes and aspirations. The regatta is a great place for crews and yacht charterers to socialise.

Italy

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Porto Cervo

3rd-9th September 2017

Porto Cervo’s history with maxi yachts spans over 35 years and the regatta never fails to put on a good show. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda organised the first championship for the world’s most spectacular yachts in 1980. These days, the event is coordinated in collaboration with the International Maxi Association with the support of title sponsor Rolex. The rugged and glamorous northern coast is a magnet for the international jet set who enjoy Sardinia yacht charters on the dazzling azure waters.  Each year, the participating fleets become more impressive and technologically advanced. The competing divisions range from the new Maxi 72 class, which disputes its World Championship during the event, to the Supermaxi division for yachts of over 30.5 metres.

Greece

Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta

22nd-25th June 2017

The Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta is a unique 4-day event organised by the Yacht Club of Greece and supported by Poseidonion Grand Hotel. This is the seventh edition of the annual event, which remains the most popular classic yacht regatta in Greece. It is the second and main stop of the Hellenic Classic and Traditional Boat Circuit, which attracts legendary boats from around the world. Staged against the spectacular backdrop of the Poseidonion and the Argosaronic Gulf, a series of classic yachts (Classic Boats, Traditional Caiques, Traditional Lateens, Dragons) elegantly compete to rule the waves of the Aegean.

The boats travel to the beautiful island of Spetses from far and wide with an international selection of crews. They sail back and forth across the Peloponnese Channel, also known as the Kosta Strait. Several of the most famous leisure yachts partake in the race, as well as some of the most esteemed boats from abroad. The event promotes fair play and sportsmanship, appealing to tourists and yacht enthusiasts alike.

If you would like to charter a luxury yacht for any of these regattas, please contact Silver Star Yachting.

 

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