The Rolex Swan Cup is well known as one of the most visually pleasing sailing regattas, featuring some of the best sailing yachts around, all constructed by Nautor’s Swan. Almost 70 Swan yachts have confirmed their presence at the race, with the final number expecting to reach about 100 – an amazing turn-up for one of the most iconic yachting events of the Mediterranean. The biennial regatta was inaugurated in 1980 and in 1984 the partnership with Rolex was born. Traditionally taking place in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy, the 17th edition will be held from 10th to 16th September.
Fleet racing at the Rolex Swan Cup in Sardinia
Four classes are anticipated: Maxi (18.29 metres/60 feet and above), Grand Prix (18.28m and below), Classic (models designed by Sparkman and Stephens) and Swan 45 One-Design, where 2010 World Champion Earlybird (GER) is returning to defend her crown.
Sawn 100 sailing yacht FANTASTICAAAANIENE - Photo by Carlo Borlenghi - Rolex Swan Cup
The international reach of the Rolex Swan Cup is confirmed by the presence of some 13 countries in the entry list. Debutante Russian entrant Bronenosec (Swan 60) has been a regular on the 2012 Rolex circuit with notable performances at both the Rolex Volcano Race and the Giraglia Rolex Cup. Plis Play (ESP, Swan 80), which also featured at the Rolex Volcano Race, is one of two Spanish entries. The other is Clem (Swan 56), which finished a close second in the Grand Prix class in 2010.
Swan 70 sailing yacht GINGER - Photo Carlo Borlenghi - Rolex Swan Cup
Two yachts that will be aiming to improve their 2010 results are the Italian Swan 65 Shirlaf and the German Swan 60 Emma. Both finished second in their respective classes (Classic and Maxi) two years ago. Shirlaf is one of a number of participating Swan 65s; the classic Sparkman & Stephens design won the inaugural Whitbread Round the World Race in 1974 and helped cement Nautor’s Swan’s legendary status in yachting’s firmament.
Swan 80 sailing yacht Astro Del Est - Photo Carlo Borlenghi - Rolex Swan Cup
The Swan 43 Fidibù has the honour of representing the make’s homeland of Finland. Arriving from furthest afield appears to be the American crew on Constanter (Swan 62RS). The smallest participant at 11.66 metres (38 feet), Italian Swan 38 Only You is also one of the oldest, while the largest yacht attending is the 34.4-metre (112-foot) Swan charter yacht Highland Breeze.
Swan 80 sailing yacht Berenice - Photo Carlo Borlenghi - Rolex Swan Cup
Five days of racing are scheduled on the revered waters of the Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena Archipelago. Competition will be fierce but refreshing, as regular competitor and President of Nautor’s Swan since 1998, Leonardo Ferragamo, explains: “The event has a unique spirit because it represents a love of boats and a desire to compete not just in any regatta, but in a regatta where there is uniformity in the competition. The feelings of friendship and good sportsmanship that characterize this regatta have grown over time.”
Swan 82 sailing yacht NIKATA - Image Carlo Borlenghi - Rolex Swan Cup
The regatta is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and concludes with a traditional prize-giving on the Piazza Azzura where winners of all four categories will be presented with a Rolex timepiece to crown their excellence on the water.
