In 2009, for the fifth consecutive year, some of the most prestigious yachting locations on the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean are hosting the international regatta circuit for vintage and classic sailing boats, sponsored by Officine Panerai. A now historic event, as well as an opportunity to see the most beautiful classic boats still seafaring, assembled together and in action, in locations that have marked the history of sailing.

The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2009 takes place from April to September, with three regattas in the Mediterranean (Antibes and Cannes on the French Riviera and Porto Rotondo in Sardinia) as well as four regattas overseas (Antigua in the Caribbean, Nantucket and Newport’s double event on the Eastern US Coast).

Following with tradition, this year’s special edition Luminor 1950 Regatta Rattrapante is dedicated to the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge and has been produced in a limited quantity of 500 pieces. With its highly specialized split-second chronograph and chronometer certificate that counts down the five minutes to the start of the regatta, it is a genuine sailor’s instrument.

The watch will be awarded to the overall winner of each regatta. Differing from the 2008 edition, the case, as well as the three buttons, the winding crown and the lever bridge, feature an unusual new design – the steel is blackened with a treatment called DLC (diamond-like-carbon) which allows the metal to be harder and more resistant to corrosion as well as less prone to the scratching and streaking that are commonplace with other metal-burnishing procedure. The Luminor 1950 Regatta Rattrapante has automatic OP XVIII calibre, an automatic movement created exclusively by Officine Panerai.