By Sylvie Peron
One of the Mediterranean season most iconic regattas is scheduled to take place in September, off the coast of Sardinia. Organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in the stunning hub of Porto Cervo, the 2020 edition of the Rolex Swan Cup will bring together some 60 Nautor’s Swan competing yachts over the course of the week.
“The Rolex Swan Cup will be one of the first sailing events after a season of enforced rest and we are amazed by the response we’ve already had in terms of participation,” commented Enrico Chieffi, Nautor Group Vice President. “More than 60 yachts have already registered, confirming that our owners are thrilled to participate in the regatta and they can’t wait to start racing again all together in Sardinia, celebrating their love for the sea, the sport of sailing and our brand.”
The Rolex Swan Cup’s seven classes will include the Swan Maxi Class (vessels of 60 feet and above), Swan Grand Prix Class (vessels below 60 feet), the historic Sparkman & Stephens Class, and the Swan One Design Classes (including for the ClubSwan 36, ClubSwan 42, Swan 45 and ClubSwan 50 fleets).
A number of the newest models in the Nautor’s Swan range will be competing, showcasing prestigious collaborations with globally renowned such as naval architect Germán Frers and interior designer Misa Poggi. These include the renewed classic evergreen Swan 54, as well as the all-new Swan 48, Swan 65 and Swan 78 yachts from the bluewater range.
Participants and spectators will be able to see the ClubSwan 36 class, the monotype equipped with foil, which won the Innovation Award in its category at the European Yacht of the Year Awards 2020.
The fossil-fuel-free racer/cruiser is a high-performance result of a partnership between Nautor’s Swan, BMW and Torqeedo, with naval architecture from Juan Kouyoumdjian. Highlight features of the ClubSwan 36 include its transverse sliding C-foil, very low drag keel, twin rudders for easy control, and powerful rig that is easily trimmed in all manner of conditions.
Also debuting in Porto Cervo’s waters, the new Maxi Swan 98 draws its design from the substantial experience shared by both Nautor’s Swan and Frers in the superyacht arena. Its deck area provides dual-purpose space for both efficient sailing and comfortable leisure activities onboard. Owner-aft or owner forward configurations are available for the ‘timeless classic’ lower deck from Misa Poggi, which has a choice of four interior moods.
Carried out in full respect of the Italian Government’s guidelines for the safety and health of all participants, the competition organized in partnership with Rolex, will be in keeping with the ‘double soul’ racing/cruising spirit of the brand, whose first Swan 36 was delivered in 1967.
