Argentario Sailing Week 2025 at Yacht Club Santo Stefano - Day 0
by Joseph Sawyer 18 Jun 17:58 BST
18-25 June 2025
Historic boats have gathered in Porto Santo Stefano to take on the 24th edition of the prestigious Argentario Sailing Week, organised by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the tangible support of the Monte Argentario Municipal Council.
Following a warm, sunny Argentario welcome, crews stationed along Porto Santo Stefano's ancient Pilarella port (17th Century) spent a busy Day Zero completing their final checks and heading out to test the water, accompanied by a perfect summer breeze. All to be on top form for the first races, scheduled to kick off tomorrow 19th June, and the official start to the four-day regatta, where stunning historic yachts from 9 nations will bring the Porto Santo Stefano gulf and Talamone to life with vibrant sails and nail-biting competition.
The large, impressive fleet lining the gulf's port is split into the seven classes provided for in the regulations: Big Boats, Vintage, Vintage Marconi, Classic, Classic IOR, Spirit of Tradition and Cruising. Crews onboard and spectators ashore alike are guaranteed a thrilling spectacle in the Argentario's best season and typical idyllic weather conditions, framing the gulf's unique setting.
Piero Chiozzi, President of the Yacht Club Santo Stefano emphasises how "Once again, the winning strategy is teamwork, it is knowing every person involved is a fundamental piece of a single puzzle: from the passion of the owners to the professionalism of the crews, from the support from our fantastic sponsors to the tireless commitment of our team. I would like to thank Mayor Arturo Cerulli and the Monte Argentario municipal council for their patronage and concrete support, the many owners and their crews, the sponsors who have chosen to place their trust in our event, and of course our Board and Club staff who, coordinated by our sports director Marco Poma, share the common goal of contributing to the success that is the Argentario Sailing Week."
As is the case every year, the event is of keen strategic importance for the local territory, capable of generating value for the tourism-hospitality sector in terms of the area's image and the significant economic benefits that derive. Every year the event attracts a select international audience - including owners, crews, guests, media and sailing enthusiasts - contributing to generating high-level tourism in a period of the year that traditionally precedes the peak season.
A brimming events programme is also set to entertain ashore, starting today, Wednesday 18th June at 7:30 pm, with a Welcome Cocktail offered by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano in its spectacular venue overlooking the sea at sunset.
As for tomorrow's timetable, Thursday 19th June, at 8:30 am the Monte Argentario town hall will host the traditional official greeting by Mayor Arturo Cerulli, followed by the skippers' briefing. Next, depending on the weather, at 11:00 am the Racing Committee will give the go-ahead for the races to begin, and a gorgeous line-up of billowing sails crowning this year's classic yachts will enliven the stunning backdrop of the Argentario's shores. The traditional beer party at the Race Village will follow shortly after where crews will be able to unwind after the adrenaline of the day's races, followed by the Miramis Owners Cocktail Dinner at 8:30 pm. Another iconic evening event will be that of the Fortezza Spagnola crew's dinner, where guests will be treated to the unique experience of dining atop the ancient fortress, overlooking the incredible view of the entire Argentario gulf, while enjoying an exclusive menu by Riccardo Picchianti, Head Chef of the Yacht Club Santo Stefano.
Partners of the Argentario Sailing Week 2025
The 2025 edition is organised with the patronage and tangible support of the event's institutional partner Municipality of Monte Argentario, and with the contribution of high-end hospitality brand Miramis by Swedish group Qarlbo AB, independent multinational investment bank Jefferies Group LLC, Banca Patrimoni Sella & C., ColleMassari Wine Estates, Mureadritta and casual clothing company Sea Dog-NYL FTS.
The 2025 Argentario Sailing Week enjoys the patronage of the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Grosseto, the Municipality of Monte Argentario, the Italian Navy, the Italian Vintage Sailing Association and the International Mediterranean Classic Yachting Committee. In addition to its patronage, the Municipality of Monte Argentario also provides tangible support to the event.
The Argentario Sailing Week is one of ten regattas part of the 2025 International Mediterranean Classic Yachting Committee Championship (CIM)
This year will also see the "Trofeo Voscià - Giancarlo Lodigiani" challenge trophy, inspired by the memory of the late president of the Italian Vintage Sailing Association, Giancarlo Lodigiani. The trophy will be awarded to the Yawl-rigged yacht with the best score at the Argentario Saling Week.
The Argentario Sailing Week: a story of passion, tradition and success
The history of the Argentario Sailing Week begins in 1992, when a group of members of the Yacht Club Santo Stefano organised a regatta for classic yachts called Le Vele d'Argento (The Silver Sails). Over the years, the constant increase in registered boats, the area's hospitality and consistently favourable weather conditions eventually contributed to the event becoming a central date on the international calendar of classic and vintage yacht regattas. In 1999 the event took on the name we know today: Argentario Sailing Week, confirming its role as a high-profile regatta and, at the same time, as a moment of refined culture and hospitality, where passion, history and craftsmanship come together on the Mediterranean, in the sublime setting of Monte Argentario.
Event website: www.argentariosailingweek.it