PANERAI CLASSIC YACHTS CHALLENGE 2018
ALL SET FOR THE 14TH EDITION OF THE RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT OF REGATTAS RESERVED TO CLASSICAL YACHTS. STARTING OFF IN FRANCE WITH LES VOILES D’ANTIBES IN LATE MAY, THE SEASON WILL END IN CANNES WITH LES RÉGATES ROYALES.
The grand season of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, the most widely recognized international circuit of regattas reserved to classical and vintage yachts, is about to begin. As for the past years, the 14th edition will host a rich programme, featuring ten regattas around the most fascinating Mediterranean destinations and along the shores of New England, in the US. Officine Panerai renews its international commitment to classic sailing, a truly exclusive community bringing together sailing enthusiasts from across the world sharing their passion for the sea and the respect for traditions. Every leg of the season becomes a showcase for the “great ladies” of the sea adding touches of colour to the docks and shores hosting the circuit.
By tradition, the 2018 programme of Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge consists of two circuits: the Mediterranean Circuit, with regattas in Antibes (France), Porto Santo Stefano (Italy), Imperia (Italy) and Cannes (France). In 2017 Hallowe’en, Linnet and Ganbare won the coveted trophy, adding their name to the list of winners. On the other side of the Atlantic, Sonny and Valiant were the winners of the North American Circuit, with regattas in Marblehead, Newport, Nantucket and Bristol.
The legendary Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes, Isle of Wight, will complete the event’s calendar. Falling outside the other two circuits for geographical reasons, this spectacular regatta in the Solent waters sees dozens of sailing yachts compete in a solemnly dignified atmosphere. Once again, the undisputed protagonist of the Mediterranean Circuit will be Eilean, the Bermudian ketch purchased and restored by Officine Panerai in 2006, now acting as international ambassador of classic sailing and of the annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives supported by Panerai, in cooperation with not-for-profit organizations.
The Antibes opening regatta will see the participation of Moonbeam IV, recently purchased by the shipowner
of Amadour. Eager to conquer the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge title, Moonbeam will throw down the gauntlet to all racers, including old-time friends of the circuit Santana, Dorade, Stormy Weather, Enterprise and Comet.
Furthermore, Panerai has just announced another unmissable season appointment for all classic sailing enthusiasts: the Panerai Transat Classique 2019, a transatlantic regatta for vintage sailing yachts from Lanzarote to Christophe Harbour in St Kitts. The yachts will gather on 8 January 2019 in Arrecife, the island’s capital town, and will sail on to Christophe Harbour in the Lesser Antilles.
As the first leg of this exciting season begins, we look forward to closely following every single regatta and discovering the heroes of the sea. See you in Antibes!
2018 CALENDAR
LES VOILES D’ANTIBES
May 30th – June 3rd, 2018
ARGENTARIO SAILING WEEK
June 13th – 17th, 201
PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK – BRITISH CLASSIC YACHT CLUB
14th – 21st July, 2018
MARBLEHEAD CORINTHIAN CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA
August 11th – 12th, 2018
NANTUCKET REGATTA
August 17th – 18th, 2018
NANTUCKET OPERA HOUSE CUP
August 19th, 2018
BRISTOL HERRESHOFF CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA
August 24th, 2018
NEWPORT CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA PRESENTED BY IYRS
August 25th – 26th, 2018
VELE D’EPOCA DI IMPERIA
September 5th – 9th, 2018
CANNES, RÉGATES ROYALES
September 24th – 29th, 2018
OFFICINE
PANERAI
Founded in Florence in 1860 as a workshop, shop and school of watch-making, for many decades Officine Panerai supplied the Italian Navy in general, and its specialist diving corps in particular, with precision instruments. The designs developed by Panerai in that time, including the Luminor and Radiomir, were covered by the Military Secrets Act for many years and were launched on the international market only after the brand was acquired by the Richemont Group in 1997. Today Officine Panerai develops and crafts its movements and watches at its Neuchâtel manufacture. The latter are a seamless melding of Italian design flair and history with Swiss horological expertise. Panerai watches are sold across the world through an exclusive network of distributors and Panerai boutiques.
PANERAI CLASSIC
YACHTS CHALLENGE
In honour of its historic links to the sea, Officine Panerai has promoted classic sailing culture for many years through its sponsorship of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, the leading international circuit for these vintage craft. In 2007, the company also acquired and restored the Bermudan ketch Eilean. Built in 1936 by the legendary Fife yard at Fairlie in Scotland, she is now the brand’s ambassador at vintage and classic boat rallies and r egattas.
www.paneraiclassicyachtschallenge.com
www.youtube.com/pcycofficial
www.eilean.it
