Rhode Island Swans

Latest news of the forth-coming Swan American Regatta

With an ever increasing list of entries for the 2007 Swan American Regatta held in Newport, Rhode Island, preparations are in full swing at the New York Yacht Club for the return of the much anticipated and highly popular biennial event. The Swan American Regatta, which runs 14 July – 20 July, sees entries from America, Europe and Asia coming together for five days of fierce racing. Set to take place on the Rhode Island Sound and Narragansett Bay, it is an idyllic setting for an impressive fleet of Swans. A broad range of entries across the Swanline will be taking part, from the one-design Club Swan 42, developed in partnership with the NYYC, to Virago (USA) a Swan 100S.

As usual, a busy regatta schedule is in place, both on and off the water, including a mid week Around-the-Island race with racing (spinnaker), cruising (non spinnaker) and the new NYYC Club Swan 42 class. The New York Yacht Club Harbour Court facility will play host to the offshore social activities, which are as much a part of the event as the racing.

The line up of Swans competing at this years event is continually increasing and so far sees the return of two 2005 winners. Martin Jacobson owner of the Swan 44 Crescendo (USA) is no stranger to the highly competitive nature of the event after an epic duel with fellow Swan 44 Vixen in the latter stages of the regatta. After finishing top of Class B two years ago, Jacobson is looking forward to competing in the 2007 event;

“The Swan regattas are the ones we enjoy the most. Crescendo has competed in the Swan Europeans, the Swan Worlds and the Swan North American Regattas and these are always the high point of the season. We especially appreciate the hospitality of the New York Yacht Club and the excellent work of the Race Committee in Newport, as well as the support provided by all Nautor staff.”

The regatta will also welcome the return of Reef Points (USA), the Swan 44 that impressed at the 2005 Newport event winning the non spinnaker division, Class D by quite some margin. Despite being one of the smaller boats in the division, owner Joseph Huber and Captain Jeff Gertzen proved a winning combination accumulating seven first place finishes and taking the title by a convincing nineteen points. With a crew of predominantly family members, Huber comments “We are looking forward to defending our 2005 Class D 1 st place finish. Swan events are among the best sailing events in the world. They are one of the main reasons I would not consider owning any other boat.”

Fresh from competing at the Antigua Sailing Week, the Swan 48 Avocation (USA) will be heading the charge in its class and owner Karl Breyer had this to say ahead of the prestigious Swan regatta. “We look forward to competing again this year. Newport, The New York Yacht Club as host, as well as seeing old friends and competitors, makes the Swan American Regatta a ‘must do’ on Avocation's calendar - and a great week of racing and socializing for us.”

The highly successful Swan 601 model will be well represented this year, with Pioneerinvestments by Cuordileone (ITA) and MoneyPenny (USA) as confirmed entries. MoneyPenny finished overall winner of Class A at the 2005 Swan American Regatta and it will be a close fought contest between two experienced crews. With the new class rules and 2008 Mediterranean circuit confirmed, the event in Newport is just the start of an exciting year of racing for this competitive one-deign racer.

The Swans will be divided into four classes with Classes A, C and D all racing under Nautor’s Swan Rating System (NSR) and Class B encompassing the competitive one-design Club Swan 42. Since it’s launch, the CS42 has proven its racing abilities, successfully matching the criteria set out by the NYYC and has become a popular choice amoung amateur sailors looking to compete in a competitive one design class. As Nautor’s Swan announces the new CS42 Circuit for 2008, the racing at the SAR is bound to heighten interest around the model and showcase it’s impressive capabilities.

The Swan 100S Virago, owned by Stuart Townsend, is the largest yacht competing to date and as a result, the NYYC has made alterations to several courses to accommodate the larger boat. Whereas the original plan was for the fleet to sail under the Jamestown Verrazano Bridge and around Prudence Island this has become impractical due to height and depth restrictions. Instead the revised courses will make more use of the Narragansett Bay, passing under the Newport Bridge on occasions.

Swan owners and their guests will enjoy a comprehensive programme of social events hosted by the New York Yacht Club, which serves as a welcome rest bite in-between the competitive daily races. Prize giving ceremonies and dinner receptions will take place at the Harbour Court facility and the Regatta Village in the Newport Shipyard. With a busy onshore and offshore schedule the Swan American Regatta is set to encompass all the elements of yet another high popular and successful Swan event.