Argentario Sailing Week the Grandes Dames return to Tuscany. 36 Classic Yachts to race in Porto Santo Stefano from 15 to 19 June 2022

After a two-year forced break, the magic of the not-to-be missed event for classic and vintage yachts returns to Porto Santo Stefano. The final preparations are underway to celebrate the 21st edition of Argentario Sailing Week organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano and by the Municipality of Monte Argentario that will begin on Wednesday 15 June and wrap up on Sunday 19 June 2022.

36 boats from 8 countries have registered, 14 of which are debutantes for the first time. The fleet of Classic Yachts will finally be able to enjoy – once again – 4 days of racing in the pristine waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea with the islands of Giglio, Montecristo and Elba as a stunning backdrop. For lovers of sailing and beauty, this is an unmissable opportunity to admire up close 117 years of sailing history ranging from 1903 with formidable Scud designed by Nathaniel Herreshoff and owned by Patrizio Bertelli, to Golfo Misitco designed by Giovanni Ceccarelli and launched in 2020.

For the extended crew “family”, for the community of Porto Santo Stefano and for all sailing enthusiasts, this edition of Argentario Sailing Week represent a chance to renew old friendships created over the years and to forge new ones. An opportunity to cross bows and round marks on the Argentario Bay and then later to meet on the quay to share a laugh and good times. For Porto Santo Stefano and for its surrounding territory, the Argentario Sailing Week marks a milestone in the restart of tourist-accommodation activities thanks to the influx of over 1,000 visitors, many of whom from foreign countries.

As always, the Grandes Dames of the Sea will be moored in Pilarella, the ancient port of Porto S. Stefano, where tourists and enthusiasts can admire the yachts up close moored along, he pier promenade.

Making their debut in the Vintage class at Argentario Sailing Week Scud owned by Patrizio Bertelli, designed by Herreshoff nel 1903, with legendary Torben Grael calling tactics, Recluta, designed by German Frers in 1944 with the entire Frers family racing on-board, mysterious Sumurun (William Fife William III–1914), and La Spina, the  first Italian 12 m S.I. designed by Vincenzo Baglietto in 1929.The yachts making their debut in the Classic class are Artica II of the Marina Militare Italiana (1956–Illingworth & Laurent), Grifone also of the Italian Navy (1963) and Crivizza designed by Alan Buchanan (1966).In the Swan class, Dream (1976), Outrageous (1979) e Tikka III (1970), all designed by Sparkman & Stevens, are participating in the Tuscan event for the first time.In the Spirit of Tradition class, Argentario Sailing Week 2022 welcomes Albelimar III, designed by Carlo Sciarrelli (1977), Midva, (Ron Holland – 1982) and Golfo Mistico designed by Giovanni Ceccarelli and owned by Aldo Ferruzzi (2020).

In the Vintage class, Argyll (1948-Sparkman&Stephens), Barbara (1923-Charles Nicholson), Chinook (1916-Herreshoff), Chips (1913- Burgess W. Starling), Comet (1946-Sparkman&Stevens), Hallowe’en (1926–William Fife III), Manitou (1937-Sparkman&Stephens), Marga (1910-Liljiegren), Olympian (1913-Gardner), Rowdy (1916-Herreschoff), Skylark of 1937 (1937-Sparkman&Stevens), Stormy Weather of Cowes (1934-Sparkman & Stephens) and Varuna (1939-Sparkman&Stevens) return to race once again in the Argentario Gulf.

Among the Classics, Il Moro di Venezia I (1975–German Frers), Eloisa (1970-Beconcini), Galahad (1962 – Morgan), Jo-Ir II (Valdettaro-1972) and Voscià (1959-Sparkman&Stevens) are back again, whilst Ojalà II (1973–Sparkman&Stephens) will be racing in the Swan class.

Last but not least, Hanni II (2013-Hoek), Tintagel (1994–Hoek Design) and Toi e Moi (2018 – Dykstra) are back in the Spirit of Tradition class.

For the 2022 edition, the Argentario Sailing Week fleet will be divided into four categories: Vintage (wooden or metal yachts built before 1950), Classics (wooden or metal yachts built before 1976), Spirit of Tradition, and S&S Swan belonging to the S&S Swan Association.

2022 AWS Program

Wednesday 15 June – Reserved for registration and measurement. In the evening, the Argentario Sailing Week welcome cocktail will take place at the Yacht Club Santo Stefano.

Thursday 16 June – The Mayor of Monte Argentario will greet all participants at 8.30 at the Town Hall before the Skippers’ briefing. Following the first scheduled regatta and the return to the Beer Party at the Race Village.

Friday 17 June – Skipper briefing, followed by regattas. In the evening, the Spanish Fortress built in the 18th Century overlooking the Argentario Bay will provide a magical setting for the crew dinner organized by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano starting at 8 p.m.

Saturday 18 June – Skipper briefing at 9 a.m. Racing followed by Beer Party at the racing village

Sunday 19 June – 9.00 am skipper briefing, followed by racing. Prize Giving Ceremony 2022 at the Race Village (6 p.m.) followed by a Farewell Cocktail.