50 Classic Yachts line up for Classic Yacht Parade

by Des Ryan on 27 Jul 2012 If you love classic yachts and are anywhere within reach of Rhode Island in the USA at the beginning of September, there's an event your won't want to miss.

The Classic Yacht Parade is one of the most appealing and exciting events on the very busy harbor in Newport, RI. and is part of the Classic Yacht Regatta which runs on first-2nd September again this year.

A moving display around the harbor is a beautiful collection of over 50 classic yachts, both sail and power, that represent the very best of classic yacht design and construction.

The yachts will be vying to win the coveted Classic Yacht Parade awards including 'Best Sail', 'Best Power', 'Most patriotic' and 'Best Costumes'.

There are many wonderful vantage points to view this procession of spectacular yachts in their own element, including the Goat Island Marina dock, Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, The Newport Yachting Center dock, King’s Park Pier and the Alofsin Piers at Fort Adams.

This is an opportunity for boat lovers as well as for anyone who appreciates beauty, craftsmanship and splendor.

...and if you have your own beautiful classic boat, we’d love to have you join the parade. Please email Jay Picotte at jpicotte@moy.org to register (for free!)

How did it all start?
In 1980, a group of New England yachtsmen looked around Newport harbor and saw classic yachts that were once glorious decaying before their eyes. Inspired to raise awareness for these endangered vessels, these sailors founded the Classic Yacht Regatta in Newport, Rhode Island.

The newly formed Museum of Yachting organized the first event. It proved an immediate success with forty wooden classics coming to the starting line.

As the event grew in size and stature, this annual showcase of vintage yachts became the impetus for a number of boat owners to restore and maintain the historic watercraft under their care.

Event sponsor Panerai joined the event in 2006—bringing significant upgrades to the regatta and its prizes and social festivities—and this regatta is now firmly established as a weekend of camaraderie and competition that draws meticulously restored classics and spirit-of-tradition yachts that are modern in build and materials yet traditional in design.

Some of the original founders of the regatta are now gone, but their legacy lives on in these graceful vintage vessels that faithfully return each year to this annual event.