Historical notes. The Vintage Sails Meeting of Imperia was born in 1986 and, in time, it has become one of the most important and prestigious events of the international sailing calendar.
The first 8 editions took place every year while, starting from 1994, the meeting became biennial.
In 2001, in order not to have to wait for two years, Assonautica Provinciale of Imperia organized the Vintage Motor Yacht Meeting, that had a wide success and is being repeated in 2003, when Assonautica will be helped, as patronizing body, by the Italian Yacht Club (the relevant press release of January 30 is available), thanks to the recent meeting had with its top managers.
This 2002 edition of the Vintage Sails Meeting of Imperia, organized in collaboration with Aive (Associazione Italiana Vele d'Epoca - Italian Vintage Yacht Association), has got the contribution and support of Region Liguria, Province and Town of Imperia, Chamber of Commerce of Imperia, Prefecture of Imperia and Riviera dei Fiori Agency for Tourism Promotion, with the collaboration of Tourist Office "Riviera dei Fiori" for Tourism Promotion, Imperia Mare S.p.A., C.I.M. (Comité International de la Méditerranée) and the contribution of the Foundation of Cassa di Risparmio of Genoa and Imperia and the technical servicing of Circolo Velico Imperiese (Sailing Club of Imperia) and Lega Navale Italiana (Italian Naval League).

The scenery. Background of the event is the quay of Anselmi Wharf, the commercial harbour of Imperia Porto Maurizio, in the characteristic district of Borgo Marina. In the same days of the meeting, Imperia offers collateral events in other places of the town, in addition to the traditional visit of the Naval Museum and the Olive Museum of firm Fratelli Carli.

Participation. The event is reserved to vintage (built before 1950) and classic yachts (built between 1950 and 1976), as well as to those classes, including 12-meter S.I. class, participating in the epoch-making challenges of America's Cup and "spirit of tradition" yachts. In addition to exhibiting all their beauty and charm, at the wharf, the yachts will be engaged, from Thursday 12 to Saturday 14, in some regattas valid for the Prada Trophy. More than 100 yachts were present at Imperia during the two latest editions of the Meeting. This sensational target is expected to be achieved this year too.

Programme and events. As usual, the programme of the five-day event of Imperia is very rich. The wharf will contain exhibitions, stands and commercial areas reserved to sponsors and partners. Every evening, music, cabaret and fashion shows and other events will take place in the specially-intended area. Famous personalities of the culture, politics, sport and show world are expected to take part, as special guests, in the Meeting. For general information, the programme of what is going to happen on the wharf is available. Other important rendezvous will be organized in other strategic places of the town. Other initiatives involving shops and restaurants of Imperia have being studied.

Photographic contest. A photographic contest too is organized on the occasion of the Vintage Sails Meeting of Imperia, the subject of the contest being the same event. The contest is subdivided into two sections (colour prints and black-and-white prints); moreover, a special section called "Vele e dintorni" is foreseen. Further information will be given later on this site.

Dedication. Starting from 1996, the Vintage Sails Meeting of Imperia had been dedicated every year to an architect or a naval design study. After honouring famous foreign professionals in the three previous editions, this year the shipyards operating at the beginning of the 20th century are going to be celebrated. They are Shipyards "Baglietto" of Varazze, "Bava" of Genoa Sturla, "Beltrami" of Vernazzola (Genoa) and "Costaguta" of Genoa Voltri.

Postage stamp. The 2002 edition, 12th of the series, is going to be celebrated also by the issuing of a special postage stamp. The decision, taken by the Council of Ministers, ensures additional prestige to the event. For this purpose, for further information, see the relevant press release dated December 13th.
As usual, Italian Mail clerks will carry out the official stamp cancellation at a special stand located on the wharf.

More information: info@veledepoca.com
Phone 39.0183.793262 (Office of Assonautica Provinciale)

Information of Prada Challenge for Classic Yachts 2002:
www.yacht-club-monaco.mc - www.cim-classicyachts.org