52 SUPER SERIES
editorial board
The Swan Sardinia Challenge 2024, an international event for the Swan One Design ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 50 classes, promoted by the Sardinia Region and the Consorzio Porto di Alghero, has concluded successfully after a series of regattas and a week full of high-level events on land. Held in the beautiful city of Alghero in northern Sardinia from 26 to 29 June, the event saw the best of sailing, community engagement and sustainability initiatives.
Compelling Trials – During the week, 11 ClubSwan 50s and 8 ClubSwan 36s raced with great professionalism in the crystal clear waters off Alghero. The competition saw the participation of sailors from all over the world, representing 24 nations. The racing was characterised by intense rivalry and equal sportsmanship, exemplifying the spirit of ClubSwan Racing.
The week proved busier than expected for both fleets and, due to a difficult weather situation, only three races were completed in each class, thanks to the patience and talent of PRO Maria Torrijo. On the first day, two races were held with light winds and, after two days of no wind, the final race was contested by the fleets today, the last day of the event.
Marcus Brennecke on Hatari wins his second consecutive ClubSwan Racing race, followed by Raquel and Graeme Peterson’s Moonlight and Hendrik Brandis’s Earlybird. “We only finished three regattas and it was a difficult week, it was very hot and muggy, it was difficult for everyone,” he commented Markus Wieser, tactician on Hatari. “We sailed very well with two wins, we were consistent and we feel we deserve the win. We also won the first event of the season, so I can confirm that we are in good shape, but we would like to sail as well as possible at the World Championship in Palma, which is our main goal! Everyone is looking forward to going to Porto Cervo in September, it will be a great event, but there is a long gap between now and then, so we, together with other crews, will participate in the Copa del Rey in Palma in August to keep the pace and not have too long a break.”
In the ClubSwan 36 class, Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio won the last two regattas and the event with his Gspot, followed by Edoardo and Vanni Pavesio on Fra Martina and Edoardo Ferragamo with Cuordileone, who are the winners of the previous event in Bonifacio .
Leonardo Ferragamo, President of Nautor Swan: “We are delighted to have been hosted with The Nations League in the picturesque town of Alghero. The Swan Sardinia Challenge has not only put in
showcases the competition and excellence that defines ClubSwan boats and crews, but it also highlighted the beauty, history, authenticity and hospitality of this wonderful location, in an unspoiled part of Sardinia. The involvement and enthusiasm of the local community, especially the young people, has been truly inspiring and exemplary.”
The Swan Sardinia Challenge was supported by the main partners of the Nations League, including Porsche Italia, Rolex, Randstad and Banor, as well as technical sponsors such as QuantumSails, North Sails, Doyle Sails, Garmin, Sailmon, B&G, Gottifredi Maffioli, AON, Ethimo and Ferrari Trento. The partners also generously provided the daily prizes.
The Swan Sardinia Challenge 2024 was a week characterized by fair competition, breathtaking scenery and a packed program of social events. The event highlighted the spectacular nature of the place and the local gastronomic experiences offered during the welcome cocktail and the owners’ dinner. The event was promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Department of Tourism, Crafts and Commerce, made possible thanks to the Municipality of Alghero, the Alghero Foundation, the Alghero Port Consortium, the Alghero Yacht Club and the Alghero Italian Naval League. The Mayor of the city, Raimondo Cacciotto, hopes that the Swan Sardinia Challenge can become an annual event in Alghero, expressing his pride in seeing many young people involved and underlining how sport is an extraordinary educational tool. The tourism councilor of the Sardinia Region, Franco Cuccureddu then added: “The sailing-Sardinia combination has grown and consolidated over the years, thanks also to events like this which are supported by the Region precisely because we believe a lot in tourism linked to nature , the sea and respect for the environment, all values that we find in the sport of sailing”.
The 2024 Nations League for ClubSwan 50s and ClubSwan 36s will now move to nearby Porto Cervo for the iconic Rolex Swan Cup from 15 to 21 September, a week of spectacular sailing at one of the meccas of world sailing, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, where not only ClubSwan Racing’s One Design classes, but every Swan from around the world are invited to participate in celebration of the Swan family and the 40th anniversary of the partnership between Nautor Swan, Rolex and the YCCS. ph. Max Ranchi
29/06/2024 22:26:00
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