Les Voiles d’Antibes, event 1 of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2015, kicked off the European classic yacht racing season in France from 3-7 June 2015.

Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge is the leading international circuit for vintage yachts, driven by owners passionate about restoring these graceful yachts to their former racing glory. A “Spirit of Tradition Class” gives contemporary yachts, built on the lines of the old, a chance to sail alongside their sister ships.

Les Voiles d’Antibes hosted five days of racing, featuring over sixty of the world’s most prestigious classic yachts, representing well over 100 years of yacht design from the drawing boards of the most renowned naval architects.

Zaoli Sails produced sails for the winners in four class divisions. Stealing the show, was “Chinook”, a 1916 Herreshoff designed NY40 and one of only four still sailing. Chinook won the Vintage Gaff Class and Overall Vintage Class, from a consistent race win and two second places.

Runner up to Chinook was “Eva”, a 1906 built Vintage Gaff designed by William Fife III. Wins also to “Jalina” in the Vintage Class C, “Ea” who won Classic Class Marconi B and the well-known “Il Moro Di Venezia” picked up first overall in the Classic Class and second in the Marconi Racer Class.

“Our classic yacht sails are designed, cut and produced using the latest sail making technology,” explained Andrea Mannini of Zaoli Sails. “We spend a lot of time studying the original sail plans, so we can reproduce modern racing sails which respect the integrity of the original and reflect the individualism of each classic yacht.
“We have a hugely experienced team, who work closely with owners to deliver state of the art sails, and keep the spirit of classic yachting alive.”

Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2015 – European Circuit

Les Voiles d’Antibes – Antibes, France – 3-7 June

Argentario Sailing Week – Porto Santo Stefano, Italy – 18-21 June

Panerai British Classic Week – Cowes, Great Britain – 18-25 July

Mahon XII Copa del Rey de Barcos de Epoca – Minorca, Spain – 25-29 August

Cannes Regates Royales – Cannes, France – 22-26 September

Web: www.paneraiclassicyachtschallenge.com

Eleven 470 teams from Argentina, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, the Netherlands and Switzerland wrapped up a week long training camp in Italy in partnership with Zaoli Sails on Sunday 17 May.

Marina degli Aregai on Italy’s north-east coast, home of Zaoli Sails, played host to the training camp, which focused on testing new sails, boat set-up and numerous training races.
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