- Tomorrow the 16th edition of the classic regatta by excellence sets sail: 50 boats and more than 400 sailors.
- Puig brings the most fascinating sailing boats back to the beaches of Barcelona, offering a unique spectacle to its citizens.
- Manitou: President Kennedy’s Oval Office at sea returns to sail in Catalan waters.
- Modern Classics and the Classic IOR new categories of the XVI Edition.
Tomorrow the long-awaited 16th edition of the Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona Regatta, the benchmark event for lovers of classic sailing in the Mediterranean, will begin. From 12 to 15 July, the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona and the Barcelona coast will be filled with history and charm with the presence of the most emblematic sailing yachts of more than 10 nationalities, authentic works of art of 19th and 20th century naval architecture, crewed by more than 400 sailors.
The Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona Regatta, consolidated as one of the main classic sailing events in the world, brings together the elite of classic sailing to showcase the beauty and elegance of these boats. Barcelona is the only international capital that hosts an event of this kind, and its national and international recognition has grown over the fifteen previous editions.
During three days, Barcelona’s citizens and visitors will be able to enjoy a unique maritime spectacle. The regatta will transform the Barcelona coastline into a stage of pure seafaring tradition, offering an experience rarely found in large capitals.
The power of sustainable classics
Fifty boats from different corners of the world will provide a solemn performance, highlighting the importance of respect for the environment and sustainability, values shared by Puig, the host and organiser of the event. The Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, in collaboration with the Catalan firm, has prepared everything to welcome this select fleet of classic yachts tomorrow.
In this 2023 the Big Boats return stronger than ever to Barcelona with an excellent participation of 6 boats, ensuring the greatest spectacle for the spectators who enjoy from the coasts of Barcelona: Belle Aventure (1929), Hallowe’en (1926), Mariska (1908), Nordwind (1939), Sunshine (1900 design)) and Viveka (1929). These boats were specially designed for millionaires such as JP Morgan, monarchs such as King Olaf of Norway, or the Navy School of the Third Reich.
Manitou: Kennedy president´s “White House” in the sea returns to the waters off Barcelona
Manitou, a historic sailing yacht with an impressive history, makes an exciting return to the Puig Vela Clàssica Barcelona Regatta. This yacht, commissioned in 1936 and built by renowned designer Olin Stephens in 1937, stands out for her timeless elegance and exceptional performance on the water. Known as President Kennedy’s “floating White House”, its interior houses numerous memories of personalities such as Marilyn Monroe. The Manitou has been meticulously restored for competition. With her gleaming white hull, fine lines and imposing sails, this yacht will captivate spectators with her presence and grace on every wave. Her return marks a special milestone in the competition, reaffirming her status as a true legend of classic sailing and promising an unforgettable spectacle at the Puig Regatta.
Belle Aventure: A treasure of classic sailing at the Puig Regatta
Belle Aventure, designed by William Fife III and built in 1929, is a world-renowned Big Boat. With her wooden hull and refined waterline, hallmarks of Fife’s designs, this 28.96-metre sailing yacht epitomises the style and elegance of the golden age of classic sailing. Meticulously restored over the years to preserve her original beauty and maintain her historical authenticity. With a rich history and exceptional heritage, the Belle Aventure has sailed the world’s seas, participating in numerous regattas and classic sailing events.
Admired for her elegant deck, exquisitely decorated interior and large sails, the Belle Aventure symbolises nautical craftsmanship and represents the passion for classic sailing. Participation in the regatta provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty and tradition that this boat represents.
An excellent weather forecast guarantees an unforgettable show
Regarding the weather forecast for the regatta, Enric Agud, TV3 meteorologist, confirms that this edition will be marked by high temperatures, with maximum values close to 30 degrees and a humid atmosphere.
As for the wind, on Thursday it will blow from the SSE with force 3 and peaks of 4, reaching 12 knots. On Friday, says Agud, a SW breeze of 210º could blow in at around 10-13 knots, the classic Barcelona breeze. And finally on Saturday, the last day of competition, a slightly lighter wind from the SE.
In general, stable weather, sunny with scattered clouds, low risk of showers and winds that augur a high-level competition.
Puig Vela Clàssica Regatta is renewed: New modalities and collaborations in the world of classic sailing
In this 16th edition, the Puig Vela Clàssica Regatta includes important new features in its organisation considering the increase in the number of participants and the addition of new modalities to classic sailing. For the first time, the Modern Classics and the Classic IOR will have their own classifications alongside the traditional Vintage, Classic and Big Boats classes.
The Puig Vela Clássica is part of the new CIM (International Committee for the Mediterranean) circuit, which includes the most important classic regattas in the Mediterranean. In Spain, in addition to the Puig Vela Clássica, the CIM circuit includes the Regata Illes Balears Clàssics of the Club de Mar Mallorca, and the Copa del Rey de Barcos Clássics in Mahón. Italy also organises three races: the Argentario Sailing Week, the Vele d’Epoca d’Imperia and the Raduno Vele Storiche, in Viareggio. Three other regattas are held on the French Mediterranean coast: the Voiles d’Antibes, the Régates Royales in Cannes and the Voiles de Saint-Tropez. The fourth organising country is the Principality of Monaco, which hosts the Monaco Classic Week. In the same order of collaboration between regattas to increase interest and participation in the world of classic sailing boats, in 2023 the new Puig Vela Clàssica- Régates Royales Challenge has been created (24 to 30 September) with a joint classification between the boats taking part in both events.
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