Swans gather in Cowes

46 boats to contest European Regatta next week

Nautor’s Swan is in the final lead up to the Swan European Regatta, running over 9-15 July from Cowes. 2011 marks the 15th anniversary of one of Swan’s flagship events. Hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron, the regatta has attracted a number of international entries from eight different nations.

46 Swans will participate across four Classes; A, B, C and the Swan 45 Class.

The Swan 53 Silveren Swaen is on her way to Cowes. Her owner Piet-Hein Bakker commented: "We are aiming to continue our winning streak from the Rolex Swan Cup last year at Porto Cervo into 2011 on UK waters with Silveren Swaen. Having taken second place at the 2009 Swan European Regatta previously, a first place this year is definitely a priority for myself and the team.

"We have updated our sail inventory in preparation and made a few modifications to the Swan 53 in order to maximise her performance at Cowes. I have chosen to race with the same core crew as they really understand the Swan characteristics under race conditions. I am also looking forward to some family cruising around the UK with after the regatta to enjoy time on board Silveren Swaen away from the race circuit."

Silveren Swaen has a very good rating and won her class at the Rolex Swan Cup 2010, but will be challenged by the Club Swan 42s Ed Leask's Magical Mystery Tour and from the Netherlands, Piet de Graaf's Baraka GP.

In Class B, the favourite is defending champion German Harald Baum and his Swan 48, Elan, while in Class C the defending champion returns in Alan Major's Swan 41 Moustique, although she is likely to face competition from Stephen James' Swan 38, Jacobite. 

At present in the Swan 45 Class the Belgium-owned Samantaga is leading the 2011 Northern European Circuit and also came third at the last Swan 45 World Championships. However Glynn Williams' WISC is also expected to be a contender, racing on home waters.

Enrico Chieffi, Managing Director of Nautor’s Swan commented, ‘It will be a great pleasure to see so many familiar faces in the Swan Family during the 15th edition of the Swan European Regatta. We are all anxious to see which Swan yachts will be inducted in this regatta’s Hall of Fame at the end of a week’s Solent racing. It is always a privilege at Cowes to see older models from past SwanLines so beautifully restored and still in top pedigree condition racing against the likes of the newer modern designs all with the same synonymous style of Nautor’s Swan."

The first day of Swan European Regatta racing commences on Monday, July 11 with the final prize giving on Friday, July 15. With 30 prizes to win, competition will be on the cards to secure beautifully crafted silverware.