Preview: Les Voiles d’Antibes 2014

Regatta season is upon us again with Les Voiles d’Antibes - Trophée Panerai kicking off the 10^th edition of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. Some of the world’s most beautiful yachts gather the port of Antibes from June 4^th - 8^th 2014 to get the first big meet of the Mediterranean season underway.

With close to 80 entries in the Vintage Yachts (pre-1950), Classic Yachts (pre-1976), Spirit of Tradition Yachts and Metric Classes this year, the scene is set for a memorable few days of racing along the 23km stretch of coast between  Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.

This year’s event is particularly special given that it is the centenary of the Gaff Cutter Moonbeam IV, which was built in teak and steel at the prestigious William Fife & Son shipyard in the year World War One broke out. The war delayed its launch for six years and her illustrious history includes winning the King’s Cup twice and spending five years under the ownership of Prince Rainier of Monaco and his wife Princess Grace.

*Image credit:  Mariska and Moonbeam IV, Laurent Masson

Moonbeam IV has lost none of her panache, stealing a march to win the Panerai Trophy two years in a row in 2011 and 2012.  She enjoyed one of her most memorable races at the 2009 Voiles d’Antibes against Moonbeam of Fife in winds exceeding 30 knots.

Moonbeam IV will be joined by regular racers Moonbeam III, Mariquita, Mariska, Altair, Elena, Manitou (JFK’s presidential yacht), Adria, Argyll and Outlaw, which has competed in every previous edition of the Voiles d’Antibes. Yachts are coming from as far afield as Ajaccio, Antigua, Spain, England, Holland and Italy to take part. 

*Image credit:  Marigold, Les Voiles d'Antibes 2013, Cyril Jarno

The regatta is famous for being one of the friendliest on the circuit. Each night there will be live performances on the quay from Blah Blah, Blahkoustic, BeatLovs and DJ Ange as well as classical concertos on the Panoramic Terrace. There will also be a cultural exhibition of local artists’ work. The prize giving ceremony starts at 6.30pm on Sunday. 

Director of Les Voiles d’Antibes Yann Joannon adds: ‘Everyone loves this regatta. There is great racing, parties every night and live bands. We are all looking forward to it.’

*Image credit: Les Quais- Jakub Walutek

When: Wednesday June 4^th - Sunday June 8^th 2014, from 9am until 10pm

Where:  Port Vauban, Antibes

For further information, check out www.voilesdantibes.com or email infos@voilesdantibes.com

*Thumbnail image:  Les Cathedrals d'Antibes, Marc Pelissier