Do you want to sail on a legendary Classic Boat? Don’t miss this opportunity

Pilgrim, don’t let a unique opportunity pass you by

There are few opportunities to fully understand sailing and the sea like those offered by a classic hull, with the planking running cutting through the water. Rare opportunities, but not impossible. In 1971, a now almost legendary boat, Pilgrim, a 14-meter wooden ketch designed by the great J.L. Giles, was born from the prestigious Carlini Shipyards in Rimini, a fast, agile hull loaded with Italian sailing history. It is in fact a boat animated by important figures, among them Pippo Dalla Vecchia, a great sailor, Tempest class world champion, Ex-Vice President of FIV and, for 23 years, president of the Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia of Naples. And now -thanks to his son, Emmanuele Dalla Vecchia- Pilgrim is coming back to life, offering everyone the chance to sail on it, throughout the season of events related to Vele d’Epoca 2023. An unmissable opportunity, almost more unique than rare.

The objective of the initiative -Emmanuele, who grew up on the Pilgrim and learned to know and love sailing and the sea, tells us- is to allow the many enthusiasts to experience sailing firsthand, being able to appreciate every nuance of it thanks to those qualities that only a wooden hull can offer. All, in conjunction with some of the most exciting events of the coming season. The program, in fact, is quickly said: the Pilgrim will take part in the main Vintage Sails rallies in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and anyone can join the crew, to experience transfer cruises from one port to another, or to race at events dedicated to classic yachting.

• Learn about the program and how to participate

But the opportunity is, in fact, deeper, because it arises in the first place to combine the desire to sail the boat with the desire to share with others the history and lessons that the Pilgrim has to offer, transforming the initiative into something that goes beyond a pure boat outing. In fact, each outing will also be an opportunity to learn and discover something new, as in fact the conditions for boarding emphasize, which are not limited to experts or professionals, but are also open to newcomers, as long as they have, in addition to an FIV card (mandatory to race), a minimum of familiarity with the sea.

Pilgrim – A history over 50 years old

The Pilgrim was born in 1971, commissioned by Vezio Amati and designed by Jack Laurent Giles. It is a 14-meter ketch-rigged and designed for deep-sea cruising, which for more than 20 years will lead in Adriatic waters between Emilia and Croatia. By the early 1990s, Amati decided to give up the boat, but only one person, in his opinion, could be worthy of it, capable of granting it adequate attention and respect: Pippo Dalla Vecchia. Amati does not accept any other options and contacts Mr. Dalla Vecchia to offer him the purchase. He will be initially declined, until Amati shows up in Naples with the boat, determined not to accept any waste. It is 1993 and Pilgrim becomes part of the Dalla Vecchia family.

In ’98 Emmanuel was born, living the boat as a second home, learning from her and his father. It’s his whole world, he tells us, so much so that as soon as he can, he takes an unlimited boating license, then the Yachtmaster. In 2012, Pilgrim is forced ashore, where she remains for six years. In 2017, Emmanuele began its restoration with Antico Cantiere del Legno Aprea, of Torre dell’Annunziata. The idea is to return the Pilgrim to all the affection he had received from it, thus restoring it to a perfect state. Various vicissitudes, pandemics and costs bring Pilgrim back to the water for good just in time for her 50th anniversary in April 2021, celebrated at the Vele d’Epoca in Gaeta.

The idea of the current initiative thus carries this process forward, carrying on the memory of the boat and Pippo Dalla Vecchia, and sharing the experiences and teachings that have permeated this hull for more than 50 years, giving excitement to anyone who has a chance to sail on it.

Pilgrim, an incredible cruising hull

A highly successful design, Pilgrim is a solid, fast hull that is ideal for deep-sea cruising and long-shore sailing, especially with families or novices aboard. The ketch sail rig (distributed over two masts), allows her to expose the correct sail area to the wind to cope with all kinds of weather conditions, promoting comfort and balancing loads. Advantage to which are added high booms over the deckhouse and cockpit, a guarantee of safety. Marine qualities to which are added those related to interior livability, set according to a 1970s design, classically safe and comfortable at sea. Here there are three double cabins (of which the forward one can become quadruple while the aft one is reserved for the crew), the large saloon, galley, two toilets and chart area.

Learn about the program and how to participate

There is no requirement on the part of any interested parties other than an IVF membership (mandatory for racing) and a minimum of familiarity with the sea and sailing. A fee is required to cover operating costs, participation in all events offered by the event, overnight accommodations on board, and a boat T-shirt.

To embark on Pilgrim during the various routes, agreeing from time to time modalities and timing, it is necessary to make prior arrangements with the skipper-owner, Emmanuele Dalla Vecchia, who can be contacted at the following references: Mob. +39 338 3481960 | E-mail: classicyachtpilgrim@gmail.com

To follow Pilgrim in its activities, there is the instagram channel
@svpilgrim

Pilgrim – Data Sheet

Three “tidbits” about Classic Boats

• Want to learn more about the world of Classic Boats (1967-1998), the iconic boats of the period, the legendary designers, the stories and races of the “golden age” of sailing? Check out our section dedicated to Classic Boats!
• Do you have a Classic Boat to sell? Put it (for free) on our classifieds market!
• Do you have a Classic Boat? Participate in the SAIL CUP with your boat. There is a special ranking for you! Find out which stage is right for you!