The great citadel of sailing: this is what VELAFestival 2016 will look like

Anentire seaside town, a port that looks like that of pirates, bars, stores, restaurants dressed up. Then it’s back to the dock to experience the beating heart of the VELAFestival.
Santa Margherita Ligure becomes the capital of sailing and the most beautiful boats in the Mediterranean for four days, May 5-8. Already the Ligurian town is beautiful in itself, but with the VELAFestival it takes on a special aspect. The whole harbor area is dressed up, complicit in the arrival of the warm season but especially because it is invaded by us sailors.
Thanks to the
VELAFestival Card
discounts at major venues: bars, restaurants, stores…even the best bakeries famous for focaccia and Ligurian farinata. And then you get into the heart of the big sailing party, on the main dock and the beach with a view of Portofino, which is there just a few steps away. The quay and its small squares are enveloped by the stands and cabin boats of the VELAFestival. On the beach there are dinghies, kayaks and Sup. Towering above it all is the Hospitality set-up, an 800-square-meter transparent tent hanging over the rocks of the breakwater. It is here, but also at the docks, that you will find refreshment and relaxation spots. Because food and drink are essential elements in such an event, like the old pirate taverns where sailors went to have fun after long sailings. And if you want to attach a small vacation to it, Tigullio and Cinque Terre are here.

TAG HEUER VELAFESTIVAL: WHERE TO FIND WHAT ALONG SANTA MARGHERITA HARBOR

1. GROUND DISPLAY AREA
One after another, you will find here the stands of the best companies in the nautical world, from accessory makers to shipyards, from sailmakers to insurance companies. To find everything you may need for your boat.
2. PIAZZETTA SHOPPING & INFO POINT VELA CUP
A great nautical store where you can find accessories, clothing, nautical bookstore, gadgets that you can buy right away. The VELA Cup info and registration area is also located here.
3. CULT & #PLASTICFANTASTIC BOATS Here you can admire the famous boats, the ones you’ve heard about but never seen. Discover, regardless of size, their fascinating history. Best of all, you can get on board.
4. BOATS FOR ALL TASTES
The world’s leading shipyards show the best of their production, the latest innovations and even firsts. You’ll also be able to find great bargains on used boats, sailing schools and boats you can charter this summer.
5. EVENTS & VIDEO AREA
Big events such as the Sailor of the Year, the “Tribute” to the #plasticfantastic and the SAIL Cup Party take place here. And you can also see the most beautiful films in the history of sailing.
6. HOSPITALITY VELAFESTIVAL CARD
On the breakwater of the harbor, a spectacular terrace and covered pavilion where you can relax, have a drink and a bite to eat, enjoy spectacular videos, and admire a unique panorama. Accessing it is free, just have the VELAFestival CARD with you.
7. SAIL SQUARE
The hub from which the different areas of the VELAFestival unfold. From here you can access the shore stand area, the shopping plaza, the events area, and even, directly, the beach village, the paradise for “small” boats.
8. INFOPOINT VELAFESTIVAL
Get the VELAFestival CARD for free here.
9. BOAT OUTINGS AND SAILING SCHOOL
With professional instructors take your free sailing lesson or try out the dinghies on display at Beach Village. Also for children.
10. TRY OTHER SEA SPORTS
SUP, Kayak and Windsurfing available for a free lesson or a sea outing, we also give you wetsuit and equipment. Also for children.
11. EXHIBITION AREA.
As you relax, perhaps sunbathing on the beach while sipping something or eating a sandwich you enjoy the exhibit that tells you the story of sailing through mythical characters and boats.
12. BEACH VILLAGE.
A dedicated area on the beach for the world of dinghies, multihulls and water sports, with opportunities for sea demonstrations. Every day young and old can take a ride in specially designed boats together with an instructor in complete safety.
13. SCHOOL OF SEAMANSHIP
Climb aboard a 100-foot schooner and become a skilled sailor with advice from Pandora’s crew. They will reveal tricks and tips, and can teach fantastic knots to even the youngest children.
14. CHILDREN’S PLAY SPACE
A special space dedicated to children, with many activities and an educational workshop.
15. THE TOWN FOR THE VELAFESTIVAL
The entire town of Santa Margherita Ligure will be an integral part of the VELAFestival: holders of the VELAFestival Card will also be entitled to special discounts in hotels, restaurants and affiliated businesses.
14. THE SPECTACLE OF THE SAILING CUP
You’ll want to take a walk among the floating docks and take a look at the moored boats to find out about the participants in the “VELA Cup,” the great festival of sailing at sea (Saturday, May 7).

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LAST CALL You can still register for the VELA Cup Toscana (May 26-28)