This is the eighth competition in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, which includes eleven events and this year celebrates its tenth anniversary

From 26 to 30 August the eleventh Vela Clásica Menorca - Copa del Rey - Panerai Trophy, the eighth competition in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, will take place, which this year marks its tenth anniversary. Over 45 vessels have been entered so far to take part in the categories of Vintage (launched until 31 December 1949); Classic (from 1950 to 31 December 1975); Big Boat (over 23 metres long) and Spirit of Tradition (vessels launched after 1975 which are vintage or classic in design). Of particular note in the Vintage class are the Chinook, owned by the Briton Graham Walker, and the Enterprise, classified second at the last edition of the Copa del Rey Panerai. The Manitou, a 1937 sailboat designed by the prestigious ship designer Olin Stephens, which became the presidential yacht when John Fitzgerald Kennedy was named president of the United States, is also competing in this class. For this reason it was nicknamed the Floating White House . The classics also include the boats entered by the Italian Navy, the Corsaro II and the Stella Polare, two grand vessels designed for training officers. In the Big Boat class we have the Mariette, current champion in this class, and the Mariquita along with the Hallowe'n and Elena of London. In the same class the Moonbeam IV, owned by Rainier of Monaco, will be competing this year. The prince acquired the boat in 1950 and spent his honeymoon on it with the famous actress Grace Kelly. Some time later, in 1960, Rainier of Monaco sold it to Hannibal Scott. In this edition the only Spanish competition included in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge circuit will see boats participating from Spain, Italy, the UK, Malta, the USA, Germany, Holland, Argentina and Russia, the oldest vessel being the Marigold, an 18-metre long guff cutter, launched by the Camper & Nicholson shipyard in 1892. The eleventh Copa del Rey - Panerai Trophy, jointly organised by the Club Marítimo de Mahón and the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, will be officially opened on 26 August, as of 12 noon , with the opening of the regatta office to confirm entries. The following day, at 8pm, the crews will be formally welcomed at the Club Marítimo de Mahón. The competitions will take place from 28 to 30 August. The following stages of the Mediterranean circuit in the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge will take place in Italy and France: Vele d’Epoca di Imperia (from 10 to 14 September) and Régates Royales, in Cannes, from 23 to 27.