Caribbean rendez-vous

For Swan owners in Virgin Islands

With the intention of introducing more cruising opportunities into the Nautor's Swan events calendar, the inaugural Bvlgari Swan Caribbean Rendez-vous took place last week at the unparalleled tropical setting of the Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

Excitement rose at Bitter End as an impressive fleet of 18 yachts, ranging from the classic Swan 36, Arc Angel to the new Swan 112, Song of the Sea, converged on the stunning blue waters of the North Sound for the start of the four day Rendez-vous. Day cruises were organised focusing on relaxation and enjoyment taking in many of the mystical BVI sites like the Bight at Norman Island and the Baths at Cooper Island, whilst for the more competitive there was the Round Virgin Gorda Fun Race on the last day. However, in the true Swan tradition the social programme of leisurely breakfasts, lunches, sunset cocktails and West Indian Beach Barbecues lived up to all expectations.

The event kicked off in style at the Bitter End with the Bvlgari Welcome Reception, where over 100 participants enjoyed the traditional tastes and sounds of the Caribbean. Albert Wheatley, Director of the BVI Tourist Board and Ross Justice, Managing Director of the Bitter End Yacht Club, extended a warm welcome to the BVIs.

Next morning, after a Caribbean breakfast in the Clubhouse, the fleet set off into the North Sound for the 4 hour sail to Norman Island for lunch at the Pirate's Bight and an afternoon of snorkelling at the Caves. Despite the un-tropical weather at the start, the skies quickly cleared for this idyllic cruise through the islands. Two of the Swan 56s, Perseverance and Clover III could not resist a little friendly competition along the way and soon were pushing each other to be first to the Bight. However this honour went to the Swan 112, Song of the Sea who gracefully emerged from the dark clouds into the sunshine quickly passing the entire fleet. Luciano Scaramuccia, Managing Director of Nautor's Swan in Finland commented whilst sailing on Swan 56 Clover III:

"It's marvellous to have a week off here, it's a lovely, lovely place. Everyone is relaxed because there is not the pressure of a regatta and everyone is saying they are falling in love with their Swans all over again".

After an overnight stay at Norman Island, the fleet sailed upwind to meet for lunch at the Beach Club on Cooper Island, on to one of the most famous landmarks in the BVI, the Baths on the south western shore of Virgin Gorda and then finally back to Bitter End.

By Saturday many of the participants wanted to be a little more adventurous and spent the day at the Bitter End Watersports Center using the full range of facilities including the lasers, hobie cats, wind-surfers and Kayaks.

The remainder of the group visited the classic desert island paradise of Anegada to soak up the sun on its un-interrupted, white sandy beaches and to snorkel in the surrounding crystal blue waters. The evening brought everyone together on the terrace of the Pub at Bitter End for Sunset Cocktails including the Swanky Swan, a unique cocktail based on Mount Gay White specially concocted for the event. Gaymund and Cindy Schultz, owners of Song of the Sea also kindly invited all the participants aboard their beautiful yacht and commented during the evening "We love the event and the chance to meet other Swan owners - everyone is really so nice, this is exactly why we bought a Swan". That sentiment was repeated throughout the participants: "We thoroughly enjoyed the event," smiled Fran Curren, owner of Swan 55 Pamir "It exceeded our expectations."

Sunday, the final day, saw perfect conditions for the Bvlgari Round Virgin Gorda Fun Race with the start and finish line inside the North Sound. Song of the Sea held back at the start to allow the other boats to get away safely before once again passing the fleet to get the expected line honours in a near record time of just over three hours. The other boats pushing for honours were Swan 65, Nittan II, the Swan 56s, Sky and Perseverance, Swan 53, Sky and Bvlgari branded Swan 51, Northern Child.

The Bvlgari Prizegiving and West Indian Beach Barbecue was the climax to the event. After the presentation of many fun prizes and the Lewmar Best Maintained Swan Award to Neal Finnegan, owner of the immaculate Swan 56, Clover III, special presentations were made to Richard Hokin, the long time owner of Bitter End Yacht Club and Swan 51, Blue Flame and Cameron McColl, owner of the nearby Nanny Cay Marina and Nittan II. There were many surprises in the final line up of the Round the Island Race after the
Caribbean Fun Rating had been applied; Swan 48, Ayesha of Hamble won the Last Crew to the Bar Award and Sky, Mensae and Nittan II finished first, second and third respectively.

In support of the invaluable voluntary local search and rescue organisation VISAR, Bvlgari generously donated two Scuba Chrono ClubSwan Limited Edition and through the ticket sales, were delighted to raise a significant amount of funds. The lucky winners of the watches were Bunny Wayt, owner of Swan 44, and Vixen and Cameron McColl, owner of Nittan II. The party continued well into the night with all concerned vowing to return again next year.

The response received from the Swan owners is unanimous and a great compliment to Nautor's Swan, Bvlgari and the participants themselves for
making the week so enjoyable.