Gazprom Swan 60 Class ready for Mediterranean action

by Emma Upton on 27 Mar 2014 The Gazprom Swan 60 Class is preparing to embark on the 2014 Class circuit, heading to Palma for some fantastic racing.

The Gazprom Swan 60 Class Circuit 2014 will begin on 29 May with the third edition of the Nord Stream Race. The Swan 60 entrants will race from Saint-Petersburg, Russia to Warnemunde, Germany with a stopover in Helsinki, Finland.

The 750 nautical mile race across the Baltic Sea follows the route of the Nord Stream Gas pipeline which connects Russia with Europe. The 2013 edition of the race saw a close finish between the Swan 60 yachts, with Team Great Britain crossing the finish line just 26 seconds ahead of rival Team Russia.

The second event on the circuit will be in August when the Swan 60 yachts are in Palma, Spain for the second edition of the Gazprom Swan 60 World Championship. As part of the 33 Copa del Rey Mapfre, Swan 60 crews will compete from 2-9 August for the title of 2014 World Champion. Swan 60 Bronenosec currently holds the trophy and will be back to defend their position. Owner of Swan 60 Bronenosec and President of the Gazprom Swan 60 Class, Vladimir Liubomirov, is planning to have his 'dream team' onboard in Palma.

'This year we have an amazing location for the World Championship, it will be great to see the Swan 60s compete in the Med' said President of the Class, Mr Vladimir Liubomirov. He continued; 'I am looking forward to seeing new participants in the circuit this year and again witnessing the strengths of the teams from last year. The Nord Stream Race will be the perfect warm up for the teams as they prepare for the toughest battle which will be the Rolex Swan Cup in September.'

The owner of the new Swan 60 from China, Mr Fan commented; 'After the delivery of my Swan 60, we will take part in the three Class events this year. I will also cruise with my son in the Med. I have a very strong team to race with me and I am expecting great results. It is definitely going to be an unforgettable life experience!'

The Swan 60s will remain in the Mediterranean and the circuit will conclude in September with the Rolex Swan Cup in Sardinia, Italy. The Gazprom Swan 60 Class will spend a week racing in the beautiful Italian waters, before the overall circuit winner is revealed at the end of the week. The Swan 60s will be joining an impressive fleet of Swans in Sardinia this year, at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda from 8 – 14 September for the 18th edition of the Rolex Swan Gazprom Swan 60 website