2024 Argentario Sailing Week – Day 2

by Tessa Wiechmann 14 Jun 21:25 UTC
12-16 June 2024

Picture perfect racing conditions against a stunning Tuscan backdrop should never be taken for granted. Yet, it often happens at Argentario Sailing Week -, the vintage and classic yacht regatta organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the support of the Region of Tuscany and Municipality of Monte Argentario. The 6 knots from northwest at the start of the vintage fleet shortly after 1 p.m. built up steadily as the race progressed, reaching 14-16 knots on the final run, beat and finish line. Sunny skies, the pristine beach of Giannella, the town of Porto Santo Stefano, the Island of Giglio and Montecristo as sight lines for mark roundings: this is the stuff dreams are made of.

In the evening, the owners and crews history enjoyed a dinner organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano in the Spanish Fortress built in the 18th Century, which overlooks the Argentario Bay. A magical way to wrap up the day.

As always, the Grandes Dames of the Sea are moored in Pilarella, the ancient port of Porto S. Stefano, where tourists and enthusiasts can admire the yachts up close from the pier promenade.

Mariska (1974-William Fife III) owner Tamariska Doo

Some of the best racing in the Mediterranean!

Manager and First Mate Manon Bejant, back on the docks stated: “We are happy to be racing here for the first time! Everyone says Argentario Sailing Week is the best regatta in the Mediterranean because of the beauty and challenges of the race course area. Yesterday’s racing conditions kept our tactician on his toes and today we figured out that we must continually monitor the weather and wind shifts due to the layout of the land, with its plains and hills. The gulf of the Argentario makes it interesting for all. Additionally, People in Porto Santo Stefano are extremely friendly, the staff is great and this is a peaceful and darling village. The homeport is Barcelona and Mariska races with a crew of 20 of which 8 are permanent and the rest are guests.

Java (1938 – Raymond Hunt) owner Nat Lemieux

Fun in the sun

Nikki Lemieux, co-owner of Java spoke of racing on Day 2: “We had quite a good day today and for the last two legs our 22-month old Spanish waterdog Pancho sat in the cockpit with us. Argentario Sailing Week offers a dreamlike setting, a stunning village that has a local feel to it so you feel you can blend in. Not to mention the great ice cream, food and wine! We are still sharpening our skills and learning about new sails. We can’t wait wor tomorrow.” The homeport is Viareggio and Java races with a crew of 6.

The “Trofeo Voscià-Giancarlo Lodigiani” perpetual challenge trophy has been established in his memory as of this year; a prize that will be awarded every year to the Yawl-rigged yacht with the best score at the Argentario Sailing Week,

Day 2 Results:

• Big Boats: 1 degrees Mariska – Tamariska Doo; 2 degrees Hallowe’en – Inigo Strez; 3 degrees Mariella – Carlo Falcone
• Cruiser Yachts: 1 degrees Vistona – Giovan Battista Borea D’Olmo: 2 degrees Barbara – Roberto Olivieri; 3 degrees Star Sapphire of London – Jakob Glatz
• Classici: 1 degrees Crivizza – Ariella Cattai; 2 degrees St. Christopher Daria Cabai – Valentin Martin; 3 degrees Optimista – Antonio del Balzo
• Classic IOR: 1 degrees Matrero – Rafael Periera Aragon; 2 degrees Sagittarius – Thierry Laffitte; 3 degreesOjalà II – Susan Carol Holland.
• Vintage: 1 degrees Marga – Iginio Angelini; 2 degrees Chinook – Paolo Zannoni; 3 degrees Comet – Woodward – Fisher;
• Spirit of Tradition: 1 degrees Freya – Luca Celeghini; 2 degrees Pancho – Del Gallo Di Roccagiovine – Aresu; 3 degrees Albelimar – III Marco Claudio Corneli
• S&S Swan: 1 degrees Matchless Giacomo Bei; 2 degrees Dream – Francesco Pennesi Persio; 3 degrees Tikka III – Luca Alessandrelli

2024 ASW Program

Wednesday 12 June – Reserved for registration and measurement. In the evening, the Argentario Sailing Week Welcome Cocktail at the Yacht Club Santo Stefano.

Thursday 13 June – The Mayor of Monte Argentario welcomes participants at 8.30 a.m.in the Town Hall before the Skippers’ briefing. Following the first scheduled regatta, beer party at the Race Village with Italian cartoonist and author Davide Besana illustrating the not-for-profit program Sail the Children.

Friday 14 June – Skipper briefing (9 a.m.), followed by racing. Beer party at the Race Village and evening crew dinner offered by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano at the Spanish Fortress built in the 18th Century, which overlooks the Argentario Bay. (8 p.m.)

Saturday 15 June – Skipper briefing (9 a.m.) followed by racing. Celebration of Alzavola’s. 100th birthday at the Race Village.

Sunday 16 June – Skipper briefing (9 a.m.) followed by racing. Prize Giving Ceremony at the Race Village (6 p.m.) followed by a Fair Winds Cocktail.

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