Boasting a record number of entries exceeding 70 yachts, 2012’s edition of Panerai British Classic Week, which kicks off on the Solent from 7 to 14 July, is set to be one of this year’s UK yachting highlights. The Cowes regatta is very unique within the worldwide Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge series, featuring a dazzling array of classic and modern classic yachts.
This year’s entry list is brimming with well-known yachts including Panerai’s own 1936 William Fife designed Eilean, which famously starred in Duran Duran’s music video “Rio” 30 years ago; David Sheriff’s 1897 Jap, also designed by Fife; Opposition (formerly Morning Cloud) the 1971 Stephens designed Admiral’s Cupper built for Ted Heath and now owned by Jamie Mattheson; and David Murrin’s legendary Laurent Giles sloop Cetewayo. Joining the fleet will be 11 of the classic 8 Metres who are in Cowes preparing for the 8 Metre World Championship, which starts on 15 July. Whilst the newest 8 Metre will be Luna, mentioned above, the oldest will be Rafferty Tanneguy’s Hispania IV designed by Joseph Guendon and built in 1927 by Sagredos Santander Spain, meaning that 85 years of 8 Metre history will be represented at the regatta.
Evidently delighted with the number of entries for British Classic Yacht Club Regatta, Chairman David Orton states, “It is very encouraging to see the numbers of entrants to the Panerai British Classic Week rising annually, even in the face of difficult economic times. I am looking forward to an exiting week of racing for these wonderful boats in this Olympic year.”
Owning and maintaining a classic yacht is a labour of love and those involved feel a great sense of responsibility to ensure that these unique and beautiful vessels will be enjoyed by many generations to come. Events like Panerai British Classic Week offer an opportunity not only to show off the boats’ racing skills, but also allow the owners and crews to exchange ideas and tips with fellow enthusiasts and share their stunningly beautiful pieces of history with the general public.
Based at Cowes Yacht Haven, The Panerai Regatta Village is open to the public throughout the event and visitors are encouraged to walk the pontoons and inspect the yachts after racing. Classic yacht sailors love to talk about their boats so members of the public are encouraged to ask questions and find out more.
Registration opens on Saturday 7 July and the event features six days of racing on a mix of Solent based courses, starting with a race around the Isle of Wight on Sunday 8 July. After racing each day competitors will be invited to relax and compare tales in the Panerai Lounge.
For further information about Panerai British Classic Week 2012 please visit:
http://www.britishclassicyachtclub.org/regatta/
To find out more about Panerai’s yacht Eilean: www.eilean.it
