A thrilling conclusion to ClubSwan Racing’s pivotal season finale
by ClubSwan Racing 27 Oct 17:36 PDT
23-27 October 2024
The Swan One Design Worlds reached an exhilarating finish in Palma de Mallorca, crowning world champions in three ClubSwan Racing categories — two decided by a mere point — and concluding the season-long Nations League contest.
ClubSwan 36 world champion determined on the last day
Yachts from Brazil, Germany, and Spain secured the top titles, with Haakon Lorentzen’s Mamao (BRA) clinching the ClubSwan 36 championship after overtaking overnight leader and three-time winner Black Battalion, while Edoardo Ferragamo’s Cuordileone finished third.
“I’m feeling fantastic; this is our second win,” said a beaming Lorentzen, emphasizing their success came from “never giving up and fighting until the end.” He added, “I was 68 when I won my first World Championship, and now at 70, I’ve claimed my second. I can’t wait for the 2025 season!”
ClubSwan 50 top five were incredibly close
Mark Bezner’s Olymp (GER) won the fiercely contested ClubSwan 50 World Champion title by just one point over Raquel and Graeme Peterson’s Moonlight, with last year’s champion, Leonardo Ferragamo’s Cuordileone, finishing third. The competition’s intensity was shown by the fact that the top five boats in the twelve-strong class were just one point apart.
Expressing his joy at winning the World Champion title, Bezner stated: “It’s remarkable and a fantastic reward for our team. We’re a new team, and while our first day had challenges, today we had two excellent starts — we thrive in tough conditions.”
“My time with ClubSwan Racing has only been four years, having previously never raced a regatta, so you can imagine how I feel.”
An all-Spanish showdown in the ClubSwan 42 fleet
Reflecting the Bay of Palma’s competitive spirit, the race for the ClubSwan 42 world title turned into an all-Spanish contest, with Pedro Vaquer Comas’ Nadir narrowly defeating Jose Maria Meseguer’s Pez de Abril—again by a single point. Adriano Majolino’s Canopo, the 2024 Rolex Swan Cup winner with two race victories in Palma, trailed just one point behind in third.
Back on land, Comas remarked: “We feel amazing; this has been a fiercely competitive event for all. The 42 class is currently very strong, and this is our second Worlds victory, so we will savor it. We’ve been a team for ten years, and I’m incredibly proud.”
Throughout the week, the competitors at the Swan One Design Worlds faced varying conditions that provided a fitting test of their skills across a range of winds, posing a distinct challenge for the experienced race management team at the Real Club Náutico de Palma, host of this vital ClubSwan Racing event.
The Nations League outcome remained uncertain until the final Palma race
The 2024 Nations League ClubSwan 50 series maintained an equally tight contest, with Moonlight — despite a strong showing in Palma and a recent win at the Rolex Swan Cup — ending as the runner-up to Marcus Brennecke’s Hatari, which continued to extend its winning streak.
“It’s disappointing to have lost the World Championship; however, Olymp earned it,” stated Brennecke. “Yet winning the Nations League title for the fifth consecutive time demonstrates we are performing well. The competition is fierce, and anyone can win — that’s the charm of ClubSwan Racing. It’s a fantastic class and a memorable season — we look forward to next year!”
Despite finishing third in the Swan One Design Worlds, Cuordileone secured the overall season title in the ClubSwan 36 Nations League. Edoardo Ferragamo remarked: “It was a beautiful season even if the weather was challenging, but we managed to keep the team strong until the end, which makes us happy.”
A similar narrative unfolded in the ClubSwan 42 class, where strong earlier season performances earned the overall title for Jose Maria Meseguer’s Pez de Abril.
Meseguer expressed: “We are obviously very pleased as the Nations League is a significant trophy. The highlight for me is achieving our goals throughout the season. We have many newcomers, and their progress has been impressive — everyone is striving to improve, and it’s incredibly enjoyable.”
Memorable moments both on and off the water
While much focus has been on the waterborne action, the shoreside elements contributed significantly to the ClubSwan Racing experience.
A standout moment in the social scene was the Owners’ Evening held at the historic 300-year-old Gordiola glass-blowing factory, renowned for its architecture inspired by the Castle of Perpignan and being a candidate for UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
In summary of the season during the celebratory Prize-Giving on Sunday evening, Nautor Group President Leonardo Ferragamo stated: “This event wraps up a Nations League season characterized by friendly yet competitive racing, perfectly merged with the camaraderie and lifestyle at the heart of the Swan family experience.”
“As always, the Real Club Náutico de Palma has been a wonderful host, allowing us to celebrate a season filled with memorable events.”
Federico Michetti, Head of Sports Activities, added: “This has been another outstanding year for ClubSwan Racing, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the owners, their friends, partners, and crews who have contributed to making it this special.”
“We have been privileged to compete in so many welcoming venues, now here in Palma de Mallorca, and earlier this season in Scarlino, Bonifacio, Alghero, and Porto Cervo. Their support has been exceptional, along with the continued backing of our partners Rolex, Porsche, Randstad, Henri Lloyd, and Banor. Together, we made it happen.”
A final celebration awaits before the arrival of 2025
With the Nations League, World Championships, and overall season standings concluded, ClubSwan Racing has one last gathering to finish its season: the new ClubSwan 28 class — which debuted competitively at the Rolex Swan Cup — will participate in the Swan Sardinia Challenge – ClubSwan 28 in Villasimius.
Racing will take place from October 30 to November 2 in the stunning waters of southeastern Sardinia, with a warm welcome from Marina di Villasimius. The competitive fleet will feature entries from France, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, and the USA.
The Regione Sardegna, in collaboration with Lega Navale Italiana Villasimius, Yacht Club Villasimius, and Marina di Villasimius, will extend a warm end-of-season welcome.
