PANERAI Classic Yachts Challenge Finishes the North American Season in Newport

28th Annual Museum of Yachting Classic Yacht Regatta

NEWPORT, R.I., Aug. 6- As Summer segues into Autumn, the North American chapter of the 2007 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge comes to a close. The summer's yachting grand finale is the 28th Annual Museum of Yachting Classic Yacht Regatta in Newport. This inspiring classic yachting event brings devotees from near and far to congregate once again at Newport's waterfront.

The Museum of Yachting Classic Yacht Regatta was founded in 1980 by a group of individuals dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of yachting. For 28 years this event has successfully served as an impetus for many classic yacht "rescues" and restorations. Awards are given annually to recognize and encourage the preservation of classic boats, yachting traditions and sportsmanship. In 2005, Panerai founded the Classic Yachts Challenge circuit, and began to link together the world's most prestigious classic yachting events, as the relationship between classic yachts and Panerai horlogerie is strong and simple: Classic yachting and Officine Panerai share a passionate love for the sea and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Panerai timepieces are built with the highest standards of scientific precision, and like classic boats, they are designed to endure the powerful elements of the sea, while remaining true to tradition and impeccable style. In this, the third year of the Classic Yachts Challenge, Panerai has connected classic yacht owners and crew from around the world, with races in the Northeast USA, Antigua and the Mediterranean.

Friday evening's opening soiree on the Museum grounds will serve as a lovely vantage point for welcoming the participating yachts as they arrive in Newport Harbor. By midday Saturday, the sight will be spectacular -- the harbor and bay fill with spectator and press boats and Newport's many docks and rooftops are speckled with observers as the 80-100 magnificent classic vessels race in Narragansett Bay. Saturday night's celebration is suitably festive with an awards dinner and live music.

As for Sunday, the Classic Yacht Parade is the highlight -- always a fantastically creative display of costume -- and of course awards will be given for Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat, Best Costumes, Most Patriotic Yacht, Most Colorful Yacht and for Best Overall Yacht in Parade.

In addition to being a New England institution, this year's Museum of Yachting Classic Yacht Regatta is also honored to have been selected as a featured event of ISAF's "Sail the World" Centennial Celebration, taking place this same weekend around the globe.

Style: Expanding Time

When it comes to time-pieces, size matters. Tired of squinting at dainty wristwatches, women are embracing bigger models that make a bold statement and are easier to read.
Corum's hand-painted limited-edition Artisan Collection, which features beautifully painted works of art on mother-of-pearl dials (from $29,000), introduces two to four new themes a year, such as brightly colored toucans or Adam and Eve in paradise. The 46mm Classical Billionaire Tourbillon comes in four varieties, including a diamond-and-sapphire bracelet model ($975,000; corum.ch).

One size fits all at Krieger. Its unisex Gigantium family features at least four limited- edition collections with specs up to 51mm. The Fav Elite collection sets a vintage look with bright dial colors and alligator straps to match (from $2,000; kriegerwatch.com).

Panerai, which supplied watches to the Royal Italian Navy in 1864, is now making its sporty Radiomir collection with bright, colorful straps and in bracelet styles. But plenty of women still like the plain model; there is even a waiting list for those seeking the 45mm watch ($9,500; panerai.com).

Gerald Genta's most popular larger model for women is the bold, avant-garde Octo Bi-Retro watch. The triple octagon case with red enamel dial features a dazzling mosaic of black and white diamonds, and comes with a matching zebra-print leather strap. ($64,500; geraldgenta.com)

The enchanting new 38mm Van Cleef & Arpels 18K white-gold Lady Arpels Féerie watch features a fairy whose magic wand and diamond wings track the hours and minutes. Now, if only its spellbinding powers could compel her to be on time ($86,500; vancleef.com).