Set to start on August 10, the North American Circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2013 will represent the rich New England tradition of classic wooden boat sailing. The event will kick off in Marblehead, one of the North American cultural centres for classic yachting, claimed by many to be the birthplace of the American Navy.
The PCYC North American Circuit consists of three classic sailing contests: the Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta (August 10th – 11th) in Marblehead (MA), the Opera House Cup (August 18th) in Nantucket (MA) and the Museum of Yachting Classic Yacht Regatta (August 31st – September 1st) in Newport (RI). Each of these magnificent regattas typically attracts between 50 and 60 classic sailing vessels from around the world.
Prizes are awarded to the winners of each individual class, to the overall regatta winner at each regatta, and to the all-encompassing champion of all three regattas comprising the North American Circuit. The overall winner of each regatta will win a coveted Panerai timepiece, with the overall Circuit winner taking home the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge North American Circuit Trophy – an elegant sculpture reminiscent of a classic sailboat. This much-coveted final prize is awarded at the culmination of Newport’s Museum of Yachting regatta. Valiant, a 12-meter Sparkman & Stephens which hails from Marblehead, took home the PCYC North American Circuit Trophy for Best Overall Performance in the Series in 2012.
Since 2006, Officine Panerai has been celebrating the Brand’s nautical roots in the United States, by bringing together the captains and crews of some of the world’s most majestic classic sailing vessels for three weekends of competition, sportsmanship and camaraderie off the beautiful coastline of New England. This year, captains, crew and VIP guests will be hosted in Nantucket and Newport in a beautiful new Panerai Hospitality Lounge which mirrors the casually-elegant welcoming lounge that is used for Officine Panerai’s Mediterranean regattas.
As has become tradition, in continued support of Panerai North America’s founding sponsorship of the non-profit organization Sailing Heals the company will once again host patient and caregiver sails in conjunction with each host city’s local medical centers and clinics. Sailing Heals’ mission is to provide unique sailing and boating experiences to individuals, families, caregivers and staff who may be experiencing a health setback or loss where all can benefit from a congenial, relaxing day on the water.
