Vintage Sails 2023, regattas kick off. Here’s how it’s going

Fanfare, Navy Incursion Operations Group and flag raising. Thus opened, on the 6th of the month, the 24th edition of the
Vele d’Epoca di Imperia – International Sailing Week
, in the presence of the authorities. A five-day event and regatta that, to date, has seen only one day of trials held, the first being canceled due to decidedly adverse weather.

Vele d’Epoca 2023 | First trials and first rankings

With a first day characterized by a strong easterly wind, aided by a somewhat excessive steep wave, the first round of the Vele d’Epoca regatta was seen postponed by 24 hours, giving the first day of the event a “catwalk” atmosphere, with all 62 hulls on the dock, much to the benefit of the curious and the many enthusiasts present who were thus able to admire these masterpieces. However, fortunes changed on the second day, which was finally kissed by wind and favorable weather conditions. Racing will resume today after the usual skipper meeting at 0930. The first warning signal is scheduled for 12 noon.

Discussions of protests and upcoming trials will change the results but, in the meantime, here are the provisional rankings. Racing will resume today after the usual skipper meeting at 0930. The first warning signal is scheduled for 12 noon.

Vintage Sails 2023 | Big Boat, Classic and Vintage

As is often the case, it is the older ones who leave first. Thus open this edition of Vele d’Epoca the “Big Boats,” hulls over 25 meters in length. Among them, dominating the first day of racing is Tuiga, from the Yacht Club of Monaco, which won on handicap thanks to an excellent performance that earned it second place in real time. Following closely behind is Mariella, by Carlo Falcone, who although she came first in real, expires on the second step with compensated times. Rounding out this provisional podium is Hallow’en.

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Being built between 1950 and 1975 means racing among the “Classics,” a category itself divided into two groupings. In
first group
, earning the top step in this provisional ranking is a Sparkman & Stephens signed One Tonner, Arcadia III, by Bruno Ricciardi, followed closely by Optimist, a splendid Carter design by owner Jurgen Roesch. Provisional third place for Crivizza, the very elegant II Class Rorc of Ariella Cattai and Gigi Rolandi, A.I.V.E. secretary general.

Dominating the second group is Outlaw, by Mike Horsley, tailed by Navy on Penelope. Provisional third for Argynne III of Pereira.

For pre-1950 ladies, however, the regatta is in the “Epoch” category , divided on the two fronts Auriche and Marconi, distinguishing them by rig. Earning the top step of the podium
“Aurics”
is Marga, followed by Chips and Olympian. First in provisional “Marconi 1” is instead Serenade, with Skylark on 1937 and Circe following. “Marconi 2” Java dominates, followed by the only other two boats in the category, Vistona and Alcyone, who finished second and third, respectively. Also always three are the “Epoch 4,” Flicka, Greylag and Tirrenia, who arrived in that order.

Vintage Sails 2023 | IOR Classics and Spirit of Tradition

Also participating in Imperia for the first time are the great classics of the IOR season, grouped together in the “IOR Classics” category of the same name. Here, dominating the first day on the water are three iconic designs, to say the least. Signed Sparkman & Stephens, earning the top step of the podium is Sagittarius, by Thierry Laffitte, followed by Gina Zaoli’s Resolute Salmon, a boat famous for its victory at the 1976 One Ton Cup. Rounding out the podium is another Sparkman & Stephens, Susan Carol Holland’s splendid Ojala II.

Finishing this round, before the former Olympic class, are the “Spirit of Tradition,” boats built in modern times but faithful replicas of great historic boats. Here, with a resounding lead in actual, Yann Delplace’s former America’s Cup French Kiss also won in plywood, followed, in actual as well as in plywood, by Leon Pancaldo and Miss K.

Imperia Cup 2023 | The 8 Metre International Tonnage

Last but not least, the 8 Meters International Tonnage, last to start but the most numerous in the fleet, well determined to compete among the buoys for the very first edition of the Imperia Cup. Triumphing in both races of the day was Vision KC-3, Paolo Manzoni’s Italian boat, followed by Angelo Mazzarella’s Swiss boat Carron II, which earned a 2nd and 3rd place in the water. Rounding out the provisional podium is Germany’s Anne Sophie, owned by Hans Gregor Klein, with a 4th and a 2nd taken home on this first day of racing.

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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!