09/2007 –

A WIND OF CHANGE

From September 25th to 30th 2007, the Bay of Cannes will be filled with sails once more as over 200 classic yachts race between the Lérins islands and the mountainous coastline of the Estérel. Schooners, ketches, sloops, gaff rig and marconi yachts can be seen racing in the style of the elegant regattas of the early 20th Century. One of the closing highlights of the Mediterranean circuit, the Régates Royales are part of the Panerai Trophy and an event not to be missed, as the sight of these stylish old yachts battling it out in such a spectacular setting is a once in a lifetime experience. Despite some unpredictable weather, the 2006 victories of Mariette in the Epoque Aurique A class, Oriole in the B class and Cotton Blossom II in Epoque Marconi B are still a talking point today.

Organisation

“This year we are pulling out all the stops to ensure that the Régates Royales – Panerai Trophy is a magnificent event, and one of the best and most prestigious ever held in Cannes,” announced the new chairman of the Cannes Yacht Club who has taken over from Denis Charvoz. Jean-Claude Montesinos has participated in the Whitbread yacht race (1973/1974) and the OSTAR (1976), and is confident that the 29th edition of the regatta will be a true success, partly thanks to the arrival of Denis Horeau on the organising team. The former race director of the Vendée Globe in 2004 and of the Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro from 1996 to 2004 has his plate full, since at the same time he is organising the 12m World Championships for the racing yachts that starred in the Americas Cup from 1956 to 1992.

On land

Spectators around the Old Port can admire the daily departures of the different yacht classes, watch them sailing around the bay and welcome them back to port in the afternoons. There will be a marquee village on the Quai Laubeuf for the crews, organisers, Jury and media, with various stands displaying nautical books and magazines, where visitors can meet the authors, photographers or painters or pick up some yachting clothes. Overlooking the competing yachts, the village will be open to the public and will be the place to gather to enjoy the intense and friendly atmosphere of before and after each race.

More details : www.regatesroyales.com

-NG-