The upcoming Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean will host a full fleet of Swan yachts and bring an alluring playground as well as four days of exciting competing. Set to kick off today, Monday 11 March, the event will take place over the next 5 days at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s recently launched base on Virgin Gorda, situated in the popular Caribbean yacht charter destination – the British Virgin Islands.
Aerial view of Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Virgin Gorda, BVI - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Swan yachts ranging from 12.98 metres (42 foot) to 30.20m (100 ft) and representing countries including Belgium, Italy, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States make up the entry list. Competing Swans will be divided into two groups: Class A (Maxi), measuring upwards of 18.29m/60-ft; and, Class B, reserved for yachts measuring less than 18.29m.
Registration took place today, followed by the opening reception on the spectacular terrace of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Competition on the water starts tomorrow, Tuesday 12 March, and the round Virgin Gorda race is scheduled for Wednesday 13 March. Ideal sailing conditions are forecast.
Yacht Club Costa Smeralda to host Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean 2013 - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
A range of Swans will grace the event: from historic Sparkman & Stephens models including Hokusai (FIN), Lianda (BEL) and Swan Lake (USA) through to more modern designs from German Frers including the Swan 90 superyacht Freya (USA) which is also taking part and was the 2,000th yacht to be built by Nautor in Finland.
Other Class A entries include luxury yacht Varsovie, the largest competing yacht, the Swan 80 sailing yacht Selene and Stark Raving Mad a Swan 601, whose crew has enjoyed a successful last twelve months. In Class B, the week’s smallest entrant – the Club Swan 42 Arethusa (USA) – is using the waters of the Caribbean to continue preparations for September’s New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex.
Dockside ambiance at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda - Photo by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Crews will need to marry sharp tactics and cohesive teamwork to prevail in a fleet renowned for sportsmanship and graceful sailing. The week’s standout performers will be rewarded at the final prizegiving, on Friday 15 March, where the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean Trophy will be presented.
The eagerly anticipated event marks a continuation of the long-standing relationship between Nautor’s Swan, Rolex and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which commenced in 1984 with the first edition of the now biennial Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.
