Grandes Dames of the Sea ready to race at 2024 Argentario Sailing Week
by Tessa Wiechmann 12 Jun 2024 14:02 UTC
12-16 June 2024
Measurement at 2024 Argentario Sailing Week © Marco Solari
The majestic Grandes Dames of the Sea from 9 nations are ready to race tomorrow in the not-to-be missed classic and vintage yacht regatta Argentario Sailing Week organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the support of the Municipality of Monte Argentario.
The fleet of Big Boats, Vintage, Classic, Classic IOR, Spirit of Tradition, Cruiser and S&S Swan Yachts will finally be able to enjoy - once again - 4 days of racing in one of the most breathtaking courses, where 6 beaches in the area, including Feniglia and Giannella, have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), for the second year in row, a certification assigned to beaches and marinas that meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.
The President of the Santo Stefano Yacht Club Piero Chiozzi is beaming as he speaks of this record-setting edition made possible thanks also to the flawless teamwork of all those involved: "This year we had a 30% increase in registration. This was the result of an ambitious project with the Yacht Club Santo Stefano at front line supported by top-tier partners. Firstly, I would like to thank the Mayor Arturo Cerulli and the municipal administration of Monte Argentario for their patronage and concrete support. My heartfelt thanks also goes to the yacht owners and their respective crews who continue to return or are here for the first time, to the sponsors who have placed their trust in us, and to the Yacht Club Santo Stefano staff and council, who share the common goal of contributing to the success of the Argentario Sailing Week".
The Argentario Sailing Week is undoubtedly a powerful economic driver for the entire area given its impact on tourist-accommodation - about 10,000 direct presences in the 7 days of the event - between owners, crews, guests, press and enthusiasts. This, as the summer season is just gearing up.
Over 70 years of sailing history are docked at the ancient harbour of "La Pilarella" (XVIII century) ready to cross bows in the pristine waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea with the Argentario, the islands of Giglio, Montecristo and Elba, and the ancient Roman harbor of Talamone as a stunning backdrop.
Once measurements were completed, owners and crewmembers attended the welcome cocktail at the Yacht Club Santo Stefano clubhouse overlooking the Gulf, enjoying local delicacies and toasting to the much-loved event in Porto Santo Stefano.
2024 ASW Program
- Wednesday 12 June - Reserved for registration and measurement. In the evening, the Argentario Sailing Week Welcome Cocktail at the Yacht Club Santo Stefano.
- Thursday 13 June - The Mayor of Monte Argentario welcomes participants at 8.30 a.m.in the Town Hall before the Skippers' briefing. Following the first scheduled regatta, beer party at the Race Village with Italian cartoonist and author Davide Besana illustrating the not-for-profit program Sail the Children.
- Friday 14 June - Skipper briefing (9 a.m.), followed by racing. Beer party at the Race Village and evening crew dinner offered by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano at the Spanish Fortress built in the 18th Century, which overlooks the Argentario Bay. (8 p.m.)
- Saturday 15 June - Skipper briefing (9 a.m.) followed by racing. Celebration of Alzavola's. 100th birthday at the Race Village.
- Sunday 16 June - Skipper briefing (9 a.m.) followed by racing. Prize Giving Ceremony at the Race Village (6 p.m.) followed by a Fair Winds Cocktail.
Partners of 2024 Argentario Sailing Week: ColleMassari wine estates, Geberit solutions, HOTEL LA ROQQA in Porto Ercole, MAG Consulting and Great Estate.
The Argentario Sailing Week 2024 enjoys the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, of the Province of Grosseto, of the Municipality of Monte Argentario and of the Italian Navy - Marina Militare Italiana. In addition to sponsoring the event, the Municipality of Monte Argentario concretely supports the event.
Argentario Sailing Week is one of the regattas that are part of the 2023 CIM Championship created by the Comite International de la Mediterranee, whose program includes events in Italy as well as in Spain, France and Monaco and of the 2023 Mediterranean Champions Cup created by the Vintage & Classic Yacht Club.
The Argentario Sailing Week 2024 enjoys the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, of the Province of Grosseto, of the Municipality of Monte Argentario and of the Italian Navy - Marina Militare Italiana. In addition to sponsoring the event, the Municipality of Monte Argentario concretely supports the event.
Find out more at argentariosailingweek.it