Swans head for Cowes

70 Swans to compete in June's Rolex Swan European Regatta

The countdown to the 2005 Rolex Swan European Regatta in Cowes, Isle of Wight, is well underway. In less than two months, around 70 Swans from over ten different nations will converge on the UK's capital of yachting, for an action-packed week of challenging racing and socialising. Hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron, the 12th running of this biennial regatta will take place on 19-25 June, between the Rolex Race Around the Isle of Wight and the fleet review for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The entry list for the Rolex Swan Europeans to date includes 34 British boats, together with entries from Germany, France, The Netherlands and Spain. British Olympic silver medalist Nick Rogers is among the numerous sailing celebrities who will be participating in a week of highly competitive racing, as are America's Cup sailors, Chris Law and Andy Green. The impressive list of contenders includes 27 different models, spanning the entire Nautor's Swan portfolio, from the traditional Sparkman & Stephens-designed Swan 36, the first Swan ever produced, to the German Frers-designed Swan 70, which utilises the most technologically advanced materials in its construction. Eight one-design Swan 45s have already signed up, as have four Swan 601s - Nautor's Swan's latest one-design model.

Enrico Chieffi, Nautor's Swan Marketing Director commented on the significance of the regatta within the sailing calendar: "The Rolex Swan European Regatta has always been extremely well attended since its beginnings in 1983. This year looks to be no exception, with a fantastic turn-out already confirmed."

The RSER will comprise five days of racing, including a combination of short windward-leeward races and a series of longer 'round The Solent' races. The fleet will be divided into three Classes. A and B will race under the Nautor's Swan Rating system (NSR 2005), whilst the Swan 45s will race in a one-design class of their own (Class C). Daily prizes will be awarded to the first classified Swan in each Class. Trophies for the first, second and third placed Swan in the overall Class results will be awarded at the Final Prizegiving at the Royal Yacht Squadron on the last day of racing. The overall winner of each class will also be awarded a Rolex Chronometer.

As with every Swan regatta, the social programme will be an integral part of the RSER. ClubSwan relishes its relationship with its owners and embraces them as part of the Swan family, whereby in purchasing a Swan, they not only acquire a beautiful yacht, but a lifestyle as well. The packed programme of entertainment throughout the regatta includes the Rolex Owners' Dinner at the Squadron and the Rolex Crew Party. ClubSwan will be at the centre of the Regatta Village in Cowes Yacht Haven, where Swan owners and crew congregate after racing, to discuss tactics and share stories of the day's competition. ClubSwan will be hosting one of the race days, as well as a gala dinner at Osborne House, the picturesque former summer residence of Queen Victoria.

Other event supporters include Nautor's Swan suppliers Henri-Lloyd, B&G, Lewmar, Dockwise, Peters & May, Reckmann, Pantaenius, Talisker and North Sails.

With such an exciting programme of racing and entertainment, the Rolex Swan European Regatta is guaranteed to deliver a memorable week for all involved - owners, crew and spectators alike.