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 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 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.
See you in Antibes for the opening regatta of the 2018 season !
2018 Calendar
May 30th – June 3rd : Les Voiles d'Antibes
June 13th – 17th : Argentario Sailing Week
July 14th – 21st : Panerai British Classic Week - British Classic Yacht Club
August 11th – 12th : Marblehead Corinthian Yacht Regatta
August 17th – 18th : Nantucket Regatta
August 19th : Nantucket Opera House Cup
August 24th : Bristol Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta
August 25th – 26th : Newport Classic Yacht Regatta presented by Iyrs
September 5th – 9th : Vele d'Epoca di Imperia
September 24th – 29th : Régates Royales de Cannes
