Swans flock to Cowes

European Regatta to take place in July

Swan owners are counting down to the 2007 Swan European Regatta (SER) in Cowes, Isle of Wight, which will run from 2-8 July 2007. The 13th edition of the event, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) also combines the Swan 45 Gold Cup.

Around 70 Swans from around the globe are expected to gather at the UK’s capital of yachting for what is sure to be an action fuelled event in the Solent. This year’s entry list for the SER already includes a number of British boats, together with entries from Ireland and the Netherlands.

The Royal Yacht Squadron first hosted the SER in 1995 and the biennial event continues to attract numerous sailing celebrities such as British Olympic gold medalist Shirley Robertson, who attended in 2005. At present, the registration process is on going, with entry figures continually rising. A host of well known Swan owners are preparing to take part in the event, including Sir Peter Ogden (GBR), who will sail onboard the Swan 601 Spirit of Jethou and Jonathan Rolls (GBR) will take part on Swan 38 Xara.

Enrico Chieffi, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Nautor’s Swan comments: "The regatta is always a hugely popular event and this year it is set to be more exciting than ever. It will be wonderful to watch Swans from around the world, competing on the water in this special event. I am delighted that the third edition of the Swan 45 Gold Cup is to be held in Cowes, as the Solent waters will provide excellent conditions for this competition. Following the success of the 2005 event, we look forward to working with the RYS to deliver another first class event in the UK."

The SER will comprise five days of competitive racing, including a combination of short windward-leeward races and a series of longer races. With a colourful racing schedule, the Swan 45 Gold cup will also include a variety of windward-leeward races. Daily prizes will be awarded for the first classified Swan for each Class, whilst trophies for the first, second and third placed Swan in the overall Class results will be awarded at the Final Prizegiving on the last day of racing.

The Swan 45 Gold Cup is now recognised as one of the most competitive one-design events and 25 of the one-design models are set to compete at Cowes. Competition among the fleet will be fierce, after Massimo Ferragamo’s (USA) Bellicosa was crowned as the inaugural Swan 45 World Champion 2006 and awarded the coveted Gold Cup. A number of well known Swan owners will look to steal the title away from Massimo, including co-owners of Swan 45 Fever, Klaus Diedrichs and Grant Gordon (GBR). 11 crew members will sail onboard the yacht, including Andy Beadsworth as tactician.

Fever celebrated victory in Class C at the Swan European Regatta in 2005 and Klaus Diedrichs is looking forward to returning to Solent waters. He commented: "This will be our third Swan 45 Gold Cup and it will be fantastic to race on home waters. The RYS is one of the most brilliant yacht clubs in the world with such a professional management team. The crew and myself are preparing for the event and will begin sailing in mid-March, with regular training weekends. I am sure that competition between the Swan 45s will be fierce but we will put up a great challenge and hopefully win this year.”

As well as providing on the water action, the social programme will also offer great entertainment and ClubSwan, together with the Royal Yacht Squadron, has organised a variety of entertainment throughout the regatta. Swan owners and their guests will be able to enjoy the socials, to be held in the Regatta Village in Cowes Yacht Haven. With such a full programme of racing and entertainment, the SER is sure to provide a memorable week for all those taking part.