Round the Island Race - Strong Swan fleet to take part

by Nautor's Swan on 31 May 2013 The Isle of Wight will this weekend welcome the 2013 JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race that has attracted 23 Swans. Participating Swans range in size from the original Swan 36 to the Swan 60 and all will be competing for the ClubSwan award, which will be presented to the top placed Swan.

Organised by the Island Sailing Club, the event consists of a one-day 60 nautical mile race around the Isle of Wight and proves to be a popular race with the Swan fleet annually. With winds expected to be between 10-15 knots, temperatures close to 20 degrees and sunshine forecast, the 2013 edition of the Round the Island Race looks set to offer ideal conditions for many of the Swans within their respective handicap Classes.

The IRC Zero Class will start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at 0500 and amongst the fleet will be two Club Swan 42s, Swan 45 Vondeling, Swan 48 Murka and competing in Solent waters for the first time ahead of their World Championship in July, the Russian Swan 60 Bronenosec owned and raced by Vladimir Liubomirov. The mixed crew of Italians and Russians sailing under the Yacht Club of Saint-Petersburg burgee will be joined by renowned British Sailor, Adrian Stead; charged with bringing local knowledge to the team. Adrian will again re-unite with his World Championship winning navigator from the 2011 TP 52 Regatta, Francesco Mongelli (ITA).

‘The Round the Island Race is an iconic event within the UK racing calendar; it is always an interesting race with plenty of twists along the 60 mile course depending on tidal and weather conditions. The early 0500 start from the Royal Yacht Squadron line will test even the most experienced sailors; we will have to be on our game first thing. Our aim will be for a clean start and clear lanes up the first leg to The Needles, from there depending on the wind you can make some massive gains or losses. This will be my first time round on a Swan 60 and I am looking forward to competing with such a competent crew in the Solent,’ said Adrian Stead, Strategist on Swan 60 Bronenosec.

IRC One, starting at 0530, will include the Swan 55s Galiana and Valhalla racing alongside Swan 53 Lutine from the Lloyds of London Yacht Club, David Gower’s Swan 46 Marinero and Swan 44 Bewick of Cowes.

At 0600 the smaller of the Swan fleet will start amongst IRC Three. With three Swan 38s lining up to compete, including the winner of the 2012 ClubSwan Award, Jonathan Rolls from Xara. Competition for the title looks set to be fierce. Joining them will be the Swan 37 Mojitabel and Bob Barlow’s Swan 36 Alfa Helix.

The JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race in Cowes will prepare the Swan fleet for the Gazprom Swan European Regatta which takes place from 13-19th July and is organised in conjunction with the Royal Yacht Squadron.