One hundred boats have already filled the #plasticfantastic board at velafestival.com. Check them out, there is something for everyone, with curious stories such as that of Gianin VI, a 1976 Hallberg Rassy 41 resurrected by its owner who found it abandoned with a shoe inside a frying pan, mixed with a stinky garlic, oil, and chili paste. Now Gianin VI is a stupendous boat that has twice allowed itself to win the most important long race in the Mediterranean, the Giraglia.
This and hundreds more stories of fiberglass-built boats from the 1960s to 1995 are the backdrop for a major event at VELAFestival 2016, in Santa Margherita Ligure May 5-8: the VELAFestival Tribute. At 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, on the stage of the spectacular event area, great personalities from that world will be there to tell fans how #plasticfantastic came to be, their merits and flaws, which boats are the most significant.
Telling you about the magical world of boats that have made yachting history will be, in addition to the editor of the Giornale della Vela Luca Oriani, “mythical” characters such as Claudio Maletto, Guido Colnaghi, Mauro Pelaschier.
For those who do not know, Claudio Maletto is one of the most famous designers on the planet, his #plasticfantastic boats have won many world championships, above all the Rivetto, a Mini Tonner. Maletto was also on the Luna Rossa design team of the golden age and designed some of the last Grand Soleils.
Also on stage will be Guido Colnaghi, the daddy of #plasticfantastic. Guido while founding Italy’s most famous sailing school, Caprera, allowed himself to collaborate with Michel Dufour, the designer of the Arpege with whom he founded what was the world’s largest sailboat yard in the 1960s/70s. Guido Colnaghi has a lot to talk about on Sunday, May 8 on the #plasticfantastic Tribute stage, along with representatives of the historic shipyards present at the VELAFestival. Among others: Grand Soleil, Hallberg Rassy, Dufour, Beneteau, Jeanneau.
It also could not miss what has been the iconic helmsman of the #plasticfantastic: Mauro Pelaschier. Curious and unique photos and footage will round out the tribute to #plasticfantastic, an event not to be missed by anyone who loves sailing and boats.
And don’t forget to admire the #plasticfantastic displayed on the dock, from the big Rainbow (C&C 61) to the small Tikka (Swan 37), there are many goodies you’ve never seen together. Mythical boats that marked a milestone in modern sailing.
In the meantime, if you have not yet enrolled your boat in #plasticfantastic click here and if you want to learn more, click here.
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