Excitement mounts for The Nations Trophy

by Event Media on 19 Sep 2017 The Nations Trophy is set to be the defining event of the Swan One Design Mediterranean racing season. Scheduled for 10 – 14 October, the competition is less than one month away.

A formidable fleet of ClubSwan 50s, Swan 45s and ClubSwan 42s is ready to descend upon Mallorca and the host club, Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP), to contest the inaugural running of this new regatta, launched this year by Nautor’s Swan.

“Entries have been received from 28 boats to date, with two or three more still expected to confirm,” explains Vivi Mainemare, Sports Coordinator RCNP. “The event looks perfect to provide excellent competition in all three classes. We can’t wait for the regatta to get underway.”

The Nations Trophy will be contested by ClubSwan 50s and ClubSwan 42s, both racing for their European Championships, and, by Swan 45s competing for their World Championship. The fleet currently comprises 8 ClubSwan 42s, 10 Swan 45s and 10 ClubSwan 50s. The Nations Trophy will be determined by the combined results of each country’s best performing boats from two of the three Swan One Design classes. The winning nation will receive a cup designed by the famed Milanese jewellery-house Buccellati.

Italy, with seven entries across all three classes, has the greatest spread of competing boats. Germany, by contrast, has four entries in just two classes – but two of those entries, the ClubSwan 50 Earlybird and the Swan 45 Elena Nova, come with impressive winning credentials.

Spain is another country with four entries in two classes. It, too, has a recent showing of good form. The ClubSwan 42s Pez de Abril and Nadir finished first and second in class at Copa del Rey Mapfre in August, while sole representative in the Swan 45 class, Porrón IX, finished second in its category. Luis Senís, owner of Porrón IX, is excited about the prospects for The Nations Trophy. “We love racing Swan One Design because of the adrenaline of real time racing and the owner-driver concept,” he said, adding: “Nautor’s Swan is always positive, organizing new regattas like this. The Nations Trophy is a great idea and representing your country is always a plus. We are looking forward to enjoying the sea, Palma, the Swan world and are dreaming about winning!”

Elsewhere, the United Kingdom also has four yachts entered, but with at least one in each class. Longstanding supporter of the ClubSwan 42, Barry Sampson who recently participated at the Rolex NYYC Invitational Cup, will be competing on a chartered boat and will be joined by Dave Collins, Swan 45 Tala; James McGarry, Swan 45 Eala of Rhu; and, Peter Dubens, ClubSwan 50 Spectre.

Other competing countries include: Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Russia and Sweden.

Racing for The Nations Trophy begins on Wednesday, 11 October and concludes on Saturday, 14 October.