Les Voiles d'Antibes - 17th edition – 30 May to 3 June 2012
Photo Thomas Eibenberger
Within their setting of the Esplanade Saint – Jaume (previously Opéra shipyard), in the shadow of the ramparts of Vieil Antibes and a few metres from the famous Quai des Milliardaires, from 30 May to 3 June 2012, Les Voiles d’Antibes will receive, for its 17th edition, the most beautiful yachts in the world for the opening of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.
Since 1996, Les Voiles d’Antibes, organised each year around the first week of June, mark the opening of the Mediterranean circuit for traditional yachts and metric classes, as well as the first regatta in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, where adventure and luxury come together in a friendly and sporting tradition.
Organised at the very beginning of the season, Les Voiles d’Antibes – Panerai Trophy each year receives a selection of the most beautiful Period Yachts (built before 1950), Classic Yachts (built before 1976) and Yachts in the Traditional Spirit, as well as the Metric Classes (6 MJI, 8MJI and the 12 MJI competitors in the Americas Cup from 1958 to 1987), which were built from the end of the 19th century. The great history of Yachting International and its values of fair play, solidarity and respect are a feature of this event.
For most participants, this prestigious gathering represents the first major appointment of the Mediterranean season. As spring has returned, the boats have rejoined their ports of attachment in the Mediterranean. Some have been renovated and modernised to optimise performance, while others have been sold or have changed crews. As a result, the participants are renewed each year around a loyal core of legendary vessels such as the Moonbeam, Ikra, Bona Fide, Rowdy, The Blue Peter, Outlaw, Adria, Lulu, Cambria and Tuiga, which have long been present at all the regattas. Also, each year, new boats appear on the circuit. They have recently been restored or renovated. As Antibes is the first great meeting of the season, it is the occasion for all admirers to come and appreciate the pure architectural lines and deck plans, the Harmony of the Aurique and Bermuda rigging and the elegant ballet of the crews enthusiastically and thoroughly preparing their legendary yachts.
Appreciated for the quality of its regattas along the 23 km of coastline between the bays of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, and for the very friendly atmosphere that reigns on land, Les Voiles d’Antibes – Panerai Trophy are without any doubt one of the flagship events of the Mediterranean circuit.
As each year, the Antibes Sailing Village, which is freely open to the public, provides a friendly meeting area for those returning to the quayside, where, every evening, all of the international teams discuss and share their manoeuvres, their options and the events of their day to the delight of the public, both experts and laymen, who thus absorb this nautical culture. All around, a "village" area where builders, yacht clubs, photographers, watercolour artists and upholsterers take advantage of the presence of participants and the general public to present their know-how and their latest creations.
An area that is more friendly than commercial, the "Village des Voiles d'Antibes" is primarily a place for meeting and discussion for all those who love the sea.
The reception on land is certainly the warmest of the circuit; Antibes, famous throughout the whole world for its Jazz Festival, had to associate music with sailing. There are numerous exhibitions and events on themes related to the sea and the environment every day from 09:00 to 22:00, and also cocktails, concerts, parades and many other surprises and challenges that bring happiness and joy to the Village des Voiles and the Port Vauban, the n° 1 yacht marina in Europe.
The Internet site of "Les Voiles d'Antibes"
