Swan Sardinia Challenge returns to dazzling Villasimius
by ClubSwan Racing 15 May 17:28 BST
The ClubSwan Racing family will gather again later this month for the Swan Sardinia Challenge, with a return to the magnificent setting of Villasimius in the heart of a marine protected area on Sardinia's picturesque southeast coast.
Owners, crews and guests competing in the ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan 42 and ClubSwan 36 one-design classes will be able to appreciate the spectacular surroundings, as well as the hospitality and first-rate technical support provided by the Marinedi Group's Marina di Villasimius, together with Lega Navale Italia Sez, Villasimius and new Yacht Club Marina di Villasimius, their hosts for the May 16-20 regatta.
"We were able to appreciate the very special location that Villasimius is when ClubSwan Racing made its debut visit here last year," said Federico Michetti, Head of Sports Activities at ClubSwan Racing.
"The natural park setting and its crystal-clear waters delivered some of the best racing conditions of the season, and the welcome we received from the Marinedi Group, Regione Sardegna, the Area Marina Protetta and the town of Villasimius was perfect. We are delighted to be back."
"The Marinedi Group team is eager to welcome the return of the Swan One Design classes to the wonderful waters of Villasimius. Nearly 30 Swan One designs are expected this year across the ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 42 classes, a number which underlines the excellent competition on the Swan circuit," commented Eng. Renato Marconi, CEO of the Marinedi Group.
The Swan Sardinia Challenge marks the second instalment of the season-long The Nations League 2023 competition, with Italy holding a narrow lead in the inter-nation contest following the opening event, the Swan Croatia Challenge, held in Split last month.
And adding further excitement to the circuit is the news that Porsche Italia will be joining The Nations League as one of the Main Partners.
In the ClubSwan 36 class Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio's G Spot (MON) will no doubt be looking to repeat her clean sweep of race wins in Split, but will equally certainly face renewed opposition from hard charging rivals including Edoardo Ferragamo's Cuordileone (ITA), Edoardo and Vanni Pavesio's Fra Martina (ITA), and Nikolai P. Burkart's Goddess (GER).
Meanwhile, Haakon Lorentzen's competitive Brazilian entry Mamao will be joined by a countrymate in the form of Eduardo de Souza Ramos' Onda, a brand new CS36 which was only launched on May 3.
Over in the 13-strong ClubSwan 50 class Marcus Brennecke's well sailed Hatari (GER) topped the class leaderboard in Sardinia last year, and - with world champion German Dragon sailor Markus Wieser aboard - will be expecting more friendly but fierce competition from the proliferation of talent in the fleet.
The ClubSwan 42 class demonstrated their great competitive spirit when they signed off the 2022 season in some style at the Rolex Swan Cup in northern Sardinia, with Pedro Vaquer's Nadir (ESP) - already a winner at both Copa Del Rey MAPFRE and the Swan One Design Worlds last year - making it three in a row ahead of Massimo De Campo's Selene-Alifax (ITA), with both now set to renew their friendly rivalry in a hotly-contested fleet.
Also returning to the CS42 one-design fleet is Andrea Rossi's Mela (ITA) after a successful 2022 in the Rating classes which saw her win the Swan Med Series.
"The ClubSwan Racing season really gets into its stride with the Swan Sardinia Challenge, and we are delighted to be back racing in the one-design fleet," said Rossi. "It is a great location, and the mix of enthusiastic Corinthian sailors alongside seasoned professional racers helps make ClubSwan Racing the exhilarating experience that it is."
The roster of pro-sailors taking part includes Brazilian Olympian Robert Scheidt, tactician on the CS50 Earlybird (GER), and multiple world champion and America's Cup sailor Vasco Vascotto from Italy, also providing tactical know-how on Giovanni Lombardi's CS50 Django (GBR).
"ClubSwan Racing has developed a great community spirit alongside fair and competitive racing," said Vascotto. "It is a challenge I am happy to take on, and it is a real pleasure to be racing in such a talented fleet and in such wonderful surroundings."
Ashore at the Marina di Villasimius the race teams will be able to appreciate the new ClubSwan Racing Lounge where post-racing celebrations will keep the teams entertained. And on Friday evening, the teams will gather for a stunning party at Falkensteiner capo boi.
During the event, with the presence of Assessore Regionale della Difesa dell'Ambiente, Marco Porcu, a sea turtle, saved by CreS will be released back to the sea, while local children will be involved in a sustainability workshop with Marevivo, Nautor Swan and ClubSwan Racing's long-standing sustainability partner.
With 28 race teams representing nine nations - the Swan Sardinia Challenge shows all the signs of being an event to remember.