PANERAI TRANSAT CLASSIQUE 2015 : 3,000 NAUTICAL MILES OF CLASSIC SAILING FROM LANZAROTE TO MARTINIQUE

MARCH 2014 – The fascinating volcanic Canary Island of Lanzarote and exotic Martinique in the Caribbean Lesser Antilles are the departure and arrival ports for the Panerai Transat Classique 2015(www.paneraitransatclassique.com), the next edition of the renowned transatlantic race for classic and vintage yachts. The regatta will leave from Lanzarote on January 7^th 2015.Almost 3,000 nautical miles separate the two islands: an extraordinary and challenging Atlantic route along which dozens of Grandes Dames of the Sea will do heroic battle. The legendary race is once again being organised by the Atlantic Yacht Club (France) in partnership with high-end sports watchmaker Officine Panerai, already a strong presence in the classic yacht world through its title sponsorship of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. The latter circuit also celebrates its 10^thanniversary in 2014 and the Panerai Transat Classique 2015 will provide a spectacular epilogue to a milestone season dedicated to a decade of unstinting passion: for the sea, for beauty, and the history of which each one of these charming yachts is a part.The fleet will assemble in Marina Lanzarote, primary port of call upon arriving in the temperate Canarian archipelago. Lanzarote has achieved renown as an established European yachting destination having become a popular choice for the World’s best racing sailors. The island offers a professional and extensive infrastructure for visitors and Calero Marinas’ most recent facility is conveniently based in the authentic maritime capital of the island. With the international airport only minutes away and repair and maintenance services that feature an 820-tonne travel hoist, Marina Lanzarote offers everything needed to prepare for a transatlantic crossing. Event participants and their families will be invited to enjoy the warm and colourful Canarian culture including visits around this intriguing island and the vibrant “Three Kings” street party celebrations on the 5^th January.

The arrival in Martinique will represent a unique and authentic experience. Nicknamed “the flower of the Caribbean”, Martinique amazes the visitor with its diversity of landscapes: mountains dominated by the famous Mount Pelée, a rainforest… Its beaches are an invitation to beauty and discovery, and the pleasure of having a swim in warm crystal waters, always exceeding 25° C, is guaranteed. Located in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago, Martinique is one of the Windward islands in the Lesser Antilles group. Its eastern coastline borders the Atlantic Ocean while its western coast is flanked by the Caribbean Sea. Trade winds from the east and northeast provide a steady breeze that constantly refreshes the air. Martinique is truly a land of tradition and culture, with a rich history of crafts and literature by renowned authors and famous poets, music and dance, lifestyle and gastronomy. A warm and lively welcome will be surely reserved for the competitors of the Transat Panerai Classique 2015at the capital city, Fort-de-France, whose Bay was inducted into “The Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World”.