YCM members were honoured at the Porquerolle’s Classic. For its 23rd edition, one of the largest classic boat Mediterranean events attracted a record fleet of 65 boats to Hyères’ deepwater bay. Among them was Bart Weduwer’s Encounter who clinched a fine 2nd place in the Classic Marconi R, while Patrick Boccard’s Lys finished 8th in the Classic Marconi A.
This 2026 edition did not go to plan. After several days of preparations in the port of Porquerolles, the crews had to wait patiently before being able to race. From the first day, a 30-knot strong Mistral forced the Race Committee to cancel scheduled races.
Crew safety and preserving these heritage vessels naturally took precedence. They had to wait for the next day before the fleet finally set sail.
When the wind finally played ball it was a magical sight. Under clear blue skies and the famous Mediterranean light, the 65 participating boats completed a full circumnavigation of Porquerolles Island on a 13.2 nautical mile course.
Next day, a light southerly breeze allowed a final coastal race off the island. In the end, two races were enough to separate a particularly strong fleet of some of the most beautiful classic yachts in the Mediterranean.
In the Classic Marconi R category, Encounter helmed by Yacht Club de Monaco’s Bart Weduwer finished an excellent 2nd place out of seven competing. A result that was achieved in a category where gaps remained tight to the end of the event.
In the Classic Marconi A category, Patrick Boccard’s Lys was 8th in a fleet of a dozen boats after two days of racing in very different conditions.
Launched in 2003 to mark the centenary of Moonbeam of Fife, the Porquerolle’s Classic has established itself as a major gathering on the Mediterranean classic boat circuit. This 2026 edition was part of the Yacht Club de Porquerolles 40th anniversary and confirmed its popularity with a record attendance.
The Porquerolle’s Classic showcased YCM members at a gathering where sporting performance combines with preserving maritime heritage. Between the elegance of the yachts, the quality of the fleet and a beautiful race area, the Porquerolle’s Classic continues to be one of the most popular events of the classic boat season, after Monaco Classic Week (8-11 September 2027), a biennial event highlighting traditional yachting and organised since 1994 by YCM.
Share:
