Cowes, GBR, 14 july 2014
Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge 2014
British Classic Week 2014
Gulvain at Saint Cathrin’s lighthouse during the today’s Round the Island Race.
Every July, a collection of classic yachts race along a course that meanders around the Central Solent. Their owners are all members of the British Yacht Club and together with a fearsome team of sailors and crew; they’re competing for the trophy that will crown them champion of the Panerai Classic Yachts challenge.
This year, under light wind and toasty British air, the final day saw cancellations due to a lack of strong breeze and plenty of close finishes. Despite delays, after six days and over 50 contest entries later, Christine and Giovanni Belgrano took home victory in their 1939 Laurent Giles.
Cowes, GBR, 15 july 2014
Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge 2014
British Classic Week 2014
Athena, Helen and Cereste
Ph: Guido Cantini / seasee.com
Cowes, GBR, 16 july 2014
Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge 2014
British Classic Week 2014
Beeleigh
Ph: Guido Cantini / seasee.com
Cowes, GBR, 16 july 2014
Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge 2014
British Classic Week 2014
Start of Ladies Race
Ph: Guido Cantini / seasee.com
During a celebratory dinner held after the day’s events, along with the title of best performing yacht, trophies were awarded for having a certain Je Ne Sais Quoi and the Stiff Drink Trophy, a silver hip flask, was handed to the competitor who experienced the most close shaves, thus being in need of a stiff drink. Winners of The Seamanship Award welcomed a round of applause after recovering a man overboard under rough tide conditions.
Beginning in 2001, The British Classic Yacht Club has brought together yacht enthusiasts across the country for over a decade; whilst sponsor Officine Panerai created the classic yacht challenge in ode to their historic links to the sea. Founded in Florence in 1860, they’ve supplied the Italian Navy with precision instruments for decades. Today you’ll find them crafting and developing watches at its Neuchâtel manufacture.
Cowes, GBR, 18 july 2014
Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge 2014
British Classic Week 2014
Prize giving ceremony.
British Classic Week overall winner Whooper of Christine and Giovanni Belgrano
Ph: Guido Cantini / seasee.com
The Panerai British Classic Week concludes on 25 July and Schön! is thrilled to have watched this gripping event. Until next year, all 80 boats of the British Yacht Club will have to wait and see who’s next to claim racing victory.
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Words / Shama Nasinde
