Swans to Bermuda

Record of number of owners sign up for centennial Newport to Bermuda race

A record number of Swan owners are preparing to take part in the 635 mile, Centennial Newport to Bermuda Race (Swan East American Challenge) that starts on 16 June in Newport, Rhode Island. 45 Swan owners have applied to enter the race, compared with 30 in 2004. One-design and performance models produced by Nautor’s Swan will compete with other yachts for the coveted Lighthouse Trophies in the anniversary event.

Seven Swan 45 models will be competing in the St. David’s Lighthouse Division, including Alliance, owned by Dominick Porco (New York). Alliance will return this year to defend her title after scooping the 2004 St David’s Lighthouse Trophy, when Porco sailed her to victory, winning the IMS Cruiser Racer Class 6 and the IMS Cruiser Racer Division. The Swan 45 raced from Newport to Bermuda in just 84hr 18min 40sec, taking first place over 101 other yachts.

Clay Deutsch (USA), owner of Swan 68 Chippewa will challenge the Swan 45s in the St. Davids Lighthouse Division. He comments: “I competed in my first Bermuda Race in 2002, and I am hooked. It was a bumpy ride, but Chippewa was great to sail and we learnt a huge amount that will make us stronger this year. This event is truly one of the world's greatest ocean races as it is so hard to win and although it is short it has so many variables.

“To prepare this time, we have done a lot of thinking about boat speed, optimal sail choices and combinations, and a strong, small crew. All of this reflects a lot of learning from our experiences since Chippewa launched in 2000. Racing these big Swans is unique and they are especially good offshore. I am confident we will sail well this year, but no one can be sure about winning this race – that’s the appeal.”

Many Swan owners have competed in the Newport to Bermuda Race on numerous occasions, including Bob Scribner (USA), owner of the Swan 42, Eagle. He comments: “Success in this race is very much about organisation and I like the challenge of preparing for a race like this as much as the participation. My crew includes people from the US and Europe. We will meet in Newport a couple of days before the race for some practice and this will give us time to get to know each other.”

Meanwhile, Swan 601s, Money Penny and Spirit of Jethou will debut at the Newport to Bermuda Race as they compete in the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Division. The Swan 601 is an exciting new high performance sailing yacht. Very light for her size, she is designed to sail at high speed, with a displacement of about 18 tonnes. The streamlined hull shape is designed with ultimate speed in mind. The Swan 601 embodies the Nautor’s Swan vision of a top class One-Design racer with construction utilising the most advanced building techniques and materials, without compromising on the classic lines and beautifully crafted interiors associated with every Swan built.Bermuda Race.