Competition at the second edition of the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean kicked off in the breath-taking Virgin Gorda yacht charter location in the British Virgin Islands today, on Wednesday, March 4, 2015. A fleet of 21 Swan yachts, including an array of different models from seven different countries and territories, will contest an eagerly awaited week of action in the Virgin Gorda archipelago.
2015 Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean Skipper’s Briefing – Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Four days of racing are scheduled for the two classes of Swan, Class A (18.29m and above) and Class B (18.28m and below), starting with today’s alluring Around the Islands Race.
The competition was inaugurated two years ago to mark the expansion of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s activities to the Caribbean. The event immediately captured the attention of the sailing world, providing the scenic, tactical sailing competitors have been accustomed to at the longstanding biennial Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo. A convivial atmosphere and host of popular social occasions add further lustre and excitement to the week. “For this second edition of the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean we are happy to have a fleet of 21 boats, many of whom compete regularly in Porto Cervo and are now joining our regattas in the Caribbean,” explained YCCS Sports Director Edoardo Recchi. “Conditions are expected to be fairly stable with an easterly wind of around 20-22 knots falling slightly to 15-18 knots by Saturday. We will be setting different courses for the fleet which will allow the range of yachts to show off their best performances”.
Swan 90 superyacht ODIN preparing for the 2015 Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean – Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
James C Madden’s Swan 601 Stark Raving Mad from the United States is the defending champion in Class A and eager to defend its title. “We are going to do our best to win but we are also here to have fun as it’s a great event,” revealed Madden. “To win, it’s about making no mistakes. You’ve got to get the sails up and down, turn around the marks and through the islands without any errors because I am sure all of the boats are going to be pretty well sailed here.” Competition will be provided by Swan 80 sailing yacht Selene, runner-up in 2013, and by Swan 90s superyacht Freya and luxury yacht Odin as well as Leonardo Ferragamo’s Swan 90S charter yacht Solleone.
In Class B, Swan 53 Music, Swan 53 Naia’a and Swan 56 White Rhino all featured in the inaugural 2013 event and will use that experience to their advantage. The Club Swan 42 Kora, owned by Paolo Scerni of Italy is the week’s smallest entrant.
EVENT PROGRAMME
Wednesday 4 March: Racing (11:00); ClubSwan Cocktail Contest on the Dock at the YCCS Marina (17:00)
Thursday 5 March: Racing (11:00); Caribbean Barbeque at the Biras Creek Resort (19:00)
Friday 6 March: Racing (11:00); Gala Dinner at the YCCS Lawn (19:00)
Saturday 7 March: Racing (11:00); Final prize giving at the YCCS Lawn (17:00)
