Moonbeam IV (Big Boats), Chinook (Vintage Yachts), Il Moro di Venezia I (Classic Yachts) and Kookaburra III (Spirit of Tradition) emerged as the winners of the coveted Panerai watches at the 19th Vele d’Epoca di Imperia, which finished on September 11 at Imperia (Italy). The fleet competing in the third Mediterranean round of the 2016 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge raced over a mix of coastal and triangular courses in superbly sunny weather and winds of around 15 knots
The Vele d’Epoca di Imperia fleet was split into 10 subcategories. The winners of the various groupings were as follows: Moonbeam IV (Big Boat), Chinook (Vintage Gaff), Leonore (Vintage Marconi 1), Rowdy (Vintage Marconi 2), Eilean (Vintage Marconi 3), Namib (Classic 1), Giraldilla (Classic 2), Huna II (Classic 3), Il Moro di Venezia I (Modern Classic), Kookaburra III (Spirit of Tradition). The fourth and final round on the 2016 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Mediterranean Circuit is being held in France between September 18 and 25 at the 38th Régates Royales de Cannes, during which the overall 2016 Panerai Trophy season winners will be presented with their prizes.
Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge – Vele d’Epoca d’Imperia: a fantastic classic week for classic yachts
Vele d’Epoca di Imperia – Established in 1986 by Pier Franco Gavagnin, manager of Portosole Sanremo, Vele d’Epoca di Imperia has become a fundamental date for classic regattas in the Mediterranean sea. About 30 yachts participated to the first edition and they represented an important step for future development. In 2006 Officine Panerai became Title Sponsor of Vele d’Epoca and included them in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. Thanks to this synergy, the Imperia Classic Yachts Challenge has become a biennial occurrence, taking place in even years, alternating with the Porto Rotondo Vintage Yachts event. It is undoubtedly one of the most important events of its kind in the Mediterranean and a strong sailing tradition.
Among the participants this year include the Manitou, once owned by John F. Kennedy – dubbed “the floating White House.” Another legend the Moonbeam IV, built in 1914 and on which Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly spent their honeymoon. And then Spartan, just to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Vele d’Epoca di Imperia, has arrived from the US for her first time in the Mediterranean.
Years Running: 19
Registered Yacht: 70
Yacht Club: Assonautica Imperia (Imperia, Italy)
Founded: 1986
Vele d’Epoca di Imperia: Event Website
Imperia, Italia: Video