SWAN 100S SHINES AT SUN DRENCHED CARIBBEAN RENDEZVOUS

Swans enjoyed a perfect week of blue water cruising at the Club Swan Caribbean Rendez-Vous in the British Virgin Islands. Nautor’s Swan’s premier cruising event, hosted at the Bitter End Yacht Club, is not only seen as a highlight in the Nautor’s Swan calendar but always a lavish spectacle and showcase of a range of models in the one of the most idyllic settings in the world and this year proved no exception. Fifteen Swans took to the water for the sixth edition of the Club Swan Caribbean Rendez-Vous, giving owners and guests the chance to rekindle old friendships and enjoy exquisite sailing conditions and the passion for Swan, shared by all.

The Swan 100S, Virago chartered by Joe Huber was the largest yacht at the event and is the largest model in the new SwanLine. Virago soon proved why the Swan 100S has received so much attention as it looked to cut through the Caribbean waters with ease, opening up a considerable lead during the Round Virgin Gorda Race finishing in first place and breaking the previous race record. Mr Huber and his crew finished with a time of 2 hours 36 minutes and 41 seconds beating the previous record of 3 hours 9 minutes and 12 seconds set by Swan 82S, Moondance in 2004.

Swan 53 Nai’a owner by Bob Beltrano took the honours in the fun race to Jost Van Dyke, followed by Swan 55 Astra in second and Swan 53 Blue Pigeon Too in third. Jeremy Paul, owner of Astra also picked up the Spirit Award and the Best Maintained Swan Award went to Swan 48 Victoria, owned by Klaus Weinmuller.

The event sees owners and guests returning year after year, with first rate hospitality at one of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs and a comprehensive schedule of shore side activity, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere offers a welcomed rest bite from the customary competitive regattas. On a lighter note but of equal importance, the Boules Tournament saw George Beckley from Astra take the coveted award. A team effort from Akila III secured them victory in the Hors D’oeuvre contest and swapping the yacht for a dinghy in the Laser Regatta, Ashley Judd from Astra took victory just ahead of Swan 62 FD Berenice crew member Jacopo Ceccatelli.