Swans flock in Sardinia

A preview to September's Rolex Swan Cup

Top international sailors and Swan owners from around the globe will take part in a week of intense competition for the 14th edition of the Rolex Swan Cup (11-17 September), organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo. Nautor's Swan anticipates that more than 100 Swans will come together for this unique competition, ensuring that a wide range of models from the SwanLine will be represented at this biennial event. Performance cruising and racing models will be present, including five Swan 601s, over twenty Swan 45s and four new Swan 100s which will make their debut in this competition.

Since 1966, over 1860 Swans have been constructed at Nautor's constantly evolving yard in Pietarsaari, Finland. In honour of Nautor's 40th anniversary, the Swan 36 Tarantella, the first ever Swan, will be attending, bringing an 'historical' element to the event. Nautor's Swan will also present the Swan 66, its 40th anniversary model, a true performance cruiser that embodies everything that 'Swan' stands for".1

Enrico Chieffi, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Nautor's Swan comments: "I am delighted that such a great variety of Swan models will gather in Sardinia for this highly competitive regatta. It is a really special event for Nautor's Swan as we celebrate the company's 40th Anniversary and I am pleased that Swan owners and their guests will be able to celebrate with us in such a beautiful setting. With many competitors aiming to win the new 'Combined Maxi Swan' trophy, the event promises to provide a challenging week of racing."

The Rolex Swan Cup follows the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (3-10 September) and this year Swans over 60 feet competing at both events will be eligible for the Combined Maxi Swan trophy. Points scored at each event will be added to find the overall winners in each Swan class.

This regatta will provide a global sailing stage for some of the world's best-known sailors including Roy Heiner, mastermind behind ABN AMRO's Volvo Ocean Race success, who will join Roel Pieper (BVI) onboard Favonius. The provisional list of entries also includes Leonardo Ferragamo (ITA) Swan 45 Cuordileone, Leslie Green and Calvert-Jones (AUS) Swan 45 Ginger and Stuart and MarrGwen Townsend (USA) Swan 100S Virago. Sir Peter Ogden (GBR) owner of Swan 601 Spirit of Jethou will also take part.

The toughest racing is expected to come from the boats taking part in the one-design Swan 45 division. According to former America's Cup helm Andy Green (GBR), who will be calling tactics on board Belgian owner Bernard Lambillotte's Swan 45 Nemo:: "This is a really special event for the team as we can enjoy the combination of competitive racing in beautiful surroundings. The team will be well prepared for this event, having participated in various regattas such as the Giraglia Rolex Cup earlier in the year. Although we realise racing will be tough with so many top class sailors taking part, we are determined to finish among the top three."

This year the Rolex Swan Cup is sure to deliver a spirited week of racing and gala social events. The regatta will involve four classes: the Swan 601 and Swan 45 One-Design Classes, the Grand Prix and the Classic Swan Class. There will also be a non-racing division for Swan owners who would prefer to cruise around the island and soak up the stunning scenery.

A full programme of shoreside events will begin on the Monday with a welcome cocktail party. The following race days will include prize giving ceremonies and glamorous socials throughout the week. An owner's dinner hosted by Nautor's Swan will be held on the Tuesday and a musical evening will take place on the Wednesday. There will be a Rolex Owners dinner, hosted by YCCS (By Invitation) on the Friday, a Rolex Crew Party on the Saturday and the event will draw to a close on the Sunday, with a final prizegiving.

The Rolex Swan Cup continues to attract yachts from every part of the world for racing, cruising and a glamorous social programme. The striking mix of events will create a unique competition in true 'Spirit of Swan' style.