Swan Sardinia Challenge, victory for the ClubSwan 28 Japan Swing

Villasimius – The Swan Sardinia Challenge concluded yesterday in Villasimius, in southeastern Sardinia. This international sailing event, held from October 30 to November 2, hosted the final stage of the 2024 Nations League for the ClubSwan Racing One Design circuit, with the brand-new ClubSwan 28 as the star. The 2024 Nations League was claimed by the Swiss team Anya Race, followed by the Japanese team Swing, with Olympic gold medalist Will Ryan as tactician, and the French team Marcello. The Swan Sardinia Challenge itself went to Swing, with Anya Race in second place and the Americans of Play Bigger in third.

Weather conditions were excellent throughout the week, allowing for eight races between the five boats, each representing a different nation. The final day ended with an easterly wind initially between 10 and 14 knots, which then dropped just below 10 knots.

Keisuke Suzuki, owner of Swing: “I’m thrilled to have won for the first time in this class. I’d love to come back again next year. With only five members in the crew, communication is very important.”

“In the last race, we were very close to the Swiss team, and there was some back-and-forth, which raised the level of pressure,” commented Will Ryan, tactician for Swing. “That extra pressure pushed us to win the race and secure the day. The team did an outstanding job, and I think we showed great downwind speed this week, which got us out of some tight situations and made my job easier. It was fantastic to be here this week. I think the ClubSwan 28 really showed its potential.”

Giulio Gatti, owner of Anya Race: “I’m feeling good; I had a lot of fun, of course. We expected to win the event today, but things turned out the opposite way — that happens! Congratulations to the Japanese team; they sailed exceptionally well today. I hope to learn something from them for next time. I think next season will be even more exciting as more boats join the fleet. It’s going to be extremely fun for me. We’ve already made a lot of friends, and we’re only at the second event. That’s why we’re here: to enjoy the sport together with people who share the same passion. The circuit looks interesting in terms of both the intensity of the competition and the destinations we’ll visit.”

“The boat’s name is Out of Comfort Zone because it’s my first time participating in a regatta,” said Cecilia Perotti, racing with OOCZ. “I really felt ‘out of my comfort zone’ at times, but it was the only way, the best way, to start this new adventure. We even won a race; it was thrilling! Until the last minutes, we were unsure of the outcome; each race was pure adrenaline!”

“With the Swan Sardinia Challenge, we achieved the goal of extending the tourist season in Villasimius from October onward,” explained Gianluca Dessì, Mayor of Villasimius. “Bringing an event like the Swan Sardinia Challenge into November shows that Villasimius can be enjoyed even during this period. Images of these important regattas will travel the world, promoting tourism that embraces a more relaxed pace, with excellent temperatures, beaches ready to welcome visitors, and a sea that offers perfect conditions for sailing, even on an international level”.

“The 2024 Nations League finale featured a unique showcase dedicated to the newly introduced ClubSwan 28 class”, remarked Giovanni Pomati, CEO Nautor Swan. “This special event highlighted the capabilities of the ClubSwan 28 fleet, which was put to the test in challenging conditions. The event not only displayed the resilience and adaptability of the new fleet but also underscored the international appeal and global reach of the Nations League circuit, reinforcing the inclusivity of this sport at the highest levels … we had seven nationalities, and a mix of new, amateur sailors mixed with professional ones.  As we look ahead to the next season, we carry forward these memories waiting for another remarkable year of sailing, pushing boundaries, and uniting the global sailing community”.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who made this edition of the Swan Sardinia Challenge possible,” concluded Luisa Bambozzi, Managing Director of ClubSwan Racing. “A special thanks goes to Marina di Villasimius, the Sardinia Region, and the FIV with their respective clubs; their support was fundamental for the flawless organization and warm welcome we received this week. I would also like to thank our partners, whose contributions enriched every moment of the event. A special recognition goes to the founding owners of the ClubSwan 28 class; this week, more than ever, we experienced a sense of community, staying in the same hotel and participating in numerous social events, strengthening the foundations of this new class. Finally, a big thank you to all participants who make the ClubSwan community unique. Their passion manifests in competitive races and always with fair play, both on the water and on land, creating a special and unparalleled atmosphere.”

The Swan Sardinia Challenge, an event promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Department of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Commerce, was made possible thanks to the support of Marina di Villasimius, the Italian Naval League Villasimius section, and the Yacht Club Villasimius.

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