For many classics there is the golden opportunity to join in the second edition of the Vele d’Epoca Portoferraio. Timed perfectly in June (12th-16th) to coincide with the fleet sailing between the two Panerai events of Les Voiles D’Antibes and Argentario Sailing Week the event incorporates a ‘moonlight’ feeder race, a day’s racing off the island of Elba and a second feeder race to take the fleet to the island of Argentario.
Organised by Laura Zolo, founder of the Yacht Club Portoferraio, she pays particular attention to wooden boats, and is in partnership with the Italian Classic Yacht Association (AIVE). Last year the competitors sailed 75 NM from Tino Island, that sits off the attractive Ligurian town of PortoVenere, to Elba’s Capital, Portoferraio. Under a full moon the fleet sailed through the night. With a gentle northwesterly at the start the crews had to play with challenging conditions as the breeze strengthened and filled the downwind canvas, and then rudely dropped away 5 miles from the finish. The 27 metre Fife ketch Eilean took line honours at 06.00 the following day, followed within 20 minutes by the 17 metre S&S yawl Argyll, who won on corrected time. After 2 days of enjoying the relaxed island hospitality, and England losing to Italy in the World Cup, the fleet took to the water once again, under a sky tainted by threatening storm clouds, for the 40 NM race to Porto Santo Stefano in time for Argentario Sailing Week. This year there is the addition of a 20 NM race off the island of Elba to keep the crews in check!
Signed up already are a fleet of 12 that includes a number of the Marina Militaire yachts, Stella Polare, Corsaro II and Capricia as well as the S&S yawls Voscia, Comet and Manitou and the Fife ketch Eilean.
The week boasts fantastic hospitality from the Italian locals and a slightly more relaxed affair in comparison to the ‘Champagne’ (or should I say ‘exclusive watch’) sailing adorning either side of the event. To find out more follow this link or get in touch with Giacarlo Lodigiani at [email protected]
Recommended!!
Click here for more on last year’s edition.
See below for video footage of the overnight feeder race on board Eilean.
