Les Voiles d'Antibes 2013

Created in 1996, Les Voiles d'Antibes held annually during the first week of June, marks the opening of the Mediterranean circuit for Classic Yachts and Metric Classes and the first stage of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.

Organized in early season, Les Voiles d'Antibes - Trophée Panerai welcome each year a selection of the finest Vintage yachts (built before 1950), Classics (built before 1976) and Spirit of Tradition Yachts and Metric Classes (6 MJI, 8mJI and the 12 MJI that raced in the America's Cup from 1958 to 1987), that have shaped since the late nineteenth century, the great history of International Yachting.

For most participants, this prestigious meeting, represents the first major event of the year. When spring season arrives, Yachts return to their ports in the Mediterranean waters. Some have been renovated and / or refitted, some improvements are made based on their ratings to optimize their performance, others were sold or changed their crews. As a result, participants are renewed each year around a core of Yachts such as mythical Moonbeam IV, Moonbeam of Fife, Cambria, Stormy Weather, Adria, Outlaw, Bona Fide … who have been present at all races. Each year, between five and fifteen new  comers, which are not known or that are no longer seen for some time, reappear. They come out of restoration or renovation. Antibes is the first meeting of the season, sailors, owners and crew discover them and tell new stories that contribute to the party on shore.

Appreciated for the quality of its regattas (Match Race for Metric classes and coastal courses along the 23 kms of coast between the Bay of Antibes and Juan les Pins for other classes) and the conviviality that reigns back to earth, Les Voiles d'Antibes - Trophée Panerai is undoubtedly one of the prime events on the Mediterranean circuit.

But Les Voiles d'Antibes - Trophée Panerai, is also in the best tradition of Yachting, 5 days of entertainment and conviviality back on earth. The Village  is certainly the warmest of the circuit. Organized around a village built around the theme of celebration and conviviality. Antibes, famous worldwide for its jazz festival, had to combine music with sailing. With every day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. numerous exhibitions and events on the themes of the Sea and the Environment as well as cocktails, concerts, parades and many other surprises and challenges that every night alive with joy and good mood in the Village of Port Vauban, the first marina in Europe.

Les Voiles d'Antibes also have an educational role by establishing annual educational visits and sporting activities for young people (with and without disabilities) to learn about the world of the Sea in general and the world of sailing and in particular inform them about the defense of our heritage and our marine environment.

(Source: http://www.voilesdantibes.com/)

Photo by Patrick Hanez, via www.voilesdantibes.com.