THE ARGENTARIO SAILING WEEK 2025
A select world of sailing has gathered in Porto Santo Stefano, flying the flags of nine nations representing both sides of the Atlantic, showcasing the event’s prestige and reach.
Historic boats have gathered in Porto Santo Stefano to take on the 24th edition of the prestigious Argentario Sailing Week, organised by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the tangible support of the Monte Argentario Municipal Council. Following a warm, sunny Argentario welcome, crews stationed along Porto Santo Stefano’s ancient Pilarella port (17th Century) spent a busy Day Zero completing their final checks and heading out to test the water, accompanied by a perfect summer breeze. All to be on top form for the first races, scheduled to kick off tomorrow 19th June, and the official start to the four-day regatta, where stunning historic yachts from 9 nations will bring the Porto Santo Stefano gulf and Talamone to life with vibrant sails and nail-biting competition.
The large, impressive fleet lining the gulf’s port is split into the seven classes provided for in the regulations: Big Boats, Vintage, Vintage Marconi, Classic, Classic IOR, Spirit of Tradition and Cruising. Crews onboard and spectators ashore alike are guaranteed a thrilling spectacle in the Argentario’s best season and typical idyllic weather conditions, framing the gulf’s unique setting.
Piero Chiozzi, President of the Yacht Club Santo Stefano emphasises how “Once again, the winning strategy is teamwork, it is knowing every person involved is a fundamental piece of a single puzzle: from the passion of the owners to the professionalism of the crews, from the support from our fantastic sponsors to the tireless commitment of our team. I would like to thank Mayor Arturo Cerulli and the Monte Argentario municipal council for their patronage and concrete support, the many owners and their crews, the sponsors who have chosen to place their trust in our event, and of course our Board and Club staff who, coordinated by our sports director Marco Poma, share the common goal of contributing to the success that is the Argentario Sailing Week.”
As is the case every year, the event is of keen strategic importance for the local territory, capable of generating value for the tourism-hospitality sector in terms of the area’s image and the significant economic benefits that derive. Every year the event attracts a select international audience – including owners, crews, guests, media and sailing enthusiasts – contributing to generating high-level tourism in a period of the year that traditionally precedes the peak season.
A brimming events programme is also set to entertain ashore, starting today, Wednesday 18th June at 7:30 pm, with a Welcome Cocktail offered by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano in its spectacular venue overlooking the sea at sunset.
As for tomorrow’s timetable, Thursday 19th June, at 8:30 am the Monte Argentario town hall will host the traditional official greeting by Mayor Arturo Cerulli, followed by the skippers’ briefing. Next, depending on the weather, at 11:00 am the Racing Committee will give the go-ahead for the races to begin, and a gorgeous line-up of billowing sails crowning this year’s classic yachts will enliven the stunning backdrop of the Argentario’s shores. The traditional beer party at the Race Village will follow shortly after where crews will be able to unwind after the adrenaline of the day’s races, followed by the Miramis Owners Cocktail Dinner at 8:30 pm. Another iconic evening event will be that of the Fortezza Spagnola crew’s dinner, where guests will be treated to the unique experience of dining atop the ancient fortress, overlooking the incredible view of the entire Argentario gulf, while enjoying an exclusive menu by Riccardo Picchianti, Head Chef of the Yacht Club Santo Stefano.
