Swan Transatlanic Challenge - Ten Swans in final preparation stages

by Nautor's Swan on 20 Nov 2013 The ARC is a ‘must do’ for many sailors, and attracts over 200 boats and 1200 people every year. Ten Swans are in the final preparation stages for the ARC, the 2800 nautical mile passage from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia, and will compete for the prestigious Swan Transatlantic Challenge trophy designed by Asprey.

Among the fleet of Swans is newly built Swan 53 Kathea (GER) which has just finished her first sailing season; emerging fresh from the Nautor’s Swan yard in Finland earlier this year, before she headed to Cowes, Isle of Wight to the Gazprom Swan European Regatta in July.

Commenting on his preparations for the ARC, Heinrich Voelker, owner of Swan 53 Kathea, said: 'From the outset, our plan was to participate at the ARC and then the ARC World. Kathea was built for these events and is equipped with everything necessary for this journey. For my own preparation, I have been to the gym once or twice a week and I hope that this will prepare me enough! I am looking forward to enjoying the time out on the water with Kathea and some good times with old friends.'

The renowned offshore rally is predicted to take between 14 – 21 days. Swan 53 Kathea will be crossing the Atlantic along with other Swans ranging from Swan 46 Milanto to Swan 65 Vahine. These Swans will then remain in the Caribbean for the full season of cruising and racing.

The next event for the Swan Challenge Series will be the RORC Caribbean 600 in February. The Nautor's Swan Customer Care team are also onsite assisting owners with their final preparations. Buon Nautors Swan website