Organised by the British Classic Yacht Club and sponsored by luxury watchmaker Panerai, the UK’s premier classic yacht regatta will take place in Cowes from 13^th to 20^th July 2019

 There is now one month to go until the start of the 2019 Panerai British Classic Week regatta in Cowes.  Organiser British Classic Yacht Club is calling for interested parties to submit their entries before the early bird deadline for discounted entry closes on 21^st June.

The six-race series organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron will once again include a schedule of varied and quality courses, including the popular Nab Tower race from last year.  Criteria for entry is IRC classic yachts of 24ft and over or modern classic, Spirit of Tradition yachts.  Fast-paced racing for classes 1-4, an 8mR and a 6mR class will take place in the challenging tidal waters of the Solent against the historic, picturesque backdrop of the Isle of Wight.

This year’s event will have two elements to the prizes.  All yachts will race towards the primary IRC overall and class winner prizes, which will be awarded solely on race results.  Building on last year’s emphasis on authenticity, race results will also go towards a second set of prizes to be won by yachts deemed as authentic by a panel of independent judges. The experienced judges comprise Classic Boat group editor Rob Peake (as lead judge), classic yacht builder Martin Nott, marine writer and photographer Nigel Sharp and yacht designer Paul Spooner.

This year’s event will be the final classic regatta sponsored by Panerai following the announcement that the luxury watchmaker is ceasing its Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.  The brand will still be connected to sailing through other initiatives, such as the sponsorship of Luna Rossa, the Challenger of record of the 36^th edition of the America’s Cup.

BCYC commodore Jonathan Dyke commented, “We are extremely grateful to Panerai for its support over the last nine years and we are honoured to host what will be the final event in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.  Going forward, the BCYC remains committed to organising British Classic Week in Cowes.  The regatta will continue to host world-class racing and cruising in an iconic British location with all the camaraderie that comes with bringing classic yacht enthusiasts together.”

The social scene ashore will be lively as ever with the traditional welcome reception on the lawn at The Royal Yacht Squadron on Sunday 14^th July.  During the week, skippers, crew and their guests will enjoy daily hospitality in the Panerai Lounge.  On the Tuesday, regatta attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the fleet of timeless classics during the Open Yachts Pontoon Party (sponsored by Spirit Yachts and Classic Boat).  A new event for this year, the crew Pontoon Party, will give competitors the chance to socialise and enjoy a BBQ in front of Cowes Yacht Haven on Thursday. A week of entertainment will be rounded off on Friday 19^th July at the Regatta Dinner and prize-giving followed by dancing to a live band.

Keen spectators will be able to enjoy fantastic views of the racing from the coastal paths and secluded beaches along the north shore of the Isle of Wight.  Line starts and finishes in front of the famous Royal Yacht Squadron allow shore-based crowds to get close to the action on the water.

A daily programme of ‘cruise in company’ events will see the cruising fleet sail to a variety of beautiful locations including lunch breaks at the Master Builders on the Beaulieu River and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight.

The British Classic Yacht Club’s motto is Per Ardua ad Marum (Through hard work to the Seas), paying homage to the commitment required to own and maintain a classic yacht. Most of the classic yachts are privately owned, meaning that for many their upkeep is purely down to the devotion of their owners and crew. With such a rich heritage of classic yachts being built and sailed on Britain’s coastal waters, it is a wonderful spectacle to see so many beautifully maintained yachts racing alongside each other.

For entry go to www.britishclassicweek.co.uk or contact Mary Scott Jackson: mary@msjevents.co.uk / +44 (0) 1983 245100

 

Regatta enquiries should be directed to:

Mary Scott-Jackson

MSJ Events    

Regatta House, 18 Bath Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QN

mary@msjevents.co.uk

T: +44 (0) 1983 245 100

Mob: +44 (0) 7790 770 526 

 

BRITISH CLASSIC YACHT CLUB

The aim of the British Classic Yacht Club (BCYC) is to promote ownership, knowledge and appreciation of classic yachts and to preserve their beauty for the enjoyment of future generations.

The BCYC organises the annual Panerai British Classic Week, which is part of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.

The BCYC is an affiliated Royal Yachting Association club with members competing around the world including classic regattas on the Continent, the Med and the West Indies.

 

PANERAI BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK

The Cowes regatta was established in 2002 with Panerai coming on board as title sponsor in 2010. Panerai British Classic Week is an annual regatta based in Cowes with racing held on the waters of the Solent.

Entry details available via the website www.britishclassicweek.co.uk

Later race start-times will allow time for morning briefings and pre-race socialising.

Cruising and classic motor boats welcome to spectate.

 The British Classic Yacht Club’s motto is Per Ardua ad Marum (Through hard work to the Seas) and the restoration and maintenance of these individual pieces of yachting history certainly takes a lot of very hard work. To recognise this a panel of independent judges will be awarding prizes for originality.

 

OFFICINE PANERAI

Founded in Florence in 1860 as a workshop, shop and school of watch-making for many decades Panerai supplied the Italian Navy specialist diving corps with precision instruments. Originally created to be used deep underwater, Panerai watches are known for their unparalleled legibility and luminosity in the dark. In 1997 the brand was acquired by the Richemont Group and launched on the international market. Today Panerai develops and crafts its movements and watches at its Neuchâtel manufacture, combining Italian design flair and history with Swiss horological expertise.

www.panerai.com

 In 2007, the company acquired and restored the Bermudan ketch Eilean. Built in 1936 by the legendary Fife yard at Fairlie in Scotland, she is now the brand’s ambassador at vintage and classic boat rallies and regattas.

 

www.eilean.it