Swan owners from all over the world have been busy planning their winter getaways, and the second edition of the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean is one not to be missed. The event will be hosted by the fabulous Virgin Gorda yacht charter destination, nestled in the Caribbean.
2013 Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean © Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The event, which had its successful debut in 2013, runs from March 3 to 7 and is organized by ClubSwan, Rolex and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda – three cardinal pillars of the world of yachting, who just recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of their strong bond at the Rolex Swan Cup, held in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, since 1984.
The first edition of this biannual event attracted 25 Swans representing ten countries and this year’s entry list is expected to include Marco Rodolfi’s Swan 80 superyacht Berenice Bis (ITA), Don Macpherson’s Swan 90 superyacht Freya (USA), Wendy Schmidt’s Swan 80 yacht Selene (USA) and Devin McGranahan’s Swan 56 King Daddy (USA).
2013 Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda © Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Leonardo Ferragamo, Chairman of Nautor’s Swan, sees the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean as a key addition to ClubSwan’s calendar and an important sign of Nautor’s Swan commitment to its owners: “Like never before, we are creating more opportunities to get closer to our ClubSwan family, while evolving this legendary brand into new, exciting yachts. Owning a Swan is all about the pleasure of sailing on yachts that are symbols of excellence, tradition and innovation. The Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean offers our owners the perfect chance to compete in a relaxed atmosphere and to explore the Caribbean from the stunning base of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, while enjoying the warm and generous hospitality that Rolex, the YCCS and ClubSwan are known for.”
Riccardo Bonadeo, Commodore of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, is still feeling the joy of seeing close to 100 Swans spanning almost 50 years of Nautor’s Swan history competing in Porto Cervo, but the Mediterranean season is over now. Knowing that the ClubSwan family will be reunited in Virgin Gorda is a great feeling, and Mr Bonadeo is looking forward to another unforgettable event: “The inaugural edition of the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean was a resounding success and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Like its sister event in Porto Cervo, it is a true gentleman’s regatta, infused by sincere sportsmanship and camaraderie. We are looking forward to welcoming back to our Caribbean clubhouse many familiar faces and many newcomers to the event.”
2013 Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean © Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
There is indeed a lot of resemblance between Porto Cervo and Virgin Gorda in the stunning beauty of the natural landscape, with dramatic and mountainous terrain, protected anchorages, crystal clear waters and sandy beaches.
The Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean will start with registration and inspections on Tuesday, March 3 followed by racing Wednesday through Saturday, March 7. At the end of each day of racing, owners, crews, families and friends will be able to enjoy the reknowned hospitality of ClubSwan, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Rolex – with top-notch parties and many stories to tell after a day on the water.
2013 Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean, Swan 80 Yacht Selene © Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
At Saturday’s final prizegiving, a Rolex timepiece will be awarded to the first overall classified Swan in each class, trophies for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall classified Swan in each class and the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean Trophy will be presented to the overall winners.
The YCCS Clubhouse in Virgin Gorda offers exceptional amenities and hospitality service, while the Marina has 38 slips for yachts with up to 300ft (91m) length and 30ft (9m) draft, with excellent services.
