Take a famous bay with varied and unpredictable weather conditions. Take an army of genius designers who created the most stunning sailing yachts of the last two centuries. Sprinkle over some sportsmanship, a dose of fighting spirit, add a pinch of gentleman's attitude and you'll have the perfect recipe of the 2014 Régates Royales de Cannes – Trophée Panerai.
From September 20 to 28 more than one hundred classic boats and Dragons, typifying the belle époque of yachting, will race for victory. From Il Moro di Venezia to Manitou, from Wings to the oldest entry, Nan of Fife, every historical moment will be fully represented in Cannes.
The line-up of the 2014 des Régates Royales de Cannes – Trophée Panerai is the perfect image of what yachting has been able to create since the end of the 19th century. A multifaceted show that fits perfectly with the spirit of the Régates. Each and every boat is the result of a designer's and a shipyard's work of art and craftsmanship, the result of an owner's passion to maintain and sail one of these beautiful jewels.
There are plenty of great stories but Manitou's is unique. The 64' yawl was called the “floating White House”, a charming yacht President John Fitzgerald Kennedy used to sail with and to invite special guests onboard, such as Marilyn Monroe… This yacht, an icon of a golden bygone era, has now become a regular in the Mediterranean waters.
Another fascinating tale is that of Alcyon's, a 9,5 metre long boat that, despite being a modern build, is the exact replica of the one that back in 1871 dominated the racing scene on the Cote d'Azur, with its powerful, fast and incredibly modern design for that time. The boat today is owned and passionately cared for by Edith Frilet, the niece of her first owner. From a different time and with a more contemporary style, the 8 M France will have to get absolutely the best of her racing qualities to try and steal victory against two other famous 8M, Carron 2 and Saskia.
Classic yacht lovers will have more chance to feed their passion, watching big and magnificent boats like Dorade, Altaïr, Elena of London, Mariquita, Moonbeam 4, who this year celebrates her 100th anniversary, Oiseau de Feu or Rowdy, Shamrock, Veronique and Wings. “These beautiful boats come back once more to highlight the natural charm of the Bay of Cannes, offering a true spectacle and a pleasure for the eye.” comments Jacques Flori, President of the Yacht Club de Cannes.
This year will also mark the return of the 12M to Cannes. “We are happy to welcome back the 12M, the old but classy America's Cup boats, their racing is always so spectacular and action packed.” Says Gérard Pascalini Managing officer of the Société des Régates de Cannes. And indeed, with Ikra, Trivia, Vanity V, Vim and Wings on the water the show is guaranteed.
Let's start!
The Dragon class will boast a top-level lineup too this year, with many European and International stars entered to race on the Régates Royales de Cannes. 2013 winner Gavia Wilkinson Cox from the UK on Jerboa will no doubt wish to step up high on the podium, fencing off her fiercest competitors such as Ar Yuleg, Cloud or Annapurna, who will be up for the fight.
With more than 40 entries, the race area be centre stage for incredible battles where consistency, skill and tactics will be at stake for a win. After a very positive debut last year, Mauritius the tropical island in the Indian Ocean, will once again celebrate a special day on Friday, while Thursday will fly the colours of Eutelsat, sponsor of the day.
Save the date for September 23 for the first warning signals offshore and the yachts as they dock out and dock in along the Quai at the Vieux Port of Cannes.
