It is one of the most prestigious sailing events in Liguria and the Mediterranean, and from 11 to 15 September will draw thousands of professionals, enthusiasts and the simply curious to Imperia. The Imperia International Sailing Week, better known as Vele d’Epoca di Imperia, an unforgettable experience featuring a blend of captivating classic boats, sea, flavours and colours.

Absolute protagonists, the Great Queens of the sea, fleets of amazing vintage boats, some built over a hundred years ago, but no less able to take part in breathtaking challenges.   

Moored on the docks in Porto Maurizio, these masterpieces of boat building – divided between vintage yachts (built before 1950), classic yachts (built between 1950 and 1976), “Spirit of Tradition” boats, replicas, tall ships and classic IORs – will battle it out in a total of four spectacular regattas, scheduled for September 12, 13, 14 and 15. Also taking place over the same days, the Coppa Imperia 2024, which will see the legendary 8M-SIs, International Eight Meter Class, compete, famous for having been an Olympic class from London 1908 to Berlin 1936.

The regatta on Sunday 15 will be preceded by the Grande Parata Sails Show in front of the Molo Lungo in Porto Maurizio and followed by the awards ceremony.

There are also many side events – from themed exhibitions held in the Naval Museum and Planetarium, Villa Grock (Clown Museum), the  Imperia Castle Gallery, Villa Faravelli and the new Expo Salso covered square at the Porto Maurizio Marina, to a fireworks display on the night of Saturday 14, starting at 10.45 pm.

Vele d’Epoca di Imperia is also an unmissable opportunity to taste local delicacies such as Pissalandrea, the Imperia version of the famous Sardenaira focaccia, or a slice of Carpasina bread seasoned with a drizzle of oil, the yellow gold of the Imperia area.

(ph. Martina Orsini, Loris Pozzetto)