2008 calendar announced

Swan 45s to visit Copa del Rey next year

The Swan 45 Class Executive Committee has highlighted the four high profile events which will form the International Class circuit for 2008. The Programme is to feature:

Rolex Capri Sailing Week - 21-24 May
Copa del Rey, Palma - 26 July-3 August
Rolex Swan Cup, Porto Cervo, Sardinia - 8-14 September.

The proposed 2008 circuit will also incorporate team racing for the Class at the Rolex Sardinia Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia over 16-21 June.

Bringing together some of the fifty strong Swan 45 fleet from around the world, these regattas will provide the key platforms for highly competitive class racing and the customary Swan 45 social events. With the programme featuring well established events at prominent yachting venues across the Mediterranean, the fleet is likely to encounter an exciting variety of courses with an extensive range of wind and tidal conditions.

The Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, will once again form the pinnacle of the Swan 45 calendar, setting the scene for the Class’ spirited competition to win the prestigious Swan 45 Gold Cup. With a 27 year history, this week long regatta is a classic rendez-vous for all Swan owners around the world. Having seen the 2007 Swan 45 Gold Cup being contested by 21 yachts, the one design Class is predicted to have a sizeable presence amongst the other Swan models at the regatta.

Also hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the Sardinia Rolex Cup will provide real variety to the 2008 racing format. The event will bring together a number of different national teams consisting of a selection of one design yachts, including Farr 40s and TP52s, to compete in a week long regatta off the picturesque coast of Porto Cervo.

The Swan 45 fleet will also be returning to the turquoise waters of Capri for another week of Spring sailing in the 2008 Rolex Capri Sailing Week following the fleet’s success at this year’s event which boasted a stunning backdrop to the on-the-water racing action in the Bay of Naples.

The 2008 Programme will also take the Swan 45 fleet to Palma for Copa del Rey, hosted by Real Club Náutico de Palma. In previous years this event has provided a spectacular racing venue bringing together other one design classes, such as the TP52s and GP42s, with great success.

Vittorio Codecasa, Swan 45 Class President commented: “The prestigious events which have been selected for the 2008 Swan 45 Class International circuit reflect the high quality of the Class and will provide spectacular venues for highly competitive and enjoyable racing throughout the season. Through the regattas in next year’s programme, the Class looks forward to continuing to build upon the Swan 45 network which has become one of the most competitive and socially active within the world of sailing.”