Vim Wins 2003 Swan American Regatta

by Grace Harding on 3 Aug 2003 Today saw the last day of the 2003 Swan American Regatta held in Newport, R.I., with Craig Speck’s Swan 45 VIM taking overall Swan American title and winner of Class A, having achieved podium position in five out of the seven races completed in this five day regatta.

The Swan 45 took two out of the top three places with Doug Douglas’ Goombay Smash in second place.

‘This is outstanding, really exciting,’ said Speck on hearing the result. ‘This win demonstrates that the process I use works; to get good people, a good boat, set goals and go for it. This regatta was our goal for the year – I had set milestones throughout the summer, with this goal in mind. The team is phenomenal, everyone helps with the programme, they contribute to the design of the sails, the boat, the systems – we all work as a team.’

He continued: ‘On Monday we trained for six hours on a windward/leeward half-mile leg. All we did for 6 hours was tack and jibe, getting me prepared for a week of racing and perfecting how we work together as a team.’

In a week of light and variable conditions, the New York Yacht Club Race Committee gave the fleet a final chance for points with a late decision for two windward/leeward races, instead of the scheduled one. But as the weather unfolded on Rhode Island Sound and the light haze turned into thick fog, the Race Committee was forced to postpone the second race. This proved just a minor set back for VIM, as after a short delay racing continued allowing Speck and his crew to put in yet another solid performance giving them third place in the last and final race of the regatta.

Speck described how difficult it was sailing in such limited visibility: ‘It was hard to figure out where our competition was and where the rest of the fleet were. It came down to us concentrating on our course strategy and working with the current and the pressure differences, which bring fog. We sailed conservatively – no fouls, no chances.’

When asked about the Swan 45, Speck commented: ‘Racing amongst the Swan 45s got closer and closer as the week went on. This class has huge potential and is great fun.’

The runaway winner of Class B was Martin Jacobson’s Swan 44, Crescendo who rose to the challenge of the trying conditions to win both races today and take the class overall. Jacobson and his crew managed to beat a highly competitive fleet of 20 Swans, including eventual second placed Vixen a Swan 44 owned by local sailor John Wayt. Third position was taken by David Ford’s Swan 44 Lightwave, who never matched their first day’s victory.

For the first time at the Swan American Regatta, Nautor provided a third class for non-spinnaker entries. Class C were first onto the dock, having only sailed one race today, concluding their regatta. Despite Clem Napolitano’s Swan 47 Black Tie winning the race, overall class title went to Dier Wolf a Swan 44 owned by Thomas Little

As the event draws to a close Sales and Marketing Director for Nautor Group, Enrico Chieffi, looks back over a successful regatta: ‘It has been a wonderful event here in Newport, with over 50 boats entering the regatta. The weather has not been as consistent as we would like, but it has allowed us to race everyday with some great results. We have such a range of models here from a 30 year old Swan 44 to a brand new Swan 70, just days old – it is truly remarkable to see them all out in Newport Bay, sailing in front of Newport Bridge!’

He continues: ‘ America is a key market for Nautor with a large number of Swan owners here. This is why this regatta is important for both us and our owners – giving them all a chance to sail under Nautor’s own rating system and of course, to enjoy the wonderful social programme laid on by our regatta partners and our excellent host, the New York Yacht Club. It's just shame to have to wait another two years for the next Swan American Regatta!’

Tonight the final prize giving will be held on the lawns of the New York Yacht Club at Harbour Court, looking out over Newport Harbour. Presenting the coveted Swan American Overall Winner Trophy will be President of Nautor’s Swan, Mr. Leonardo Ferragamo and Commodore Isdale of the New York Yacht Club. Nautor’s Managing Director, Luciano Scaramuccia, will present the overall class awards. In addition to the racing awards, Nautor’s partners have provided a number of regatta awards, from the B&G award for the Swan travelled the greatest distance to participate at the event to the Hall Spars and Rigging Youngest Crew Member award, which will be presented to 9-year-old Hunter Reiher, a crew member onboard his father’s Swan 53 Sky.

The Swan American Regatta forms part of the world renowned Nautor’s Swan Racing Calendar which spans the globe with events specifically designed to provide Swan owners with the excitement of competitive racing and a wide range of social events. In addition to the Swan American Regatta, this year’s programme included the Swan European Regatta in Cowes, Isle of Wight and a full race programme for the Swan 45 Class with Area Championships in Northern Europe, East Coast of America and the Mediterranean. The next Swan American Regatta will be run in the summer of 2005 here in Newport, R.I..

Full results and reports: www.nautorgroup.com and www.nyyc.org