The 22nd edition of the Rolex Swan Cup is coming to a close after an intense week of competition. The last race that will decide the final positions on the podium is scheduled for today, Saturday 21 September, at 12:00 with two windward-leeward races for all the Swan One Design classes, while a coastal race is scheduled for the rest of the fleet. The weather models indicate light winds from the eastern quadrants between 7 and 11 knots. On the penultimate day yesterday the crews prepared for the start on both race courses.
The further light air, initially pushed the Race Committee led by PRO Stuart Childerley to shorten the coastal course for all classes and then to cancel the race when the wind dropped to around 3-4 knots, with a further drop expected. At that moment the Swan 60 CR Sea Quill was leading the fleet, ahead of longer yachts, thanks to the tactical choice of sailing out to sea and very careful sailing in light air. On the windward-leeward race course a single race was completed for the ClubSwan 36s only, in which Fra Martina of the Pavesio brothers prevailed ahead of two boats helmed by a female owner: Dje Kapital Iris of Marie Helène Polo with Andrea Casale calling tactics in second and in third place of the day Lady Ghada, of the Egyptian owner GB Ghada with Mitch Booth, two-time Olympic medalist in the Tornado class, in the role of tactician.
The PRO on the windward-leeward course, Ariane Mainemare, also started the ClubSwan 28s, but the decreasing wind did not allow the new One Design class to finish the race. Yesterday the experience on board ended for two of the very young and promising sailors of the Young Azzurra program. "For me it was a truly special experience, because the Wingfoil is totally different from these large boats - said the reigning Wingfoil champion, 17-year-old Maddalena Spanu enthusiastically - being able to see and experience first-hand how a team works taught me so much. I would like to thank the YCCS for this opportunity and the entire Sea Quill crew for welcoming me and letting me take part in the maneuvers, I immediately felt part of the group".
He is echoed by 22-year-old Cesare Barabino: "I have already come across Swans at sea and they have always given me the impression of representing the sailing boat par excellence, with a union of beauty and elegance - explains the talented ILCA 7 athlete - having had the honour of sailing and racing on the Swan 48 'Mia' of YCCS member Luigi Stoppani, I can confirm the impressions I have always had and add that, in addition to the beauty and elegance, the feeling during navigation is incredible. The YCCS Young Azzurra sports programme supports me in many ways, in this case giving me the chance to become a more complete sailor thanks to different experiences, such as racing in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has given me these opportunities". There is great anticipation for the awards ceremony tonight, scheduled for 5:30 pm in Piazza Azzurra: the final outcome of a splendid and exciting edition of the Rolex Swan Cup will be known.
LP
