Record line-up for Swan regatta

120 boats to compete at Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo mid-September

A record number of Swan yachts will gather on the north-eastern coast of Sardinia for the 14th edition of the Rolex Swan Cup on 11-17 September. The week long contest in Porto Cervo is set to be a huge success with high profile sailors from across the globe preparing to compete in the event, which is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with Nautor's Swan and Rolex as the title sponsor. Around 120 performance cruising and racing models will be present from 15 nations, competing to win the coveted Swan Cup Trophy, which was last awarded to Roberto Ferrero (ITA) who sailed to victory on board the Swan 48 Solenia II in 2004.

Swan yachts will be divided into four classes; the Grand Prix Class, the Classics which will involve the Swan 36 Tarantella, the first ever Swan built in 1966 and the Swan 601 and Swan 45 One-Design Classes. There is also a non-racing division, providing less competitive owners with the opportunity to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the event as they cruise in the beautiful waters around the Maddelena achipelago.

The 601 Class promises compelling viewing with five yachts entered to date, including an experienced crew onboard the American yacht, Moneypenny. Owner Jim Swartz comments: "Our whole team is very excited about coming to Porto Cervo for the Rolex Swan Cup and racing with the other 601s. For most of the team it is the highlight of the year, whereas for me it is a totally new experience that I hear is just fabulous. My principal motivation in purchasing the 601 was to participate in close One-Design racing and it is a real joy to be taking part in the event. We will be racing with the crew that has sailed with us for most of the past year including Dee Smith, Kimo Worthington, and Mark Rudiger in the afterguard."

Meanwhile, 30 yachts are entered in the Swan 45 One-Design Class - a record gathering for the class that will guarantee some close-fought competition. There are great expectations for Massimo Ferragamo (USA) and Bellicosa, following his win at the Swan 45 World Championship in Key West and Stefano Polti (ITA), who secured class honours onboard Mintaka as part of the victorious Team Sardegna at the Sardinia Rolex Cup in early June. They will face former America's Cup helm Andy Green who will be calling tactics on board Belgian owner Bernard Lambillotte's Swan 45 Nemo.

Andy Green comments: "It will be amazing to see such a high number of Swan 45s come together in Sardinia. Bernard and myself are excited that so many experienced sailors are entered and we expect stiff competition from boats such as Vertigo and Piper At The Gates Of Dawn. We've been working hard to prepare for this event and recently participated in the Copa del Rey Trofeo Agua Brava, coming 4th overall, however racing in a one-design class will be very different and we're looking forward to the challenge."

Among the other entrants preparing for this high profile event is world-renowned Dutch sailor Roy Heiner, who will join owner Roel Pieper (BVI) on board the Swan 80 Favonius in the Grand Prix Class. The Olympian and former Volvo Ocean Race skipper has past experience competing on the yacht and is looking forward to the event: "Competition will be tough but we've been discussing tactics and are determined to win this event. It's vital to prepare well in advance for a regatta like this and we're working hard to make sure that the team are in the right mindset and completely focussed on winning."

Roel Pieper adds: "We have worked hard to get Favonius up to such a high racing standard and we are really going to push for victory .The racing element is brilliant but I'm also looking forward to the glamorous social events, which provide the opportunity to meet both new and old friends. The Rolex Swan Cup is the most exciting event on my sailing calendar this year and I'm delighted my family will join me in Porto Cervo and enjoy the stunning scenery."

The event will include five days of racing and one lay day, the courses varying from island races to windward-leeward races. The Rolex Swan Cup follows the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (3-9 September) and this year Swans over 60 feet competing at both events will be eligible for the Combined Maxi Swan trophy. The final prizegiving ceremony will be held on the Sunday, bringing this unique event to a close.

A glamorous social programme will provide shoreside entertainment throughout the week in the true 'Spirit of Swan'. Swan owners and guests will gather together to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Nautor's Swan at the Swan is Passion Party at the famous Finger's Club in Porto Cervo on Tuesday 12 September. Highlights also include the Owners Dinner hosted by the YCCS and Rolex at the YCCS Clubhouse on Friday 15 September.

To see the full entry list - click here