Classic yacht sailing in the sunny waters of Cannes

SEVENTY-NINE classic yachts profited from a whole week of summer-like conditions. This year’s regatta on the Cote d’Azur showed that classic yachting is alive and well, with many veterans, but also several new boats joining in for the first time.

The sight of so many vintage yachts sailing was a tonic for both spectators and crews who gain a great deal from the camaraderie of their fellow sailors, all fascinated by tackling the seas in their highly polished vessels.

In addition, some 40 dragon class boats competed in their own races and the winner was a German boat helmed by Michael Schmidt.

The Dragon was designed by Johan Anker in 1929. The original design had two berths and was ideally suited for cruising in his home waters of Norway. The boat quickly attracted owners and within 10 years it had spread all over Europe and has its own association.