Set to run from March 11 to 15, the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean marks a continuation of the collaboration between the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Nautor’s Swan and title sponsor Rolex that stretches back to the early 1980s by virtue of the biennial Rolex Swan Cup, a much vaunted gathering of the world’s most spectacular Swan yachts in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Virgin Gorda - Photo by Carlo Borlenghi
The competition will be held at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s recently opened clubhouse on Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands. Four days of racing, commencing on Tuesday 12 March, are scheduled in the island archipelago’s alluring waters, renowned for providing ideal sailing conditions, particularly for yachts with the performance values of Nautor’s Swan.
Luxury yacht Berenice Bis and charter yacht Nefertiti at 2012 Rolex Swan Cup - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Competing Swans will be divided into two groups: Class A (Maxi), measuring upwards of 18.29 metres/60-foot; and, Class B, reserved for yachts measuring less than 18.29m. Around twenty Swans are expected to take part, representing eight countries to date.
Maxi Class Fleet racing upwind - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Among the entrants, the Swan 90 superyacht Freya (USA) is significant. In 2012 she became the 2,000th Swan to be built by Nautor in Pietarsaari, Finland. Swan 601 Stark Raving Mad (USA) is another notable competitor and will be hoping to build on an impressive display at the 2012 Rolex Swan Cup where she finished second in class. The 30.48m Varsovie (CAY) is the largest entrant and the smallest is the 12.98m Swan 42 Arethusa (USA). Hokusai (FIN), a Swan 44 and one of Sparkman & Stephens’ classic designs, will represent the marque’s spiritual home and the longevity of Nautor’s Swan’s position at the forefront of the sailing world.
Blue skies welcome the Swan Fleet in Porto Cervo - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean promises to mirror the esteemed reputation of the Rolex Swan Cup offering the ClubSwan members the opportunity to reconvene in idyllic surroundings for a week of dramatic action and convivial hospitality. The week’s best performers will be rewarded during the final prizegiving, held on Friday 15 March, where the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean Trophy will be presented.
