Top international sailors and Swan owners from around the globe will take part in a week of intense competition for the 14th edition of the Rolex Swan Cup (September 11th to 17th), organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo. Nautor's Swan anticipates that more than 100 Swans will come together for this unique competition, ensuring that a wide range of models from the SwanLine will be represented at this biennial event. Performance cruising and racing models will be present, including five Swan 601s, over twenty Swan 45s and four new Swan 100s which will make their debut in this competition.

Since 1966, over 1860 Swans have been constructed at Nautor's constantly evolving yard in Pietarsaari, Finland. In honour of Nautor's 40th anniversary, the Swan 36 Tarantella, the first ever Swan, will be attending, bringing an 'historical' element to the event. Nautor's Swan will also present the Swan 66, its 40th anniversary model, a true performance cruiser that embodies everything that “Swan” stands for”.1

Enrico Chieffi, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Nautor's Swan comments: “I am delighted that such a great variety of Swan models will gather in Sardinia for this highly competitive regatta. It is a really special event for Nautor's Swan as we celebrate the company's 40th Anniversary and I am pleased that Swan owners and their guests will be able to celebrate with us in such a beautiful setting. With many competitors aiming to win the new 'Combined Maxi Swan' trophy, the event promises to provide a challenging week of racing.”

The Rolex Swan Cup follows the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (September 3rd to 10th) and this year Swans over 60 feet competing at both events will be eligible for the Combined Maxi Swan trophy. Points scored at each event will be added to find the overall winners in each Swan class.

This regatta will provide a global sailing stage for some of the world's best-known sailors including Roy Heiner, mastermind behind ABN Amro's Volvo Ocean Race success, who will join Roel Pieper (BVI) onboard Favonius. The provisional list of entries also includes Leonardo Ferragamo (ITA) Swan 45 Cuordileone, Leslie Green and Calvert-Jones (AUS) Swan 45 Ginger and Stuart and MarrGwen Townsend (USA) Swan 100S Virago. Sir Peter Ogden (GBR) owner of Swan 601 Spirit of Jethou will also take part.

The toughest racing is expected to come from the boats taking part in the one-design Swan 45 division. According to former America's Cup helm Andy Green (GBR), who will be calling tactics on board Belgian owner Bernard Lambillotte's Swan 45 Nemo:: “This is a really special event for the team as we can enjoy the combination of competitive racing in beautiful surroundings. The team will be well prepared for this event, having participated in various regattas such as the Giraglia Rolex Cup earlier in the year. Although we realise racing will be tough with so many top class sailors taking part, we are determined to finish among the top three.”

This year the Rolex Swan Cup is sure to deliver a spirited week of racing and gala social events. The regatta will involve four classes: the Swan 601 and Swan 45 One-Design Classes, the Grand Prix and the Classic Swan Class. There will also be a non-racing division for Swan owners who would prefer to cruise around the island and soak up the stunning scenery.

A full programme of shoreside events will begin on the Monday with a welcome cocktail party. The following race days will include prize giving ceremonies and glamorous socials throughout the week. An owner's dinner hosted by Nautor's Swan will be held on the Tuesday and a musical evening will take place on the Wednesday. There will be a Rolex Owners dinner, hosted by YCCS (By Invitation) on the Friday, a Rolex Crew Party on the Saturday and the event will draw to a close on the Sunday, with a final prizegiving.

The Rolex Swan Cup continues to attract yachts from every part of the world for racing, cruising and a glamorous social programme. The striking mix of events will create a unique competition in true “Spirit of Swan” style.

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For information on Nautor's Swan or copyright free photography, please contact:

Claire Lodge
brandRapport
Tel: +44 1483 209 826
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Email: nautorgroup@brand-rapport.com
Website: www.nautorswan.com

Further information about the event can be found on the Nautor's Swan website www.swancup.com or by emailing the following address: racingoffice@nautorswan.com

Notes To Editors:

1Swan 66 - Anniversary Model
A product of the renowned yacht designer, Germán Frers, the Swan 66 represents the timeless beauty of an ocean going yacht with some distinct features clearly defining the model as a Swan of the 21st century. The interior has exquisite joinery work in teak, which is complimented by a fresh but subtle styling, allowing for a truly modern, spacious, functional and bright interior.

With the Swan 66, Nautor's Swan has taken its capabilities to provide bespoke yachts one step further, and offers several carefully conceived designs to choose from. The range of options includes several keel versions, two different deck layouts and two interior layouts, each version giving the customer the opportunity to tailor their Swan 66 into a comfortable cruising yacht or a more performance oriented, competitive boat.

2Swan 601 - One-Design Class
Swan 601 owners look forward to an exciting, dedicated programme of One-Design racing with a full schedule of Classes laid out until 2010. This year they compete in the Swan 601 Class at the Rolex Swan Cup and many will go on to take part in Les Voiles de St Tropez, the Rolex Middle Sea Race in October.