The European Swan fleet has gathered in force in Cowes on the Isle of Wight this weekend 11/12 July. The sailing mecca has seen Swan yachts arriving from 9 different nations including Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and the USA for the biennial Swan European Regatta. The teams have already hit the water for training in some first class sailing conditions. The event is hosted by Nautor’s Swan with racing organised by the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron. Over 40 yachts have entered with Swan yachts due to compete over 5 days of racing in the Solent.

Racing will run from Monday 13 to Friday 17 July covering various windward-leeward and coastal courses around the Solent with the fleet of Swans split into 3 classes according to rating and size of the yacht. Swan owners will be competing for some of the classic trophies, including the hotly contended Highland Fling trophy for ‘highest placed owner driver’. The week will see an array of classic and modern Swan yachts ranging from 36 to 65 feet competing for the ultimate prize and title of Swan European Champion.

2009 will be the 14th edition of the Swan European Regatta which has established itself as a major attraction in the Swan racing calendar. A favourite with Swan owners and competitors from across the globe, the event consistently attracts yachts spanning the Swan range for both the racing elements of the event and the accompanying social programme at the Royal Yacht Squadron.

With the Swan European Regatta famed for attracting talented skippers with a strong knowledge in tactically challenging tidal Solent racing, the weather forecast for a South Westerly breeze from 12 to 15mph should provide a good basis for competitors to start the week in the style. Bouwe Bekking, skipper of the Volvo Ocean Race’s Telefonica Blue, who will be racing on Club Swan 42 Aqua Equinox for the regatta, commented, “We are looking forward to the Solent racing, which I love, with testing currents and the wind forecast looks good. Our Club Swan 42, driven by Filip Balcaen, is crewed by a group of sailors that have been racing together for over 10 years and being part of the one-design fleet racing at the regatta will add to the competition.”
The week will see a contrast of competitors with the new inclusion of the Club Swan 42 Class as part of their Northern European Circuit and the return of participants from previous years including the Swan 48, Elan who claimed the Swan European Champion title in 1987.

Nautor’s Swan has been respected by sailors, for more than 40 years, for ultimate ocean-going, performance based luxury yachts with consistent unrivalled build quality appealing to the worldwide yacht racing fraternity. The elegance and prestige of the Swan fleet has once again brought a stylish regatta to Cowes with an enigmatic mix of international Swan owners, friends, families and seasoned yacht racers.