After the success of the 11th edition, the eagerly-awaited Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge returns in 2016. The leading international classic and veteran boat circuit will once again be promoted and sponsored by the Florentine luxury sports watch-maker Officine Panerai in celebration of its inextricable links to the seafaring world.
The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge brings together many of the world’s most spectacular regatta venues on two separate international circuits, spanning everything from the crystal-clear waters of the Antilles to the stunning sea and landscapes of the Mediterranean. The magnificent classic and veteran yachts it attracts, vie for, amongst other prizes, the exclusive Panerai watches presented to the winners of each stage, which last year numbered Moonbeam IV, Il Moro di Venezia I, Manitou and Siren.
The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge calendar kicked off in April with the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (13 – 19 April), which has been closing the Caribbean sailing season each year since the 1960s with a dazzling gathering of boats in English Harbor. Janley, a 1948 Bermudan sloop prevailed over 40 of the world’s most beautiful vintage yachts to be named overall winner and took home the coveted Panerai watch.
In June, the racing moves to the back to Europe and the Mediterranean Circuit gets underway on the Cote d’Azur with Les Voiles d’Antibes (1 – 5 June) before continuing in Italy with Argentario Sailing Week in Tuscany (16 – 19 June). The 2016 calendar also includes Le Vele d’Epoca di Imperia (7 – 11 September), which is held every second year and draws dozens of historic craft to compete off the Ligurian coast. The season wraps up with Les Régates Royales at Cannes between September 20 and 24.
Four regattas are scheduled for the North American Circuit, the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge’s twin circuit across the Pond: the Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta in Marblehead (12 – 14 August), the Sail Nantucket Regatta, for the first time on the American calendar (19 – 20 August), the Opera House Cup in Nantucket (21 August) and the final round at Newport in the form of the Newport Classic Yacht Regatta (2 – 4 September). The legendary Isle of Wight in Great Britain provides the backdrop to the only non-Mediterranean European regatta: the Panerai British Classic Week at Cowes (16 – 23 July).
2016 Calendar
Antigua Classic Regatta: April 13th – 19th, 2016
Les Voiles’ Antibes: June 1st – 5th, 2016
Argentario Sailing Week: June 16th – 19th, 2016
Panerai British Classic: July 16th – 23rd, 2016
Marblehead Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta: August 12th – 14th, 2016
Sail Nantucket Regatta: August 19th – 20th, 2016
Nantucket Opera House Cup: August 21st, 2016
Newport Classic Yacht Regatta: September 2nd – 4th, 2016
Vele d’Epoca di Imperia: September 7th – 11th, 2016
Cannes, Les Regates Royales: September 20th – 24th, 2016
