***Check out even more photos in our Panerai Corinthian Classic Photo Gallery***
When Ted Hood steps away from a two-year racing hiatus to take part in a regatta aboard his own boat, Sea Robin, you know the boats must be pretty sweet. And I’m not talking America’s Cup-style sweet, though you can check out those AC45s in action right here.
No, the Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta (August 12-14), sponsored by luxury watch brand Officine Panerai, hearkened back to an earlier era of boatbuilding. The yachts fell into one of three categories for the pursuit-style race: Vintage (launched before 1950), Classic (built between 1950 and 1975) or Spirit of Tradition (classic styling on a modern boat). Think plenty of international one-designs and 12-meters.
Though the regatta celebrated its 31st year at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Marblehead, Massachusetts, it became part of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge just last year. More than 30 boats participated, with assistance from Eastern and Boston Yacht Clubs. Trevor Fetter of Dallas helmed the winning yacht, vintage 1938 Black Watch.
I’m sure if you asked any of the skippers, the races themselves were important. But judging by the number of Beneteaus, Hunters and Sabres (not to mention powerboats galore) that were slowing up to gape at the caravan of classics zipping by, the weekend had as much to do with celebrating tradition as it did with clocking quick times. Good thing too, because despite sunny skies and relatively low chop on Saturday, the wind wasn’t quite strong enough to put on a show. As for Sunday, the breeze was occasionally up, but the sun definitely wasn’t.
Back on deck after Saturday’s race, the only concern many participants had was grabbing a cocktail and admiring the classics bobbing in the harbor—most of them Hood-designed. Enjoy them while they last, Hood said with a twinkle in his eye at dinner that night. “Cats are the big boats of the future—comfy, sturdy—I’ll just design one with four jibs and no mainsail!”
The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge sails next to Nantucket, MA followed by Newport, RI. For more information on the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, click here.
