Giraglia Rolex Cup 2013

by Cailah Leask on 13 Jun 2013 Giraglia Rolex Cup 2013, which is the 61st edition,starts this weekend in Saint-Tropez with an impressive fleet of Swans taking part in both the inshore and offshore portions of this historic event. Organised by the Yacht Club Italiano, in cooperation with Yacht Club de France, Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez and Yacht Club Sanremo, the week-long regatta attracts close to 200 entries each year. Playing host to one of the most renowned offshore races in the Mediterranean; a race from Saint-Tropez (France) to Genoa (Italy), covering 242 nautical miles, this is a key event in the sailing calendar. The iconic offshore race is preceded by a race from Sanremo to Saint-Tropez to kick the event off and three days of inshore racing in the historic and beautiful port of Saint-Tropez. All Swans competing in the Giraglia Rolex Cup will be eligible for the ClubSwan award presented to the best placed Swan overall, based on the combined results of the offshore and inshore races. With close to 20 Swans entered, the competition for this award will be high. There will be a strong Swan fleet in both the inshore and offshore races; Swan 45s racing are Elena Nova, Jeroboam, Blue Nights, Axelle S and Thetis, whilst Swan 601 @robas and Swan 80FD Alpina will be amongst the maxis racing. Gérard Logel, owner of Swan 601 @robas commented: 'We are very pleased to be attending the Giraglia Rolex Cup once again with our Swan 601 @robas. We did enter last year but unfortunately had drop out of the race before we could finish. This year we have a new mainsail and replaced the spinnaker pole with a new bowsprit; this should make it easier for us gybing in the strong winds and ultimately more competitive. We are looking forward to the event and we do hope to have a better race this year.' A highlight of the event will be the ClubSwan Cocktail Reception where the Yacht Club Italiano Team for the New York Yacht Club Invitational, which is led by Leonardo Ferragamo, Chairman of Nautor’s Swan, will be announced. The Swans should arrive into Genoa late on Thursday, 20 June after the offshore race, with the prize giving taking place on Friday, 21 June at the Yacht Club Italiano. As the race record holder is not competing this year, an open field is expected for the battle to be first home in 2013. Keep up to date with the Swans racing via the ClubSwan Facebook and Twitter pages: website and @Nautorswan respectively