Porto Cervo, 18 September 2024. Day two of the Rolex Swan Cup on the waters off Porto Cervo was marked by unstable weather conditions, managed skilfully by the Race Committee to fit in a coastal race for all classes, with the exception of the ClubSwan 36 class which completed a windward-leeward race, abandoning a second due to a squall that brought with it unpredictable and shifting winds. The coastal race was slightly shortened for Swan Divisions A and C and the One Design Classes for the same reason, while the course was reduced more significantly for Division B, the Swan Sparkman & Stephens yachts.
The forecast light winds of 6 to 10 knots from east-northeast rotating to east-southeast proved accurate, and at 1:30 p.m. CEST the Race Committee sent the fleet on a tactically interesting coastal course: after rounding an offset mark 1.5 miles from the course, followed by a reaching run to a second mark, the fleet headed downwind towards the Secca di Tre Monti shoal, with the option of either passing outside the tricky Passo delle Bisce or going through it. Leaving the Secca di Tre Monti mark to starboard, the Swans headed upwind to round the Isola dei Monaci islet and return to Porto Cervo. For the Swan Sparkman & Stevens class, the finish line was moved up to the Secca di Tre Monti shoal.
Winners of the today’s race were:
Maxi Grand Prix, Swan 82 Kallima- Randstad; Maxi Cruiser, Swan 90 Freya; Mini Maxi Grand Prix, Swan 60 Sea Quill; Mini Maxi Cruiser, Swan 65 Marlin II; S&S Racing, Swan 38 Mascalzone Latino; S&S Classic, Swan 36 Isabella; Swan Grand Prix, Swan 45 From Now On; Swan Cruiser, Swan 54 Katima.
The Swan 82 Kallima – Randstad Sailing Team, with Paul Cayard at the helm, Tommaso Chieffi on tactics, and trimmer Federico Michetti, sailed particularly well to place second in the Swan Maxi A division by just 16 seconds behind Freya, and claimed the win in the Grand Prix subclass. Equally well sailed was Andrea Fornaro’s 60 CR Sea Quill in the Swan Mini Maxi A’s, demonstrating excellent speed and cleanly executed manoeuvres. Sea Quill also hosted 17-year-old Maddalena Spanu on aboard, an athlete from the Young Azzurra sports programme run by the YCCS and reigning Wingfoil World Champion.
Francesco Mongelli, navigator on the Swan 90 Freya: “Today’s victory was down to the crew’s excellent manoeuvres, with perfect sail changes on a very well prepared boat. This helped us make up for some errors in strategy and we came first in compensated time again, which was not at all easy today with the rainstorms that made both the intensity and direction of the wind unstable.”
With today’s first place, the modified Argentinian Swan 45 From Now On remains firmly in the lead in the Grand Prix subclass of Swan Division C. In the Swan C Cruising subclass, the German Swan 54 Katima also clinched a second win to hold the lead, with the Swan 53CB Bedouin from Australia hot on their heels with two second place finishes.
In Division B S&S Classic the Swan 47 CB Matilda retains the lead in the provisional ranking thanks to a second place added to yesterday’s win. In Division B S&S Racing the provisional classification sees the German Swan 48 Elan hold onto the lead, just one point ahead of Mascalzone Latino.
There was a second victory for German boat Olymp in the ClubSwan class too, now boasting a comfortable lead in the provisional ranking. Second place of the day went to Vitamina, whose mainsail trimmer, Alberto Bolzan explained: “For Vitamina it was a good day, second place on a day with such unpredictable winds due to the squalls around the race course is no mean feat. The very light breeze was shifting all over the place, sticking close to the coast and skimming the rocks below Capo Ferro, which we know well, paid off. From tomorrow we’ll be back on windward-leeward courses and we’re determined to continue as we did today.”
With a clean run of three consecutive victories, the ClubSwan 42 Canopo extended their lead, while in the Swan 45 group Ulika tops the provisional ranking.
Black Seal retains the provisional lead In the ClubSwan 36 class, followed closely by winner of the day Fra Martina, just two points behind.
Once back ashore, crews were treated to the customary post-race refreshments along with a lively rock concert by the Swan Bandits – a band made up of Swan sailors – embodying the true camaraderie and friendly spirit that permeates the Rolex Swan Cup.
Racing continues tomorrow at 12 noon CEST with windward-leeward racing for the One Design Division – where the brand new ClubSwan 28 will make its debut. All other divisions will be set a coastal course.
Nautor Swan owners will gather tomorrow evening at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s restaurant for the Owner’s Dinner.
For further information, results, the entry list, programme, photos
