Count down to the Swan Europeans

55 boats from the Finnish manufacturer expected in Cowes next week

An impressive number of yachts have entered this year’s Swan European Regatta, taking place in Cowes, UK, from 27 June to 3 July. The biennial event that has been hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron since 1995, gives Nautor’s Swan owners, and over 800 competitors, the opportunity for a week of top class competition.

The Swan European Regatta 2003 will be the first for Nautor’s hugely successful performance model, the Swan 45, which was launched late in 2001 and has commenced its Swan 45 Class Series this year. This new breed of Swan joins the event hot from the Swan 45 Northern European Area Championship, which takes place in Cowes two days before.

Accompanying the Swan 45s is a wide range of models from Nautor’s eclectic portfolio - everything from a Swan 36 to a Swan 65. Most keen of all will be the French yacht, Swan 42 Xaossa, owned by Jean-Michel Carpentier, who will be defending his title of Overall Winner in 2001. Carpentier will be hoping to repeat his outstanding performance of only one result outside of the top three places in the small boat fleet, throughout the week.

Based in Cowes Yacht Haven, the 55 Swan yachts battling it out in the challenging waters of the Solent, will come from as far a field as Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, the USA and even Russia!

Enrico Chieffi, Nautor’s Swan Marketing Director is clearly looking forward to the event: "Yet again the great support for this event shows what an important part the Swan European’s plays within the racing calendar for all our Swan owners. This year will see added excitement with the event running back to back with the Swan 45 Northern European Area Championship – it will be a great chance for us all to see a great mix of Swans sailing in a great week of racing!"

The week will also see an action packed social calendar, which has become the hallmark of every Nautor event including the Isle of Wight Council Civic Reception, the Bvlgari Owners Dinner, Talisker Crew Party and Opening and Final Prize giving Reception at the Royal Yacht Squadron.