Argentario Sailing Week 2022: Hamburg-based company wins Italian classic regatta

After two years of abstinence due to the pandemic, the 21st Argentario Sailing Week took place from 15 to 19 June. Thirty-six classic sailors from eight different countries were registered to compete in fantastic conditions.

From a German perspective, Hamburg-based owner Jens Kellinghusen (NRV) was particularly successful, securing victory in the "Vintage Marconi" class with his "Varuna of 1939". In winds of around 15 knots, he was able to take the lead from the second day onwards and did not relinquish this position until the end.

Kellinghusen was delighted with the classic event. "The Argentario Sailing Week offers technically demanding regatta conditions, a breathtaking backdrop and the best ice in the world!" says the experienced offshore sailor, who has owned the Yawl since 2019. After purchasing her, he had her refitted to authentically restore her to her original condition.

One of the stars in the field of participants was undoubtedly the successful Argentinian yacht designer Germán Frers with his newly built replica of the "Recluta", which was built in 1943. The 67-foot ketch is a real rarity and has a long history behind it. The original from 1901 was wrecked in 1942 during the South Atlantic Ocean Regatta. The new building, which was planned and drawn shortly afterwards, was never built - until Germán Frers digitised his father's drawings in 2016 and finally had a new "Recluta" built.

After a shortage of resources caused by the world war, the design was forgotten over the years. It took a whole 77 years from the plan to the actual completion in a slightly modified form. Since last year, she can also be seen at classic regattas; Frers sailed against Kellinghusen's "Varuna of 1939" at the Voiles de St. Tropez last year and finished in third place behind the German. In her debut this year at the Argentario Sailing Week, also in the class of yachts built before 1950, Frers finished in sixth place.

You will find a twelve-page report on the fascinating construction history of "Recluta" in the new YACHT classic 2/2022. You can order our collector's edition directly online (please here click!).

Click here to go to the organiser's website (click)