12TH Viareggio Gathering of historic sailboats

September 5, 2016 - More than a dozen vintage and classic boats have registered for the October 13-16 - 12th Viareggio Gathering of Historical Sailboats. Among them are the 8-meter international tonnage Margaret (1926), the Estella ketch (1946) and the Ilda (1946), celebrating their 90 to 70 years in age. Also participating are the fast one-tonner Ojalá (1973), the Bermuda Cutter Oenone (1935) and the Gometra, a Bermuda Sloop whose restoration was completed this year. This 13.20-meter boat was launched in 1925 by the Scottish shipyard Bute Slip Dock and was designed by Alfred Mylne. After sailing between Scotland and Cornwall, in 1939 it was chosen by Norway, prior to the Nazi invasion, to transfer the Norwegian Crown’s gold reserves to safety in Canada. It has been known as “The Gold Ship” ever after. Sent via cargo to Europe in 2006, it was purchased by the Milanese attorney Matteo Rossi, president of AIVE (Associazione Italiana Vele d’Epoca/Italian Vintage Sailboat Association), who commissioned shipwright Giovanni Ambrosetti to undertake its restoration in Liguria. Other important boats that have contributed significantly to the history of yachting are currently completing their registrations to guarantee a berth. For the second consecutive year the Viareggio Gathering of Historic Sailboats is holding the Sangermani Challenge for all vessels launched by the Sangermani shipyard and participating in the gathering. Last year the Valentina, a 1975 6-meter international tonnage class owned by the Pavese family of Milan won this prestigious trophy. The Valentina is participating again this year. The Onfale, a 1962 sloop, is participating for the first time. As in the past, Cesare Sangermani, the shipyard’s owner, will present the award. The other trophy challenge is dedicated to Admiral Florindo Cerri who died during last year’s gathering. This trophy will be awarded to the first boat to sail around the first regatta buoy.