Nautor’s Swan Unveils New Swan Maxi Class for 2008

In addition to the strong class association Nautor’s Swan has developed over the past couple of years with the emergence of one design models and their respective classes, a new class has been devised to run alongside this successful programme in 2008.

Swans measuring over 60 feet will now have the opportunity to race in a dedicated class of their own. The Swan Maxi Class has been built into the increasingly comprehensive programme of racing and cruising events for 2008, enforcing Nautor’s Swans vision of developing a strong class series to support the growing SwanLine.

As Nautor’s Swan reveal plans for a new 2008 Racing and Cruising Calendar, the Swan Maxi Class will feature in a series of events from March to October. Born through a partnership with the most important Yacht Clubs in the world, the Swan Maxi Class will incorporate the popular Swan 601 Class and boats will race within existing IRC events with dedicated starts and possible sub divisions. Following on the same class foundations as the Club Swan 42 and Swan 45, the Swan Maxi Class will enforce an owner driver ruling.

The class will make its Mediterranean debut at the Trofeo Aurora Regate di Primavera in Portofino (38-30 March) organised by the Yacht Club Italiano and will see the Swan Maxis race alongside the Club Swan 42 class. At the second event, the Rolex Capri Sailing Week (21-24 May) hosted by the Yacht Club Capri, the Swan Maxi Class will run with the Swan 45 and Club Swan 42 classes. In June the Swan Maxi Class will feature at the Giraglia Rolex Cup (15-21 June) finishing at the Rolex Swan Cup (8-14 September) at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. A dedicated social programme of shore side activities will accompany the class and a final prize giving ceremony organised by Rolex that will be hosted at the Yacht Club Italiano in October, including the presentation of the perpetual trophy commissioned by Asprey.

The forthcoming year, and indeed future of the class, is very encouraging and it is an exciting time for Nautor’s Swan. Currently listing a fleet of 194 yachts over 60 foot, the Swan Maxi Class has great potential to thrive and bring something extra to programme of events scheduled for 2008. As with all Swan events it is the shared passion of sailing a Swan that drives their success and the Swan Maxi Class will not only open up new opportunities to witness yet more exciting racing but encourage and foster the Natuor’s Swan community spirit.

Source: Nautor’s Swan