Rolex Swan European Regatta - Day 1
by Editor 5 Jul 1999 18:56 BST
Conditions favoured the smaller boats in the 57 boat fleet from seven different countries at the start of the 1999 Rolex Swan European Regatta in Cowes. The fleet split into two divisions to sail separate courses in a light 5-6 knot south easterly breeze.
In Division F (LOA 46'-65') Swan 60 Sotto Voce, helmed by owner Arien van Vemde had an excellent start and led Noonmark VI, Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy on the first upwind leg. Sotto Voce never relinquished her lead but could only watch in frustration as Spirit of Jethou stole line honours in a tantalising finish.
In a dying breeze Spirit of Jethou, driven by owner Peter Ogden, took advantage of a favourable inshore tidal flow to slip past Swan 60 Sotto Voce. Tactician Bouwe Bekking saw their 8 minute lead completely diminish: "With the light winds from the SE we knew the breeze was going to eventually fill from the southwest, unfortunately, it arrived at the wrong time," said Bekking. "We have one discard in this regatta and I think this is going to be it."
Eventual winner of Division F was Swan 48 Silveren Swaen owned by Dutchman Peter Bakker. This is Bakker's fifth Swan European Regatta and he will be delighted to have scored a victory in this inaugural race.
The 36 boats competing in Division G (LOA 36' - 44') had a hard tactical decision to make mid-way through the race which split the fleet. Swan 48 Menenes tactician, Olympic medalist, Jo Richards elected to sail along the mainland shore to keep out of the strong Solent tide on the penultimate downwind leg which certainly paid dividends as Menenes maintained her lead to the finish crossing the line 22 minutes ahead of Shaytana. However, on corrected time overall victory went to the pro-am crew on board the smaller Swan 36 Shaytana.
Event Website: www.nautors-swan.com/rser99