For Immediate Release

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Light Winds Challenge Fleet at Robert H. Tiedemann Regatta Sponsored by Panerai

Regatta Marks Arrival of 2008 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge on U.S. Shores

Newport (Rhode Island) July 8, 2008 — Light breeze challenged racers at the Robert H. Tiedemann Regatta sponsored by Panerai, a two-day regatta that celebrated the memory of a man who cut a monumental profile in the world of classic boats. But if the support at this event—in terms of the number of participants, the number of fans who watched on land and on water, and the sponsors and sailors who share Bob Tiedemann's dedication to classic boats—could be rated by the same Beaufort scale that measures wind strength, the ranking would be gale force.

At weekend's end, Elizabeth Tiedemann gave tribute to her late husband in front of a crowd of over 200 guests who packed under the tent for Sunday's award dinner. "He made quite a difference in his short time here," she said. Bob Tiedemann's passion for classic watercraft led him to rescue a substantial number of historic vessels, and the example he set was evident in the fleet that participated.  Competing classics in Bristol condition, some of which were restored by Tiedemann, ranged from Herreshoff S-Boats that measure 20 feet on the waterline to majestic 12-Meters designed to capture the America's Cup, notable Sparkman & Stephens designs such as 1930s-era Dorade and Sonny, and "spirit of tradition" W-Class boats. Racing classes were complemented by a fleet of vintage power yachts that participated in Sunday's Parade of Boats.

A total of some 40 boats participated in the weekend's festivities, held July 5-6 in Newport and organized by the Museum of Yachting. Joining title sponsor Panerai were support sponsors Inskip Porsche and Bentley Providence. Race management was handled by Sail Newport, with racing held both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The fleet started Saturday's round-the-island race in a southeasterly breeze that ranged 7 to 11 knots. But as the fleet raced along the east side of Conanicut Island, winds lightened to 2 to 3 knots and the fleet chased zephyrs as they made their way to the finish line, shortened at the north end of Conanicut Island. An around-the-buoys race was started Sunday in south-southeasterly breeze. But as the breeze lightened, the fleet converged in a proverbial parking lot near Kettle Bottom Rock until the southerly filled in to power competitors to the finish line.

The crew of the S-Boat Osprey, owned by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and skippered by America's Cup veteran Dyer Jones, captured overall honors for the Vintage Class yachts and was awarded a Pam 308 Luminor Chronograph Regatta watch from title sponsor Panerai. Michael Dominguez's custom-designed Halcyon captured overall honors for the Modern Classic yachts and was presented with a Panerai wall clock. Class winners who were also awarded with Panerai wall clocks included: Northern Light, the top-scoring vintage 12-Meter, restored by Bob Tiedemann; Stephen and Paul Pepperell's ketch Long White Cloud; and L-24 Belle, skippered by Joe Loughborough.

The Tiedemann Regatta marks the arrival of the 2008 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge on U.S. shores. Title sponsor Panerai has grouped a series of ten events held in U.S., Caribbean, and Mediterranean waters into an annual circuit for classic yachts, and the Tiedemann Regatta is the first U.S. event in the '08 series. The company has a strong affinity with the watercraft that compete at these events. Like classic boats, their timepieces are designed to withstand the powerful elements of the sea while remaining true to tradition and impeccable style.

Panerai will return to Newport in late August to sponsor the Museum of Yachting's 29th Annual Classic Yacht Regatta (August 29-31). The Classic Yacht Regatta will be the final U.S. event on the 2008 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, the Museum of Yachting celebrates the history and traditions of yachting by staging exhibitions, hosting regattas and events, preserving vessels and artifacts, and maintaining an expansive collection of research material in its Phil Weld Memorial Library. For summer 2008, the museum debuted three new exhibits, including: "Sparkman & Stephens: Evolution by Design," "The Grand Voyages of Arthur Curtiss James," and the "America's Cup: The Newport Years." In 2007, the Museum converged with the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) of Newport. Together, these two Newport organizations are creating a rich educational living-heritage experience by coordinating exhibits, events, and restoration projects. 

For complete race results, please visit the Sail Newport website at www.sailnewport.org.

For more information on the Museum of Yachting, visit www.museumofyachting.org.