Photos from the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge

[jholbrook]

Greetings all!

I was invited to attend the 1st ever Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge in Newport, Rhode Island this weekend - what a fabulous event! Here's a few photos I grabbed:

I got in late Friday night so I missed the dinner that night, so the limo that picked me up from the airport and took me directly to the hotel. The next morning I was up early working, and got this shot of Newport at sunrise from my hotel room:



After breakfast, I met up with the Panerai press group and we were transported to harbor where the boats competing in the event were docked.



Here's the Panerai hospitality tent:





We then headed over to the boats themselves. The event was for sailing boats in the Americas Cup 12-metre class - gorgeous classic wood sailboats. Here's a few shots of the boats in the full dress flags::





I had the honor and privilege to be one of two journalists to sail aboard Gleam - a sailboat rich with history and many racing victories. You can read more about Gleam here: http://www.seascopenewport.com/fleet/gleam_frameset.htm

Here's some shots I got of Gleam:









Quite honestly, I'd never stepped foot anywhere near a sailboat prior to this weekend. But the captain and crew of Gleam welcomed me with open arms. Upon arrival, I was given a crew shirt and hat, and they put me to work prepping Gleam for launch. Here's a shot of me on this grand yacht once we were underway:



Now, I'm not particularly prone to motion sickness - I've been on five cruises before, and many other smaller ocean going vessels. But while the weather was beautiful on Saturday, the water was CHOPPY! I knew I was in trouble when, before the race started, I looked over and the journalist from SAIL magazine was taking Dramamine....

It was all worth it though, because it was a very exciting race, which Gleam won!!!! Woohoo!!!

Later that evening Panerai held a reception for the various competitors and guests:



We had the opportunity to tour the Museum of Yachting which was directly behind the Panerai hospitality tent:



Later that evening we moved to another tent for the banquet held in honor of the ocassion:



The weather was absolutely beautiful all day Saturday - here's a shot of the harbor at sunset:



The next day I was quite busy taking notes and getting with folks from Panerai. But before I knew it, it was time for the car to take me back to the aiport.



Many thanks to Panerai for a fabulous event!

[miboroco]

thanx

[ehemaliges mitglied]

TOP

But did you wear a panerai?

[ehemaliges mitglied]

Nice pictures, John !!!!

[PCS]

Original von RufusMücke
TOP

But did you wear a panerai?

Looks like a Yachtmaster.

Nice Photostory.

[jholbrook]

Original von PCS

Original von RufusMücke
TOP

But did you wear a panerai?

Looks like a Yachtmaster.

Nice Photostory.

Sharp eye...I don't own a Panny, but I figured my Yachty was appropriate for the event.

[Bäda]

nice pix, thanx John!

[Donluigi]

Wow, great story, great pics!

[ehemaliges mitglied]

thanks, great pics, the flag is my

[Gordon]

thanks!!! great story!!!

[Hannes]

Thanks for sharing, John !

[Automatikfan]

Thanks for the pics! Gorgeous yachts! How does one get invited to events like this one

[jholbrook]

Original von Hannes
Thanks for sharing, John !

You're welcome my friend. Glad you liked it.

[jholbrook]

Original von Automatikfan
Thanks for the pics! Gorgeous yachts! How does one get invited to events like this one

I was invited as a member of the press - I do work for several publications about watches.

[chris01]

not bad!

[Automatikfan]

I definitely got the wrong job! I should work for a Exxon and be a press member in my sparetime! What do I do? Watch tiny charts on my monitor all day long!

[ehemaliges mitglied]

Original von jholbrook
(...)Many thanks to Panerai for a fabulous event!

Many thanks to you, for a great Picture-Story, John! Seems like you had a great day ...

[jholbrook]

Thanks everyone - glad you enjoyed the photos!