Swaying masts, clinking halyards, gleaming woodwork, crew numbers and deck shoes bring in an early summer regatta atmosphere.
Be prepared for the great event! From Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 June, the finest traditional sailing boats built between the latter half of the 19th century and the end of the 20th will be in Marseille once again for the 12th edition of Voiles du Vieux-Port*. The event allows three classes of these mythic boats: “Period yachts”, built of wood or metal and launched before 31 December 1949; “Classic yachts”, also built of wood or metal and launched before 31 December 1975; and “Spirit of Tradition” yachts built since 1970 but in pure traditional style. Frédéric Berthoz, chair of the Voiles du Vieux-Port and the Association Française des Yachts de Tradition, says there are 200 such boats in the world, most of them based in the Mediterranean. Redolent of history, each one unique, these boats perpetuate the skills of boat builders and fitters, naval architects, owners and crews.
Plenty to do and see
For four days, from morning to night, the “Village” will have a host of surprises for visitors: encounters, entertainments, book signings, workshops for young and old, exhibitions, visits aboard the yachts and even discovery trips out to sea. And drinks and jazz in the evening. This 12th edition celebrates the centenary of the magnificent Moonbeam IV, the yacht where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco spent their honeymoon. Every year, this gem of a boat, still one of the largest in the contest at 35m long and 5.35m wide, ritually enters the harbour to the sound of bagpipes. Here’s betting that this summer, the whole band will be on deck to celebrate the centenary!
Du 19 au 22 juin 2014
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