MILAN, Italy: For the second consecutive year, Officine Panerai served as the Platinum Sponsor of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, as well as the race's official timekeeper. Celebrating its 20th year, the Regatta took place April 19-24, during which time over 60 yachts converged on the pristine waters off the island for the competition.
Hosted by the Antigua Yacht Club in Antigua, West Indies, the competition is recognized as one of the top classic regattas in the world and brings together a collection of some of the most beautiful sailing vessels including Spirit of Tradition yachts, J Class yachts and tall ships.
For the first year, following the traditional three race days, the new 'Windward' course was raced. This new arrangement gave captains and crews an extra day to prepare for the increasingly popular and incredibly impressive single-handed race, which for the first year was run as the grand finale of the entire regatta.
Breathtaking, in a word, describes the sight of more than 20 classics, between 17 and 72 feet, being skippered single-handedly. The Large Boat Class was won by Captain Peter Underdown and Cuilan, while Antiguan Hans Lammers and Sunshine, claimed the Small Boat victory.
The prize ceremony took place on April 24 at Copper & Lumber celebrating the accomplishments of this year's record breaking fleet of 61 classic yachts.
The overall regatta winners were Judd and Pete Tinius and their crew of 72ft Galatea. This magnificent Swedish-built classic yawl pulled off a clean sweep in the Vintage Class A division, winning all four of the races sailed.
Classic Class A went to Wandering Albatross, while the Traditional Class was won by Carriacou sloop Genesis and the Spirit of Tradition class was won by W- Class racing yacht Equus.
Philippe Bonay, President, Panerai North America, presented a Panerai Barometer to each class as well as a Panerai Luminor 'Flyback' Regatta to the overall winner.
"As strong supporters of the sailing world in both the Mediterranean and the Americas we were extremely pleased with the results of this year's Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta," states Angelo Bonati, CEO of Officine Panerai. "We look forward to continuing Panerai's 'Classic Yachts Challenge' sponsorship and to next years Classic Yacht Regatta in Antigua." | 
