Vintage sails at the 4th Capraia Sail Rally.

Year after year the Capraia Sail Rally confirms itself as a must-attend event for all owners of vintage and classic sailboats eager to experience the sea far from the coast. Landing on an island using only the power of the wind has always exerted a unique charm. Thanks to the rally formula, a non-race yet competitive, participants reach the island of Capraia after a navigation that started by motor from their moorings in the Tyrrhenian Sea and continued by sail for the number of hours established by the organizers. A “multi-start” where each owner decides from which location to set sail towards the beautiful island of the Tuscan Archipelago. After the Ponte Vecchio Cup in Florence, the second season event for the Vele Storiche Viareggio Association is therefore represented by the fourth edition of the Capraia Sail Rally, scheduled from 6 to 8 June 2024. Registrations at the link https://velestoricheviareggio.org/iscrizione-capraia-sail-rally-2024/ .
On Friday, June 7th, the first race will take place on a coastal route, while the following day, Saturday, June 8th, is dedicated to a novelty. It is in fact a reverse race where each boat will start at a time established based on the handicap assigned by the organization. The aim is to reach the finish line as a fleet and create a very beautiful spectacle to watch not only for those who participate, but also for those who follow it from land. Detailed instructions will be provided to all participants in the coming days.
“About 25 boats have already registered”, said Gianni Fernandes President VSV, “some of which participate for the first time. Not only that. This year our member Roberto Giacinti organized with the Scuderia A. C. Biondetti Asd in Florence the Elegance Competition ‘Isola di Capraia’ in combination between vintage cars and boats, for a maximum of 10 vintage cars“. The Capraia Sail Rally is organized with the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, Province of Livorno, Municipality of Capraia Isola, FIV Federazione Italiana Vela, Coast Guard, AIVE Associazione Italiana Vele d’Epoca and the Nobile Ordine Marittimo Cavalieri di Capraia. Event sponsors include Frisbi natural energy, 4F Group, Cordificio Ferretti, Aubert Verniciature Yacht, Cantiere Del Carlo, Yacht Inox, AS Yacht Engineering Service, Porto di Pisa, Formula Mare, veleria Millenium, resins Cecchi “10 10 CFS”, Versilia Marine Service, U-Safe and local producers La Piana, Arura Azienda Agricola, Il Saracello, Birrificio Ortigrandi, Azienda Agricola San Rocco. Event partners are Navigo, Lamma Meteo, Navionics, Scuderia A. C. Biondetti Asd, Sacomar Yacht Agency, CHOFA, VMB Yachts, Vela Tradizionale, Marina di Capraia Isola.

THE PROGRAM OF THE 4th CAPRAIA SAIL RALLY

Thursday, June 6, 2024

• Free navigation from the ports of the Tyrrhenian Sea to Capraia with the “multi-start” formula
• Moor at Marina di Capraia and establishment of the Floating Museum of Vele Storiche Viareggio
• 6 pm (Casa dei Cavalieri): awarding of the Ordine Marittimo Cavalieri di Capraia Challenge Trophy
• Welcome cocktail

Friday, June 7, 2024

• Development of the first FIV race on a coastal route. Return to Marina di Capraia.
• 6:15 pm: arrival in Capraia of the ship from Livorno with vintage cars
• 8 pm: dinner and music for car/boat crews at Sala Ipogea (Via Dè Mari 22, Capraia)

Saturday, June 8, 2024

• Development of the second FIV race on a coastal route. Return to Marina di Capraia.
• 12-1 pm: vintage car regularity test
• 5 pm (Casa dei Cavalieri): awarding of sports events, “Concorso Eleganza Isola di Capraia” and “Best of Show”. Followed by farewell cocktail
• 6:45 pm: ferry departure with vintage cars and arrival at the port of Livorno at 9.30 pm

Sunday, June 9, 2024

• Sail-rally (optional) Capraia – Porto Azzurro (Isola d’Elba), with hospitality in the port by the municipal administration and Sacomar Yacht Agency
• Possible departure of boats from Capraia to their own moorings