Swan Sardinia Challenge 2024 at Marina di Villasimius Preview
by ClubSwan Racing 30 Oct 23:39 NZDT
30 October - 2 November 2024
Swan Sardinia Challenge 2024 © ClubSwan Racing / Studio Borlenghi
For the third time this season, the ClubSwan Racing One Design circuit, after the Alghero and Porto Cervo events, will organize a regatta in the splendid waters of Sardinia, at Marina di Villasimius. Thanks to the strong commitment of local organizers, the final stage of the 2024 Nations League promises to be a particularly prestigious moment in the sailing calendar, with the brand new ClubSwan 28 in the spotlight.
The competition will feature teams and sailors representing 7 nations, ranging from Japan, the United States, Australia, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Monaco.
The Swan Sardinia Challenge, promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Department of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Commerce, is made possible by the support of Marina di Villasimius, the Lega Navale Italiana (LNI) Villasimius section, and the Yacht Club Villasimius.
Renato Marconi, CEO of the Marinedi Group, expressed his pride in hosting the regatta: "The Marinedi Group team is ready to welcome the return of the ClubSwan Racing circuit to the beautiful waters of Villasimius, in the heart of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, on the picturesque southeast coast of Sardinia."
"We are thrilled to host this international debut," commented Sergio Ghiani, president of the LNI of Villasimius. "The regatta we are about to experience will be very special, with sailors and guests of significant importance on the international stage. This event will promote Villasimius as a destination around the world, placing it among leading locations in sailing."
The current provisional standings of The Nations League ClubSwan 28 indicate a tight competition at the top, with the provisional leader and Rolex Swan Cup winner, MARCELLO (Philippe Ligot), tied on points with ANYA RACE, led by Swiss skipper Giulio Gatti.
"We couldn't have chosen a better location to end this great season, in one of the most authentic yet welcoming parts of Sardinia, which, with the favor of autumn light, will surely offer memorable moments. Seeing the ClubSwan 28 fleet take shape and receive positive feedback after its debut at the Rolex Swan Cup fills us with pride and fuels our enthusiasm for the 2025 season, which promises to be exciting," said Federico Michetti, Head of Sport Activities at Nautor Swan.
"I am very pleased that Nautor has chosen Italian Sailing Federation - Sardinia, for the third time this season," commented Corrado Fara, President of the Italian Sailing Federation - Sardinia. "I would like to thank ClubSwan Racing for selecting us once again; we are now certain that they are truly satisfied with the warm welcome our region offers and the excellent marine weather conditions they find here. For us, it is a great opportunity to end a season that has hosted international events from the north to the south of the island, making Sardinia a key center for sailing, both nationally and internationally. Thanks to the support of the Sardinia Region, we can organize regattas that bring economic benefits to the area and allow participants and their companions to discover our island, thereby extending our season."
The regatta will take place over four days, starting with the Practice Race on Wednesday, October 30, followed by three days of windward-leeward races on Thursday, October 31, Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2. An intense week of great social happenings on land will complement the racing at sea, with teams accommodated at the Hotel Stella Maris, where everybody will be staying. It will be a week marked by competition on the water and camaraderie on land.
The Swan One Design Nations League is made possible thanks to the support of The Nations League main partners: Rolex, Randstad, Porsche Italia, Henri Lloyd and Banor, as well as the technical sponsors QuantumSails, North Sails, Doyle Sails, Garmin, Sailmon, B&G, Gottifredi Maffioli, AON, Ethimo e Ferrari Trento.