Imperia's waterfront is about to host a slice of America's Cup history. The 12 Metre World Championship kicks off ten days of racing that culminate in the 40th anniversary of Le Vele d'Epoca, the Italian port's classic yacht regatta.
Running from 28 August to 6 September at Calata Anselmi, the anniversary edition has been extended and expanded by the Comune di Imperia and Assonautica Imperia, alongside the yacht clubs of Imperia and Sanremo. Organisers are calling it the biggest edition yet.
The 12 Metre International Rule World Championship runs 28 August to 1 September, and the entry list reads like a roll call of Cup history. Patrizio Bertelli, the Prada boss and Luna Rossa patron, will helm Kookaburra II, the reigning world champion, with veteran Tommaso Chieffi in the cockpit. Maurizio Vecchiola will sail the sister boat Kookaburra III. Both yachts featured in the 1987 Fremantle finals.
Other legends on the entry list include KZ5, Kiwi Magic, France, French Kiss and South Australia, names that will resonate with Kiwi sailing fans given Kiwi Magic's own Cup pedigree. Older boats Emilia, Vanity and Thea won't race but will sit on the dock for the crowds to admire.
The Italian Navy training ship Palinuro will be open to visitors, joining other tall ships on the racecourse including Stella Polare.
Mauro Pelaschier, former Azzurra helmsman, is the event's official godfather this year. He'll appear at prizegivings, the opening ceremony on 1 September, the Saturday elegance parade, and several stage talks through the week.
Ashore, the Lounge area in front of the Planetario becomes the social hub, running music, food and talks most evenings. Friday 28 August opens with a Tech House DJ set. Wednesday 2 September brings journalist Fabio Pozzo interviewing Pelaschier, followed by Lucia Pozzo discussing her life at sea and the charity voyage of Lilli II in support of AIRC.
Friday 4 September sees Pozzo return to discuss sailing greats including Cino Ricci, Simone Bianchetti and Francesca Clapcich, before a disco night with DJ Prezioso, DJ Cerla and DJ Luca Testa.
Saturday 5 September closes with the elegance parade, prizegiving, and a fireworks display choreographed to music at 10.45pm, followed by a concert from Cosimo & The Hot Coals.
Mayor Claudio Scajola said Imperia is "ready to become the sailing capital" for the ten days, calling the event a preview of the atmosphere ahead of next year's America's Cup in Naples. Assonautica president Biagio Parlatore noted entries for Vele d'Epoca have topped 60, with four 12 Metres already on the dock and more arriving shortly.
