22nd Rolex Swan Cup Day 2: Navigating Rain Squalls
by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 18 Sep 12:33 PDT
15-21 September 2024
Rolex Swan Cup Day 2 © Rolex / Kurt Arrigo
Day two of the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo featured unstable weather that the Race Committee managed effectively to conduct a coastal race for all classes, except for the ClubSwan 36 class, which ran a windward-leeward race but had to forgo a second one due to unpredictable squalls.
The coastal race was slightly reduced for Swan Divisions A and C and the One Design Classes for similar reasons, while Division B, comprising Swan Sparkman & Stephens yachts, faced a more extensive shortening of the course.
The expected light winds of 6 to 10 knots from the east-northeast, shifting to east-southeast, came to fruition, and at 1:30 p.m. CEST, the Race Committee dispatched the fleet on a tactically interesting coastal course: after rounding an offset mark 1.5 miles into the race, the fleet then enjoyed a reaching leg to a second mark before heading downwind towards the Secca di Tre Monti shoal, with options to either navigate around the tricky Passo delle Bisce or sail through it. After leaving the Secca di Tre Monti mark to starboard, the Swans sailed upwind to round the Isola dei Monaci islet and return to Porto Cervo. The finish line for the Swan Sparkman & Stevens class was relocated to the Secca di Tre Monti shoal.
Winners of today’s race include:
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, helmed by Paul Cayard, with Tommaso Chieffi on tactics and trimmer Federico Michetti, performed admirably, finishing second in the Swan Maxi A division just 16 seconds behind Freya and also securing the win in the Grand Prix subclass. The performance of Andrea Fornaro’s 60 CR Sea Quill in the Swan Mini Maxi A’s was equally impressive, showcasing outstanding speed and precise manoeuvres. Sea Quill also featured 17-year-old Maddalena Spanu on board, a talented athlete from the Young Azzurra program run by the YCCS and the reigning Wingfoil World Champion.
Francesco Mongelli, navigator on the Swan 90 Freya, stated, “Today’s victory came from the crew’s exceptional manoeuvres, with perfect sail changes on a well-prepped boat. This helped us recover from some strategic mistakes, and we again took first in compensated time, which was challenging today due to the rain squalls causing fluctuating wind intensity and direction.”
With today’s win, the modified Argentinian Swan 45 From Now On solidified its position at the top of the Grand Prix subclass of Swan Division C. The German Swan 54 Katima also achieved a second consecutive victory in the Swan C Cruising subclass, while Australia’s Swan 53CB Bedouin is closely trailing with two second-place finishes.
In Division B S&S Classic, the Swan 47 CB Matilda remains in the lead according to the provisional rankings with a second place added to their opening day win. Meanwhile, the provisional standings in Division B S&S Racing show the German Swan 48 Elan holding onto the lead by just a point over Mascalzone Latino.
German vessel Olymp claimed a second consecutive victory in the ClubSwan class, establishing a significant lead in the provisional standings. Vitamina secured second place on the day, with mainsail trimmer Alberto Bolzan remarking, “For Vitamina, a solid day; second place in unpredictable winds created by squalls is quite an achievement. The very light and shifting breeze, hugging the coast and skimming the rocks around Capo Ferro, proved beneficial for us. Starting tomorrow, we’ll revert to windward-leeward courses and aim to maintain our performance as today.”
With three back-to-back victories, the ClubSwan 42 Canopo has extended its lead, while Ulika currently leads the Swan 45 group in the provisional rankings.
In the ClubSwan 36 class, Black Seal maintains the provisional lead, closely followed by today’s winner, Fra Martina, who is just two points behind.
Once back ashore, crews enjoyed the traditional post-race refreshments alongside a lively rock concert by the Swan Bandits—a band formed by Swan sailors—reflecting the deep camaraderie and friendly atmosphere synonymous with the Rolex Swan Cup.
Racing resumes tomorrow at 12 noon CEST with windward-leeward races for the One Design Division, where the new ClubSwan 28 will debut. All other divisions will tackle a coastal course.
Nautor Swan owners will gather tomorrow evening for the Owner’s Dinner at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s restaurant.
For more details, visit www.yccs.it
