Officine Panerai, long-time promoter of classic sailing through the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, is the Atlantic Yacht Club’s new partner in the Panerai Transat Classique 2012, a regatta that will see a fleet of dozens of stunning classic sailing yachts cast off on December 2nd to race their way across the Atlantic Ocean (more on the Transt Classique below).  As sponsor of the classic sailing regatta, Panerai has introduced a special edition Luminor 1950 Rattrapante 8 Days in titanium case and distinguished by an engraving of the logo of the Panerai Transat Classique 2012 on the back of the case.   The Panerai, reference PAM 427, has been made in a limited edition of 500 units, one of which will be presented to the winner of the Panerai Transat Classique 2012.  More on the jump>>>

47mm brushed itanium case, polished titanium bezel, “sandwich dial” with linear “8-day” power reserve indicator, hours/mins/small/secs and chronograph, Panerai caliber p.2006 (manual wind, 3 barrels, double column wheel)

This watch is a rattrapante, also known as a “split-seconds chronograph” featuring a vertical clutch and twin column wheels; the movement is actually manual-wind a manufacture Panerai caliber P.2006.  The first split-seconds timing hand is controlled by the button at 8 o’clock (embossed “C” for ‘chronograph’); the second is controlled by the button at 10 o’clock (embossed “R” for ‘rattrapante’).

Caseback: Screwdown titanium, engraved with Panerai Transat Classique 2012

About the Panerai Transat Classique 2012

The participants in the Panerai Transat Classique 2012 are travelling 4,000 miles in yachts which in some cases boast histories of a hundred years or more, driven by the power of the wind and the ocean currents, but above all by the great passion that unites all lovers of the sea.  The yachts will cast off from Cascais, in Portugal, home to the prestigious Clube Naval de Cascais, bound for the Caribbean haven of Barbados, sailing 4,000 miles: the yachts may also accumulate points for the final standings in the course of two preliminary races, participation in which is optional.  The latter start from Douarnenez in Brittany (July 22nd 2012) and Saint-Tropez (October 25th 2012), before the entire fleet gathers at Cascais to race its way across the Atlantic.

Almost 40 yachts have already entered the Panerai Transat Classique and amongst them are some of the most famous names in sailing history, including Pen Duick II, Moonbeam IV, Marianna and The Blue Peter.