Rolex Swan Cup 2004 at Porto Cervo, Sardinia - Preview
by Christina Pandapas 4 Aug 2004 16:53 BST
12-19 September 2004
Over 100 Swans showcasing latest technology and designs expected to compete; America’s Cup sailors, Olympic medallists and World Match Racing Champions to Spar Off Coast of Sardinia.
With more than a month to go until this year’s Rolex Swan Cup 2004 commences, preliminary entries have topped 100 boats representing 17 countries. The prestigious biennial regatta, organized by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo in partnership with Rolex, is expected to attract many of the world’s top sailors including America’s Cup sailor Paul Cayard, Olympic medallist Ian Walker, and World Match Racing Champion Ed Baird.
The dramatic Sardinian coastline will provide the backdrop for challenging competition on the water, while the elegant Yacht Club Costa Smeralda sets the stage for the daily social events. Four classes will compete in this 13th edition of the regatta, which will consist of five days of racing with one lay day. Long 25-40 mile courses through the Northern Sardinian fiords will be set to take full advantage of the Swan boats racing-cruising designs.
“The Rolex Swan Cup is always a much-anticipated event for Yacht Club Costa Smeralda,” commented YCCS Commodore Gianfranco Alberini. “The beautiful fleet of Swans in Porto Cervo is an incredible sight. And, the camaraderie between owners gives the entire event a reunion-like feel. Once on the water, however, it is all about the competition. There is truly no other regatta like it.”
More than 33 models of Swan Yachts are entered in the regatta including the Swan 601, Nautor’s latest performance-oriented model. The Swan 601 follows in the footsteps of the Swan 45, becoming the second one-design class created by the Finnish shipyard.
The highly competitive fleet of Swan 56s will include the newly christened Zingala, owned by Frank Mountain of Great Britain. Mountain will be up against a tough group of 56s including American Frank Savage sailing his Lolita, a consistent top finisher that took second in the 2002 Swan Cup. This regatta will also include the biggest Swans such as the 78-foot Swan 80s Kora, owned by Enrico Scerni of Italy, and Favonius, owned by Dutchman Roel Pieper, as well as Nautor’s largest super yacht, the Swan 112.
This year’s event marks the 20th anniversary of Rolex’s involvement with Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and its return as a title sponsor of the Swan Cup. As part of the prize giving for the regatta, the overall winner of each class will win a Rolex watch.
For Rolex Swan Cup 2004 entry updates and additional event information, visit www.yccs.it
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, located in Porto Cervo in Sardinia, Italy, was founded in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan, together with Andrè Ardoin, Giuseppe Kerry Mentasti, and Luigi Vietti, as a non-profit club for those passionate about the sea and marine sports. Today, the YCCS plays host to the most prestigious events in international sailing.
In addition to its superb yachting facilities, the YCCS features a first-class Clubhouse, which was completely renovated during the past two years. The “Foresteria” includes 24 new guest suites, a fitness center, a new terrace bar and several high-end retail shops. In 2002, the YCCS and the New York Yacht Club signed a reciprocal agreement extending mutual privileges to their members. The YCCS is the only club in the Mediterranean and one of only four yacht clubs worldwide to be offered this privilege. YCCS also has reciprocal agreements with Yacht Club di Monaco and the Royal Yacht Squadron. Visit www.yccs.it for further information on the complete racing schedule.