Zegna Trophy produces fantastic racing

by Annabel Merrison on 20 May 2004 The Swan 45 Class returns from the 2004 Zegna Trophy victorious following a successful weekend of top class racing at one of the most prestigious
regattas on the international racing calendar.

It is the second year this event, organised by the Yacht Club Italiano, has hosted Nautor's celebrated one design class, and represents one of the first major regattas in the class' busiest racing programme to date.

Portofino, home of the Zegna Trophy, attracted a strong fleet of ten Swan 45's racing under their One Design Class Rules, representing the UK, Germany and Italy.

Joining this elite group of sailors was Whitbread Round the World Race and America's Cup legend, Paul Cayard, who took up position as tactician onboard Leonardo Ferragamo's Swan 45, Cuordileone.

Cayard, a keen supporter of the class, commented on how far the series has come in such a short space of time, ‘it was nice to see ten Swans in Portofino for the Zegna Trophy. The fact that the fleet has doubled in size since last year is a good improvement.’

This sentiment was echoed by winner, Italian, Vittorio Codecasa, who took the honours Jeroboam, having fought off stiff competition from the rest of the fleet.

‘Having sailed my boat for the last two years, I feel I know her very well. I was lucky enough to sail on the first Swan 45, La Forza del Destino, and now own the 30th.

Throughout this time, the fleet performance and speed has been truly consistent, making this the perfect one design class. This makes racing really competitive and means tactical decisions and crew techniques are the only things that separate the boats.’

Codecasa continued, ‘after my 15th time here at the Zegna Trophy in Portofino, I am really thrilled with our first place result. We had favourable weather but light and shifty winds. I have to thank my crew for their incredible performance in every race.

Dr. Carlo Croce, President of Yacht Club Italiano commented on the club's involvement with the class.

‘Yacht Club Italiano has been involved since the very beginning with this project - the Swan 45 Class was christened in Portofino at the summer Club House facilities during the Zegna Trophy in 2002, together with the first boat.’

The next major regatta for the Swan 45’s will start with the Mediterranean Area Championships, held at La Semaine de Porquerolles and hosted by the Yacht Club de Porquerolles and the International Yacht Club de Hyeres.

The class continues to grow as the 2004 season provides a full racing series with two other Area Championships covering the main territories of East Coast of America and Northern Europe.


Swan 45 Class Results:

1. Jeroboam Vittorio Codecasa (ITA) 9

2. Papastilla Fabio Montauti (ITA) 12

3. Mascalzone Latino Vincenzo Onarato (ITA) 13

Web: www.nautorgroup.com

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