Swan Classic RH Association: a new section in the “Swan Classic” community for classic yachts
by Swan Classic RH Association 16 Sep 00:58 NZST
Swan Classic RH Association: a new section in the “Swan Classic” community for classic yachts © Swan Classic RH Association
Newly created "Swan Classic RH" Association contributes to the development of the "Swan Classic" class, promoting the history of this famous brand - known worldwide as the absolute excellence of sailing thanks to construction quality, reliability, finishes and performance - with a focus on designs by renowned architect Ron Holland.
The Swan Classic RH Association, chaired by ship owner Riccardo Ghidella, is present at the mooring of Vele d'Epoca d'Imperia 2024 (11th-15th September) with its first member: "Triboulet", historic number 1 of the Swan 43 model by Ron Holland dating 1985.
The Association aims to bring together global classic sailing lovers who are sensitive to the principles of sustainability and respect for people and Creation. In particular, it aims to involve owners and crews of Swans presented since 1978 and designed by Ron Holland, boats that are the heart of historic I.O.R.-International Offshore Rule period, the new frontier of vintage sails.
The Association will collaborate with other relevant Classic Swan associations to create a new biennial Swan Classic Swan event during "Vele d'Epoca di Imperia". The first edition will be held in 2025 and co-organized by Assonautica Imperia and Nautor Swan.
Based in Turin, the Association has among its founders:
- President Riccardo Ghidella, honorary President of a company in a a renewable and energy transition multinational leader and past national president of UCID-Unione Cristiana Imprenditori e Dirigenti;
- his son Vittorio Maria Ghidella;
- manager Giuseppe Guarna, Secretary General;
- Mario Quaranta, internationally renowned boat restorer;
- Oliviero Carducci, sailing clothing and footwear entrepreneur.
The Association features a technical committee that includes famous sailmaker and sailing champion Beppe Zaoli along with FIV-Federazione Italiana Vela federal coach Paolo Sasso.
The Association plans to create a 'traveling fleet of classic yachts' with the goal of spreading sailing ethics and environmental sustainability among young people, schools and families.
In addition to promoting classic Finnish Swans by Ron Holland, the Association will combine sailing community awareness with the centrality of the person and sustainable behavior. As President Riccardo Ghidella explains: "We promote a special period in Swan history, but also the fact that beauty, as represented by the excellence of classic Swan sails, is present also in the personal style and lifestyle of those who love these boats. Every historic Swan and for us primarily those designed by Ron Holland, represents not only a new classic but also reminds us that art and sailing ability can be at the service of communities and of the Common Good. We want our Association to represent messages for youngsters: 'being more than appearing' and 'respect and centrality of the person and Creation, as a celebration of beauty'".
Triboulet (1985) Swan 43-101 by Ron Holland
"Triboulet" is the first Swan 43 by Ron Holland produced by the Finnish shipyard and the second highly successful creation of this architect for Nautor OY Swan shipyard, known worldwide as an absolute excellence in sailing thanks to construction quality, reliability, finishes and performance.
Number 43, also known as "Project 432", was conceived in 1985, four years after Swan 391; it is considered one of the new great classics of IOR sailing. Launched with number 101, Triboulet is the first of only 28 boats of model number 43, all of which were built in Finland between 1985 and 1990.
Characterized by a hull with a very slender stern and sleek, aggressive waterlines, it was one of the first hulls designed using highly sophisticated numerical control techniques, an outstanding innovation for the time, consistent with Ron Holland's America's Cup success.
Compared to previous projects, the extraordinary fine-tuning equipment for a 43-footer was revolutionary: 13 winches on deck, an oil-hydraulic control system for the backstay, vang, forestay and flatner (at the time unique for this burs boat size), as well as a rod rigging and two stern runners.
The hull is mostly built in fiberglass with wood finishes. The floor frames are real steel beams of extraordinary volume and reliability that make this boat a true Nordic and oceanic craft.
Triboulet is the first of this size to feature an extraordinarily complete level of equipment. Interior finishes are unique in their kind, the result of the expert work of shipyard masters, with rounded wood shapes and structures characterized by elegant refinement in materials and finish, features that are almost unattainable today. Space planning combines a high-performance hull design with excellent cruising comfort in a 13-meter hull.
Purchased in 2019 by current owner Riccardo Ghidella, Triboulet has undergone a skillful restoration with the collaboration of engineer Davide Zerbinati and experts from the Finnish shipyard.
The name Triboulet is a tribute to a real historical sixteenth-century character who lived at the court of King Louis XII and Francis I. He gave his name to a specific court role: "Triboulet" was the jester, mime, musician, dancer, orator, storyteller and artist, known for his ability to serve the institution and ironically highlight its contradictions, defending noble values, if necessary to the point of self-sacrifice. This figure inspired the original title of Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto".
Triboulet is the flagship boat of the Swan Classic RH Association.