The Most Elegant Classic Yachts in the World Are Gearing Up for an Epic Championship

July 11,2022

More than 200 vintage vessels of untold beauty are breaking out to compete in the 13th annual North American Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge . Panerai , the Florentine watch company, has a longtime affinity with the sea. At the beginning of the last century, Italy’s navy looked to the venerable brand to supply timepieces and precision instruments for its specialized underwater corps. Today, that relationship continues with this series, which comprises ten of the world’s most prestigious, tradition-rich yacht regattas, divided into two circuits: Mediterranean and North American. Spanning three consecutive weekends this month, the North American series includes five races along the New England coastline.

Here, AD looks at four of the championship’s most exceptional contenders.

The Hanuman is an exact replica of the Endeavour II —one of the J Class America’s Cup boats from 1937. While the J Class haven’t recently raced in New England classic regattas, they often participate in the kick-off regatta for the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge in Antigua every year. The Hanuman is named after the son of the Hindu wind god, a symbol of strength, perseverance, and devotion.

Hanuman .

The 32.4m Kestrel Fishers Island 31 was designed and built by famed yacht designer Nathanael Herreshoff. Although she was built in 1927, she was not delivered until 1929. She is only one of 14 of these Fishers Island 31s, which have nonetheless been widely recognized as among the greatest ever all-round yacht designs. One of her sisters is currently displayed as the featured exhibit in the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Kestrel is a regular at the PCYC Nantucket Regattas.

Kestrel .

The Marilee is a Herreshoff New York Yacht Club 40-foot class sloop designed and built in 1926 by Nathanael Herreshoff. Marilee is one of the few survivors of this New York 40 "fighting forty" Class, named for the boats' strength and excitement on the racecourses of the early 20th century. She was restored last year with a unique interior.

Marilee .

Santana , Humphrey Bogart’s former boat, affectionately named “Bogie’s boat,” was built in 1935 by designers Sparkman & Stephens. It was restored last year with original interior. In 1938 it won the Newport to Bermuda Race and won the schooner trophy.

Santana .