August 24, 2018 – Newport Rhode Island – The inaugural Narragansett Bay Classic Yacht Rendezvous and the 39th Annual Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta finished today in perfect conditions following the well attended Classic Yacht Parade and spectacular day of racing on lower Narragansett Bay.
After two days of racing Siren, owned by Peter Cassidy from Rochester, MA, won both the overall Vintage Corinthian Classic Class and overall 39th Annual Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta. In addition, the winners of the North American Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge also went to the New York 32 Siren in the Vintage Division and the 12 Metre Columbia in the Grand Prix Division.
Jamie Hilton, Co-Chair of the 39th Annual Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Parade said: “The Newport Classic Yacht Regatta is the hallmark classic yachting event in the Newport sailing season. This being the 39th year in which the event has been run , it has become a part of the city's rich sailing history. Our goals for this regatta are twofold; 1) to provide the best experience for the owners, crew and admirers of these beautiful boats and 2) to build this regatta in partnership with the Herreshoff Museum's Classic Yacht regatta into an event that may someday become a classic yachting week in Newport that includes both sail and motoryachts. We are thankful to all or sponsors, especially our Title Sponsor Panerai. We are also very happy to be partnering for the first time in the regattas history with Ida Lewis Yacht Club, this year's Organizing Authority and Race Committee.
The success on the water was also replicated on land with a bolstered social calendar, the highlight being the Classic Yacht Parade. The Classic Yacht Parade, an event designed to highlight the beauty of both classic sail and motor yachts took place with over 40 vessels partaking. The viewing party based out of Newport's only four seasons hotel, Gurney's Resort and Marina, was treated to stunning weather, expert commentary and a fantastic view. Carol O'Malley, Co-Chair of the 39th Annual Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta said: “This year’s parade stands out amongst the best and speaks perfectly to our ambition to grow this event for both those competing and for those within the local community! Having William Crisp’s commentary describing both the classic sail and motor boats made the experience much more meaningful for parade watchers. It is wonderful to see more of our local community coming out to admire these gorgeous yachts and my thanks goes to Gurney's Resort and Marina for providing the perfect viewing destination”
Results: 39th Annual Panerai Newport Classic Yacht Regatta
Overall: Siren, Peter Cassidy (NY 32)
1st Grand Prix: Columbia, Kevin Hegarty (12 Metre)
1st Vintage Day Racer: Three way tie-breaker
Belle, Joe Loughborough (Luders 24)
Leaf, Chris Bouzaid (Luders 24)
Ruweida V, Joseph Huber (R Class)
1st Vintage Corinthian Classic: Siren, Peter Cassidy (NY 32)
1st Vintage Grand Classic: Ticonderoga, Scott Frantz, (Ketch)
