Heading south, bound for Capraia island

April 6, 2016 - On 10th June, a fleet of Classic and Vintage Yachts will sail the blue water Social Regatta organized by A.I.V.E. from the Gulf of La Spezia, heading for Capraia, about 60 nm away. The starting line is at Isola del Tino, near Portovenere. Depending on the weather conditions, the Race Committee will make a decision between a straight shorter course or a longer one leaving the Giraglia Rock on the port side. Yachts are expected to cross the arrival line in Capraia overnight between Friday and Saturday. Here all yachts will benefit from free mooring up until Sunday, 12th June. From 6th June all the Yachts participating in the race will be hosted for free in the beautiful Portovenere harbour, courtesy of A.I.V.E and the harbour management.

In the event of severe weather conditions, the race will be sailed in the waters of the Gulf of La Spezia, and the off-shore course will be replaced by two (short course) races. This will be yet one more “classic” event in the series of events dedicated to Vintage and Classic Yachts which have been a feature of the more than thirty-year history of A.I.V.E. (established 1982). THE YACHTS A.I.V.E. Regata Sociale is reserved for Vintage Yachts (launched before December 31 1949) and Classic Yachts (launched between 1950 and 1975).

 Depending on the number of entries in each category, further groups may be established. All entries received before May 27 will benefit from a reduced entry fee. In the event of late entries, mooring in Portovenere cannot be guaranteed. Yachts over a century old have taken part in this race, as well as many-times winners from courses all over the world; yachts designed by the best designers of their time and built by boatyards such as Fife, Camper & Nicholson, Herreshoff and others. The Italian Navy, one of the founders of A.I.V.E. and its Vice-President, have always participated in the race, while several Navy Classic Yachts have crews formed of Naval Academy Cadets.