INTERNATIONAL SCHOONER ASSOCIATION FOUNDED

While classic schooners often participate in classic yacht regattas, they face the difficulty of having very different sailing characteristics compared with other classic yachts. This leaves them at a disadvantage under most current rating systems.

Which is why owners and enthusiasts of these vessels have just launched a new initiative – the formation of the International Schooner Association.

In late September the 40th edition of the Régates Royales in Cannes attracted what was possibly the greatest group of classic schooners gathered together in modern times. At a reception and dinner hosted by one of the vessel’s owners – Tomas de Vargas Machuca – owners or representatives of 10 schooners signed up to the launch of the new association.

The intention is for the association to run events specifically and exclusively for classic schooners. The hope is to build a programme and a series such that, as well as individual regatta prizes, there can be an annual perpetual trophy awarded to the ‘Schooner of the Year’.

Plans are afoot for the first event to be held in Capri next spring. The formation of the association is supported by the International Maxi Association, whose function is to guide, structure and encourage all types of maxi yacht racing.

These 10 founder members of the International Schooner Association are the owners of:

Invader 1905 Orion 1910 Mariette of 1915 Puritan 1931 Orianda 1937 Aschanti IV of Vegesack (1954) Elena of London 2009 (replica of 1910 design) Atlantic 2010 (replica of 1903 design) Germania Nova 2011 (replica of 1907 Germania) Naema 2013 (inspired by an Alfred Mylne design)