This time last year I had the good fortune to be in Boston attending a media preview of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat, after which I took a few days for a first-time visit to Newport, R.I. Since I happen to enjoy vintage boats I couldn't resist taking a tourist ride in a restored 50' speedboat from the prohibition era that originally had been built for rum running. While we were cruising the Bay we passed a fleet of five America's Cup racers on an afternoon sail. What a sight! Which gives me an excuse (if I needed one) to draw your attention to a story from ClassicInside about the Classic Yachts Challenge at Imperia on the Italian Riviera. The vintage yachts were built for wealthy sportsmen in an earlier era and the event is obviously quite spectacular. Says ClassicDrive, "The comparisons with top-level historic motor racing are valid; a casual saunter along the harbour of Porto Maurizio reveals a watery 'paddock' every bit the equal of Pebble Beach or the Goodwood Revival. Substitute the Ferrari 250 GTOs for a Big Class Racing Cutter like Lulworth (above), all 120ft of polished brass, chrome, teak and mahogany, and you've got the picture." The Challenge is sponsored by Panerai, a famous watchmaker "involved with sailing and the sea since the late 19th Century when deck watches made by the company were used by the Italian Navy."