Swan Sardinia Challenge 2024: first time in Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
by ClubSwan Racing 22 Jun 02:48 PDT
25-29 June 2024
Swan Sardinia Challenge © ClubSwan Racing / Studio Borlenghi
Another first time for ClubSwan Racing One Design series, after the successful event in Bonifacio, Corsica, less than a month ago, the Swan Sardinia Challenge is set to take place in the stunning coastal city of Alghero, in the north of Sardinia, Italy.
This prestigious event marks the third leg of The Nations League 2024, dedicated to Nautor Swan's one design classes. With the strong commitment of local organizers, this event promises to be a highlight of the sailing calendar, and it surely is highly anticipated by ClubSwan owners, constantly looking for the adrenaline, the glamour and great conditions they are used to find with the Swan regattas.
The competition will feature 11 ClubSwan 50s, the same fleet that competed in Bonifacio, and 8 ClubSwan 36s, with a new entry from Brazilian owner Alexandre Luiz Santos Leal. In total, 19 boats will compete, showcasing sailors from all over the world, representing 24 nations.
The Swan Sardinia Challenge, an event promoted by the support of Regione Sardegna, Assessorato del Turismo, Artigianato e Commercio, it is made possible thanks to Comune di Alghero, Fondazione Alghero, Consorzio Porto di Alghero, dello Yacht Club Alghero and della Lega Navale Italiana Alghero.
Giancarlo Piras, President of the Consorzio Porto di Alghero expressed his honour at hosting the regatta, "Having the Swan fleets in Alghero is a great privilege for us," he stated. "We are committed to making this event as successful as possible and showcasing the beauty and hospitality of our city, fitting in perfectly with the elegance and performance of ClubSwan Racing, offering an excellent racecourse and a lively city in which enjoying themselves".
The Swan Sardinia Challenge promises to be a thrilling event, with the current standings in the ClubSwan 36 fleet showing a tight race at the top. Gspot, owned by Giangi Serena di Lapigio, leads by 16 points, followed closely by Cuordileone with 14 points and Black Battalion with 13 points. Edoardo Ferragamo, winner of the last leg in Bonifacio with Cuordileone, remarked, "We're excited to compete again and aim to keep our lead, but above all, we're here to enjoy the race and challenge each-other in ClubSwan ways, with respect and camaraderie. These boats are so much fun on the water, the racing is getting tighter than ever, but once ashore we are all just a big family. It can't get better than this".
In the ClubSwan 50 class, Olymp, helmed by Mark Bezner, finished fourth in Bonifacio, just one point off the podium, with Marcus Brenneke Hatari winner, Earlybird runner up and Cuordileone in third.
Bezner commented on his team's progress, saying, "Our performance has significantly improved since last season. I am confident in our crew, and it's even more special to have my son Louis sailing with us. This is what is all about, enjoying sport and performance on the water with your crew and dear ones, and the being able to appreciate the beauty of the location, the warmth of ClubSwan racing hospitality, the parties and the After-Races together with some outstanding competitors and gentlemen, there is no circuit like this one".
It is expected to be a week full of exciting side events complementing the regattas at sea, thanks to the presence of ClubSwan Racing partners. Among them, Porsche Italia will be present in Alghero as the Mobility Partner. With the Porsche E-Performance range, which includes the Panamera E-Hybrid, Cayenne E-Hybrid, and the electric Taycan, owners and VIP guests will have the opportunity to experience the Stuttgart company's interpretation of sustainable sports mobility.
Luisa Bambozzi, Managing Director of ClubSwan Racing, emphasised the honour of bringing The Nations League to Alghero for the first time. "After the great success of the last leg in a new venue, Bonifacio, we are thrilled to be in Alghero with The Nations League. Everything is set and it will be a week marked by ClubSwan's renowned gentlemanly competition, blended with racing with a stunning backdrop and a great program of social events, supported by our partners. In Alghero we will also activate sustainability initiatives with Marevivo, in collaboration with the Sardinia region. We also aim to engage the youth of the yacht club and the local community, to help inspire the next generation of sailors. The whole team, together with the Consorzio Porto di Alghero and the III Zona FIV and its affiliated clubs are working hard to deliver another unforgettable ClubSwan event. We can't wait!"
The Swan Sardinia Challenge, with the racing, stunning landscape, social events and ClubSwan renowned camaraderie, will also see ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone sporting on its mainsail the logo of Corri la Vita, a Florence based association that started in 2003 to help women affected by breast cancer and funds projects related to prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. Another health-related project present in Alghero will be Una Vela per il Cuore, a campaign touring Italy conducting screenings in ports with echocardiograms to support the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. CardioTeam with a medical equipe will be available for the participants of The Nations League.
These and other initiatives show how ClubSwan Racing events are evolving into dynamic platforms creating meaningful connections.
The Swan Sardinia Challenge is made possible thanks to the support of The Nations League main partners, Porsche Italia, Rolex, Randstad and Banor, with the technical sponsors, QuantumSails, North Sails, Doyle Sails, Garmin, Sailmon, B&G, Gottifredi Maffioli, AON, Ethimo and Ferrari Trento.