Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean - Fine gathering set for Virgin Gorda

by KPMS on 26 Feb 2013 The Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean – set to take place from 11-15 March – marks a continuation of the partnership between the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), Nautor’s Swan and title sponsor Rolex that stretches back to the early 1980s by virtue of the biennial Rolex Swan Cup, a much vaunted gathering of the world’s finest Swan yachts in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.

The competition will be held at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s recently opened clubhouse on Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands. Four days of racing, commencing on Tuesday 12 March, are scheduled in the island archipelago’s alluring waters, renowned for providing ideal sailing conditions, particularly for yachts with the performance values of Nautor’s Swan.

Competing Swans will be divided into two groups: Class A (Maxi), measuring upwards of 18.29 metres/60-foot; and, Class B, reserved for yachts measuring less than 18.29m. Around twenty Swans are expected to take part, representing eight countries to date.

Among the entrants, the Swan 90 Freya (USA) is significant. In 2012 she became the 2,000th Swan to be built by Nautor in Pietarsaari, Finland. Swan 601 Stark Raving Mad (USA) is another notable competitor and will be hoping to build on an impressive display at the 2012 Rolex Swan Cup where she finished second in class. The 30.48m Varsovie (CAY) is the largest entrant and the smallest is the 12.98m Swan 42 Arethusa (USA). Hokusai (FIN), a Swan 44 and one of Sparkman & Stephens’ classic designs, will represent the marque’s spiritual home and the longevity of Nautor’s Swan’s position at the forefront of the sailing world.

The Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean promises to mirror the esteemed reputation of the Rolex Swan Cup offering the ClubSwan members the opportunity to reconvene in idyllic surroundings for a week of dramatic action and convivial hospitality. The week’s best performers will be rewarded during the final prizegiving, held on Friday 15 March, where the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean Trophy will be Yacht Club Costa Smeralda website