The last day of the 35th edition of the Régates Royales – Panerai Trophy, this Saturday was marked by a shake-up in the overall rankings in many classes. Ea, Chinook, Skylark of 1937, Sirius, Catleya, and Moonbeam III clinched victories in the various classic monohull categories.
The award ceremony held at the village of the Royales concluded a beautifully orchestrated event, where competition and spirit were present throughout the week.
“Every day, the Yacht Club of Cannes made it a point to organize courses worthy of the competitors’ level, and the goal for 2014 is to welcome even more participants,” Jacques Flori, President of the Yacht Club of Cannes, told us.
In the Dragon class, Jerboa by Gavia Wilkinson – Cox achieved the incredible feat of making a comeback and managed to narrowly triumph over the two Russian crews with class. Slim and Marsh Harrier took the lead in the Requin and BOD classes, respectively.
Some competitors did not expect this, but the rules of navigation can sometimes be harsh. In almost all categories of classic yachts, the leaders failed to maintain their positions.
In the Marconi Era, under 15 meters, thanks to today’s victory, Sirius managed to outperform Sonny by German Frers, despite being tied in points. The tie for first place was decided by the best rounds, two victories for Sirius, one for Sonny. Vagabundo II finished 7 points behind the two leaders and secured third place.
In the same category but for sailboats over 15 meters, Skylark of 1937, winner of today’s race, maintained its first place with an 8-point lead over Leonore and 10 over Rowdy, who was unable to make up its 9-point deficit.
In the Classic category, despite a 10th place finish, Ea managed to retain its first place in the overall ranking ahead of Arcadia, which could not close the gap, and Sagittarius.
Consistently performing throughout the week and much more at ease towards the end with two consecutive victories, Chinook, the new NY 40 by Graham Walker, claimed victory in the Aurique Era category. The American Oriole and the Spanish Eva, tied in points, occupied the second and third places, respectively.
In the Spirit of Tradition, the French sailboat Catleya took the victory ahead of Freya 2003 and Savannah. Wianno, the leader all week, unfortunately suffered a collision today and lost any chance of winning.
In the Big Boat class, Moonbeam III, displaying a very strong week, clinched victory amidst formidable competition. Moonbeam IV and Mariska completed the podium.
With two second-place finishes in the last races, allowing her to tie in points with the Russian Dragon Integrity, Gavia Wilkinson – Cox on Jerboa still managed to claim victory thanks to her two wins during the week. Annapura, last year’s winner, completed this podium.
In the BOD group, Marsh Harrier by James Tubby was the most consistent this week and with 24 points finished just ahead of Guillemot by Stuart Rix.
In the Requin class, Slim by Antoine Pecheur secured victory with a one-point lead over Daniela.
Bateaux Awards: Four awards were presented tonight by the event’s partner, the magazine Bateaux.
Heritage Prize: Sagittarius for the beautiful story of the Laffitte family with this monohull.
Passion Prize: Yves Laurent on Nin and his passion for his centenary sailboat.
Elegance Prize: Oiseau de Feu, classified as a historic monument and the first 12mJI built for offshore racing.
Favorite Prize: Slim in the Requin category.
