There are boats that need no introduction. Just see them entering the harbor, recognize their lines, sense from afar that mix of elegance and substance that has made Grand Soleils a central name in Italian sailing. On June 13 and 14, in Portopiccolo-Sistiana, the Grand Soleil Vintage Cup-which the Giornale della Vela follows closely because it is an initiative that, like our VELA Cups, celebrates and brings many Classic Boats (the boats more than 25 years old) -brings all this back to the water with a weekend that brings together passion for the sea, beauty and a desire to sail.
Grand Soleil Vintage Cup: don’t call it nostalgia
The Grand Soleil Vintage Cup is now in its fourth edition and has now carved out a definite place among the most recognizable events on the Adriatic. The reason is simple: it doesn’t just gather historic boats, but turns each edition into a small celebration of sailing, where the past doesn’t sit still on the dock and instead returns to move and be admired.
It is not just a sail, nor is it just a gathering. Rather, it is a meeting between owners and iconic hulls, where the passion for the sea is intertwined with the value of memory and the pleasure of seeing again in the water lines that have been able to cross the decades without losing charm. All series Grand Soleils produced by the Cantiere del Pardo to before 2000 can participate.
At the heart of the event remain the Grand Soleils that have built the shipyard’s history, with an expanded fleet that this year also welcomes GS 40 Paperini, GS 45 J&V, GS 50 J&V and GS 56 Briand. Hulls that have consolidated the brand’s prestige and still impress with their proportions, character and design quality.
Two days, two sailings
At sea, the program includes two sailings, one on Saturday, June 13, and one on Sunday, June 14, on courses of about 10 miles. On land, however, the weekend retains its festive dimension, including crew reception, event packet, Saturday night dinner and final toast.
It is precisely this balance between sailing and atmosphere that makes the Grand Soleil Vintage Cup something different from a simple outing on the water. Sails and maneuvers count here, of course, but so does the gaze: that of those observing a fleet composed of hulls that are thirty, sometimes forty years old, and still in splendid shape, often enhanced by careful refits and by owners capable of guarding their character and identity.
Participate, rather than sign up
The setting of the event also tells well of the spirit in which it was conceived. In fact, a complete formula is planned , including both sailings, the event package, mooring at the Portopiccolo Marina and Saturday night dinner for owner and crew, alongside a one-day formula for those who prefer to take part in only one race.
It is a smart way to open the event to different needs without losing quality in hosting. In fact, entries for the full formula are limited to 30 boats, while there is no limit for daily participation.
Published by giornaledellavela.com
