Panerai British Classic Week came to a spectacular conclusion with one final race for all classes in glorious sunshine and a perfect Solent sea breeze. This year’s regatta has attracted entrants from as mainland Europe, Scandinavia and the USA, plus two crews from The Classic Yacht Club of Australia and one from The Classic Yacht Club of New Zealand, who raced in three chartered 1959 Morgan Giles 42’ Bermudan Sloops.
The Overall Winner of Panerai British Classic Week 2016 isthe 1939 Laurent Giles 39’ one-off Whooper, owned andsailed by Giovanni Belgrano who was presented the BritishClassic Yacht Club Racing Trophy and a PaneraiLuminorMarina 1950 3 Days Automatic Acciaio. Whooper hada clean sweep in Class 2 and was the top scoring yachtin the combined fleet races. This is the second time thatGiovanni and his team have won the week overall.
The Lutine Cup for Class 1 went to Sean McMillan’s Spirit52 Flight of Ufford. Overall Winner Giovanni Belgrano’sWhooper won the Corinthian Cup for Class 2 and MichaelBrigg’s 1904 Clyde Fife Linear 30 Mikado was all conqueringin Class 3, receiving the Commodore’s Cup. Jonathan andScilla Dyke’s with Cereste in Class 4 earned the CeresteTrophy. Robin Richardson’s Howlett designed St Kittswon the Event Trophy for the 6 Metre Class and MurdochMcKillop’s 1931 Fife designed Saskia was presented withthe Universal 8 Cup for the 8 Metre Class. Saskia alsowon the International Metre Trophy for the highest placedMetre boat at the regatta, while Mark Tyndall’s 1904 BristolChannel Pilot Cutter Mascotte received the Brian KeelanMemorial Trophy for the highest placed Gaffer.
Another special moment at this year’s Panerai British Classic Week was the KIDS day, now held for the fourth consecutive year, which saw eight disabled young children spend the day at the regatta together with Officine Panerai. After a welcome breakfast at the Panerai Lounge, the children embarked on a pirate treasure hunt aboard two RIBs, ending the day with a picnic and games at Beaulieu River. Panerai was delighted to see the children enjoy this special day and is already looking forward to next year’s KIDS day. KIDS is a non-profit organization helping disabled children and young people to gain independence,social skills and self-confidence.
