Angelo Bonati

Panerai Relaunches Classic 1936 Sailing Yacht

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Yachts & Sailing

Swiss-owned Italian luxury watch brand Panerai has restored a classic 1936 sailing yacht which will now serve as the company's flagship at exclusive yachting events. Panerai CEO and avid yachtsman Angelo Bonati just spent the last two-and-a-half years overseeing a complete restoration of the Eilean (above), a beautiful two-masted 72-ft. Bermudian ketch originally designed and built in 1936 by the legendary Fife boatyard in Scotland. When Bonati acquired the stylish yacht, whose design was inspired by the J-Class America's Cup racers of the 1930s, in 2006 it was a mastless, rusting wreck. He hired Italian naval restoration specialist Enrico Zacagni to undertake the extremely costly and painstaking 40,000-hour task. In addition to its Burmese teak skin and decking and perfectly recreated period details, the yacht now features a bespoke set of Panerai sailing instruments. The beautiful boat will represent the brand at the upcoming Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.

Gallery: Panerai Yacht Eilean