Panerai British Classic Week 2014 Cowes
The Panerai British Classic Week which is part of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge is the other big sailing event that International eXcellence Magazine never misses. It is the classic yacht event of the year and takes place on the Solent in Cowes. Though true aficionados follow it in every gorgeous location all over the world: Antigua, Antibes, Argentina, Napoli, Nantucket, Barcelona, Newport and Cannes.
This year is the tenth year that Officine Panerai have been supporting the classic yacht race and it is being celebrated as “10 Years of Passion” with special events for each of the Regattas in the challenge. The calendar now spans 11 different Regattas ending in Cannes at the end of September. Definitely an unmissable wrap party.
Last year International eXcellence Magazine sailed with the Cetaweyo captained by David Murrin in the Panerai British Classic Week and the boat narrowly lost the race to Saskia captained by Murdoch McKillop, so look out for a return grudge match this year. Of course it’s friendly in the club house afterwards, but out on the water, it is taken very seriously indeed. The races were tremendously exciting with good winds and great weather. The race is all down to tactics, communication, speed, proficiency and as with everything a little help from Lady Luck on the day. Another one to watch in this exhilarating race is the Athena (Earl of Cork and David Glasgow), as they will be looking for pole position this year.
The boats are separated into 4 classes, class one being defined as modern boats built in the spirit and appearance of a “classic”. The other three classes separate the Vintage Yachts and Classic Yachts dependent on size, but it is the overall winner title that is coveted most. There are parties and dinners around the races and it is both a tremendous racing experience and a wonderful social gathering.
So far the yachts Mariska (Big Boats), Jour de Fête (Vintage), Sagittarius (Classic) and Freya (Spirit of Tradition) have been presented with Officine Panerai watches as the four winners of Les Voiles d’Antibes. These sailing watches are stunning and great collectors pieces, see the link below for more information.
The race this year takes place between the 12th and the 19th of July and is organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron, The club’s patron is Queen Elizabeth II and the club’s Admiral is Prince Philip. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world and was founded over 200 years ago by 42 gentlemen interested in sea yachting.
Cowes is magnificent this time of year and this is truly one of the great events of the British Social Calendar. Grab a group of friends and come luxuriate in the atmosphere of these classic sailing races.
REGATTAS
Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
April 17th – 22nd, 2014
Les Voiles d’Antibes
June 4th – 8th, 2014
Argentario sailing Week
June 19th – 22nd, 2014
Le Vele d’Epoca a Napoli
July 2nd – 6th, 2014
Panerai British Classic Week
July 12th – 19th, 2014
Marblehead Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta
August 8th – 10th, 2014
Nantucket Opera House Cup
August 13th – 17th, 2014
Mahon XI Copa del Rey de Barcos de Epoca
August 26th – 30th, 2014
Newport Museum of Yachting Classic Yacht Regatta
August 29th – 31st, 2014
Vele d’Epoca di Imperia
September 10th – 14th, 2014
Cannes Regates Royales
September 23rd – 27th, 2014
www.britishclassicyachtclub.orgwww.paneraiclassicyachtschallenge.comwww…http://www.panerai.com/en/
