Classic yachting plan for 2019

With Panerai’s intention to cease their support of classic yachting events in both Europe and the USA, the Classic Yacht Owners Association (CYOA) has announced plans to continue and expand the USA series formerly known as the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.

In the absence of Panerai as the Organizing Authority, the CYOA will work in partnership with the individual event organizers Corinthian Yacht Club, Nantucket Community Sailing, the Herreshoff Museum, and IYRS to take over administration of the series for 2019 and beyond.

“We salute Panerai for their 13-year commitment to classic yachting in New England,” said CYOA Chair Chuck Townsend. “They’ve laid a great foundation, and now CYOA, in partnership with the events’ Organizing Authorities, will build upon it.”

CYOA will partner with sponsors to expand and enhance the series to the benefit of all classic yacht owners. With CYOA taking the lead in this endeavor, the goal is to identify a core group of partners that have the resources and the desire to help take the classic yacht racing experience in the US to the next level with consistent and high quality racing combined with terrific social events.

CYOA will also look for opportunities to expand the series beyond the current four venues, and to develop collaborative partnerships with the classic yacht racing circuit in Europe.

The 2019 Classic Yachts Challenge Series will include the following events:
August 10-11: Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta – Marblehead, MA
August 16-17: Nantucket Regatta – Nantucket, MA
August 18: Opera House Cup – Nantucket, MA
August 24-25: Herreshoff Classic Yacht Regatta – Bristol, RI
Aug 31-Sept 1: Newport Classic Yacht Regatta – Newport, RI

“It’s never fun to lose a sponsor,” said CYOA Managing Director Bill Lynn. “However, CYOA is in a position to make sure the series continues, and we now have the opportunity to take the experience for owners and participants to the next level in the coming years.”

About the Classic Yacht Owners Association:
The membership-driven, nonprofit Classic Yacht Owners Association was established in 2015 to encourage fellowship amongst owners within the classic yacht community. The organization’s goal is to help shape the future of the sport by influencing and cultivating long-term regional cooperation amongst those who are dedicated to owning, maintaining, and racing classic sailboats. It also works to promote classic yacht ownership and events with the objective of attracting new members and creating new funding opportunities to support future classic yacht events. www.classicyachts.org

Source: CYOA