—
It is in their setting of LโEsplanade Saint-Jaume, in the shadow of the ramparts of Old Antibes and just a few meters from the famous Billionaires’ Quay, that from June 3 to 7, 2015, Les Voiles dโAntibes will welcome for their 20th Edition, the most beautiful Traditional Yachts in the World for the opening of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.
Organized at the very start of the season, Les Voiles dโAntibes โ Trophรฉe Panerai annually hosts a selection of the most beautiful Vintage Yachts (built before 1950), Classic Yachts (built before 1976), and Spirit of Tradition Yachts, as well as Metric Classes (6, 8, and 12 MJI, contenders for the Americaโs Cup from 1958 to 1987), which have shaped, since the end of the 19th century, the great history of International Yachting and its values of fair play, solidarity, and respect.
Appreciated for the quality of its regattas, along the 23 km of coastline between the bays of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, Les Voiles dโAntibes โ Trophรฉe Panerai is undoubtedly one of the flagship events on the Mediterranean circuit.
Created in 1996, Les Voiles dโAntibes is the first Regatta of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, where adventure and luxury combine in a sporting and convivial tradition. For most participants, this prestigious gathering represents the first major rendezvous of the Mediterranean season.
Participants are renewed each year around a core group of mythical boats such as Moonbeam, Cambria, Mariquita, Mariska, Stormy Weather, Bona Fide, Halloweโen, Oiseau de Feu, Outlaw, Adria, Lulu, which have long been present at all the regattas. Additionally, every year, new boats appear on the circuit. They emerge from recent restorations or renovations.
Les Voiles dโAntibes were created in 1995 at the initiative of Frank Covat, a professional Skipper, and Thierry Piel and Maurice Carette, Merchants of the Port of Antibes.
With the support of Jacques Grima and the Antibes Tourist Office, the first edition took place from June 7 to 9, 1996, on the Welcome Quay in front of the Harbor Master’s Office. The success of this first edition (with around fifteen yachts registered) led to a public desire to continue this organization.
From 2007 onwards, Les Voiles dโAntibes decided to exclusively welcome yachts measured by the International Committee of the Mediterranean (C.I.M.).
Reaching a record of 83 yachts in 2014, more than 800 sailors, and over 15,000 visitors every year, in 20 years, Les Voiles dโAntibes has hosted more than 270 different Yachts with over 5,000 crew members from 53 different nationalities who have participated in more than 70 races, more than 200,000 visitors, more than 1,000 volunteers, more than 50 Official Partners, more than 50 music groups.
