Club Swan Racing gets ready to close the 2023 season

05/10/2023

ClubSwan Racing gets ready to close the 2023 season amid the style and glamour of The Nautor Swan Experience

The 2023 ClubSwan Racing season is set to sign-off in style with the Swan One Design Worlds and the first edition of the Swan Med Regatta – The Tuscany Challenge held simultaneously in the magnificent surroundings of Scarlino on the Tuscan coast of Italy (10-14 October).

At the same time the excitement and friendly camaraderie out on the water will be matched ashore by the immersive pleasure of The Nautor Swan Experience, which will deliver insight into the 360° world of the Swan brand that delivers memorable social events, friendly and competitive racing, and beautiful boats.

As an early indication of what is to come the Opening Ceremony at Marina di Scarlino on Tuesday will feature the naval marching band – Fanfara dell’Accademia Navale di Livorno – a suitably eye-catching ceremonial start to the World Championship regatta.

“This event marks the evolution of Nautor Swan over the past 25 years,” said Leonardo Ferragamo, Nautor Group President. “When I bought it, I dreamed for Nautor to evolve internationally as a complete brand, and the Swan Experience is a manifestation of that dream. The Swan One Design Worlds, The Swan Med Regatta – The Tuscany Challenge and the private boat show, together with the visit of our Nautor Swan Global Service – Scarlino and our beautiful Marina di Scarlino with its new residential development is something that deeply fulfils my great initial dream.”

Hosted by the Yacht Club Isole di Toscana, the Swan One Design Worlds will see four days of racing starting on Wednesday 11 October which will determine the world champions in the ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan 42 and ClubSwan 36 classes.

A coastal race is planned during the regatta which could include iconic local landmarks such as the islands of Cerboli and Palmaiola off Elba’s east coast as racing marks, all against the backdrop of the famed Isle of Montecristo.

The event also marks the decider of The Nations League 2023, with all to play for. Marcus Brennecke’s Hatari (GER) tops the ClubSwan 50 table though Andrea Lacorte’s Vitamina (ITA) is within striking distance, while Pedro Vaquer Comas’ Nadir (ESP) and Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio’s G Spot (ITA) hold only narrow leads in the ClubSwan 42 and ClubSwan 36 classes respectively.

In the latter class Lorenzo Mondo‘s Far Star will be looking to shake things up after winning the recent European Championships. “The morale in the team is really high and we are excited to be at the Swan One Design Worlds,” said Mondo. “We have good speed and we are sailing well, but we know it will not be easy as there is great talent in the fleet. We know the waters off Scarlino, so we shall see.”

The brand-new Swan Med Regatta – The Tuscany Challenge featuring the performance cruiser rating fleet also promises friendly competition with a quartet of the new Swan 48 models — Ole Eirik Leroy’s Ananda (NOR), Giulio Gatti’s Anya (ITA), George Bennel’s Papillon 48 (GBR) and Simone Pallesi‘s Whimsea(ITA) — taking part alongside other brand-new Swan models, namely Guy Vermeil’s Swan 55 Fujin (SUI) and Marc Tombroff’s Swan 58 Phileo (BEL).

For Pallesi the three-day Tuscany Challenge — which starts on Thursday 12 October — has added significance: “This is our very first race with Whimsea and I have a strong attachment to Tuscany, so we cannot wait to go racing on home waters. It is going to be a very special few days.”

In contrast the venerable and durable Swan 441 Best Buddies (GER), Kay-Johannes and Susann Eggers Wrede’s yacht, is making its first ever visit to Scarlino having taken part in a variety of events around the world, a classic example of timeless Swan elegance.

As ever, an integral part of the ClubSwan Racing experience is the varied and stimulating social programme, which includes local tours in partnership with lifestyle brand Italy Segreta.

Following the Opening Ceremony at the Tarantella Terrace in the Marina di Scarlino, the same venue will be alive again for the Tassoni Crew Party on Thursday in partnership with Ferrari Trento, which will see old friendships renewed and new ones forged among the race teams.

Meanwhile the Swan Experience Gala Dinner and ClubSwan Charity Auction for the Oceans, presented with Christie’s in support of Marevivo and Mission Blue, is being held at Rocca di Frassinello on the Friday. The many lots on offer will include works of art and exquisite experiences including an exclusive pass to Roland Garros and access to the Porsche Experience centre courtesy of ClubSwan Racing main partners Rolex and Porsche Italia respectively. Porsche is also providing a courtesy car service and the chance to drive their new models.

Both the Swan One Design Worlds and the Swan Med Regatta – The Tuscany Challenge, along with the Nautor Swan Experience, also benefit from the on-going support of ClubSwan Racing’s main partners Rolex, Randstad, Porsche and Banor.

The regatta will conclude in fine and dramatic style with its not-to-be-missed Prize-Giving Ceremony in the gorgeous Marina di Scarlino which will see the award presentations to the World Champions and Nations League winners.

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