Swan Maxi Class Circuit Review

The Swan Maxi Class Circuit, developed for Swan yachts over 60 feet, is made up of a selection of the most prestigious regattas in the Mediterranean. The Class Circuit was established by Nautor’s Swan in 2008 to bring together a network of Swan Maxi yachts from across the globe to enjoy a structured, active racing circuit. All Swan Maxi Yachts that participated on the 2010 circuit were eligible for the Swan Maxi Class silver Asprey trophy.

The official Swan Maxi Class Circuit for 2010 incorporated:

Hublot PalmaVela, Palma de Mallorca (Spain) - 14 – 18 April

Giraglia Rolex Cup (inshore races only),
St Tropez (France)- 12 – 19 June

Rolex Swan Cup, Porto Cervo (Sardinia) - 13 – 19 September

The Hublot PalmaVela marked the beginning of the Mediterranean season this year and the event provided the perfect start to the Swan Maxi Class 2010 circuit. The Swans had an exciting week of racing in the spectacular Bay of Palma and the Real Club de Nautico Palma provided an active social programme for all participants.

It was the 2009 circuit champion, Gerard Logel onboard @robas that ruled the Swan Maxi Class at Hublot PalmaVela. In second place was Swan 66S, Godot owned by Paul Fevang. Godot a newcomer to the Swan Maxi Class Circuit beat Swan 82, Nikata, owned by Nicolai Tangen who came in third and Swan 68, Risktaker owned by Peter Jebsen came in fourth.

The 58th edition of the Giraglia Rolex Cup saw Swan yachts racing in both inshore and offshore races. The Giraglia Rolex Cup is the second event on the Swan Maxi Class Circuit and is well known for its excellent racing and glamour. It was an international affair with 233 yachts competing from 16 nations.

The star of the regatta was Gerard Logel racing onboard Swan 601 @robas, who claimed first place in the Swan Maxi Class, making it his second win on the 2010 circuit. @robas was a top fixture in the 2010 Swan Maxi Class Circuit and this season was being raced by a winning team of friends and family.

The final event in the circuit was the Rolex Swan Cup held in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, the pinnacle feature in the Swan calendar. Once again Porto Cervo became the centre of the Nautor’s Swan community with just under 100 Swan yachts competing in the waters off the Sardinian coast. A draw for top sailors and amateurs alike, the Rolex Swan Cup provides a unique week of racing and gala social events for which Nautor’s Swan are renowned.

It was a bit of feast or famine in the wind department in Sardinia and racing on the last two days was unfortunately cancelled. The standings, therefore, were left unchanged from Friday’s long race finishes. In the Maxi Class A, Danilo Salsi’s Swan 90, DSK Pioneer Investment, led over the new Swan 60, Emma, and the elegant black-hulled Swan 112, Mystery.

2010 Swan Maxi Class Circuit - Overall Results:

1 @robas
2 Godot
3 Nikata
4 DSK
5 Emma
6 Duan
7 Mystery
8 Astro del Est
9 Peak
10 Risktaker
11 White Lie
12 Berenice
13 Highland Breeze
14 Lionessa of Douglas
15 Lott 66
16 Ginger
17 Fantasticaaaaniene
18 Vertical Smile
19 Kiwi
20 Hoppetosse
21 Cuordisole
22 Varsovie
23 Geronimo
24 Aria