SEPTEMBER 6 – 13, 2020

Geneva, 25 August 2020 – As sport begins its careful resumption following the lengthy interruption caused by COVID-19, the biennial Rolex Swan Cup will take centre stage in early September as one of the first international sailing competitions. The 21st edition is scheduled to take place from 6–13 September in the renowned sailing environment of Porto Cervo, Sardinia. 

The revered event, launched 40 years ago, unites three long-standing partners: Nautor’s Swan, whose high-performance yachts have been at the forefront of nautical design for more than half a century; the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), a standard-bearer for excellence within the sport for a similar period; and Rolex, the Swiss watchmaker whose support for sailing dates back over 60 years.

These pivotal relationships, which started in the early 1980s, are built on a mutual commitment to precision, innovation and upholding tradition. They remain the cornerstone of the competition’s continued success and the strength of the ties have been key to building up the event during these difficult times.

Racing commences on Tuesday, 8 September and runs through to the following Sunday. The combination of intense short-course windward/leeward races and longer-distance coastal courses, which thread through north-east Sardinia’s rugged yet beguiling Maddalena Archipelago, provides professional and Corinthian sailors alike with compelling competition.

Rolex Testimonee and United States sailing legend Paul Cayard will be among the elite talent competing at this year’s event, racing as tactician on the ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone. “Following the understandable restrictions of the past few months, it will be wonderful to be out on the water again, especially in a competitive environment,” he says. “The Rolex Swan Cup has an enviable reputation and all sailors want to be part of it. The event’s rich heritage is down to the outstanding cooperation between the three principal partners. Returning to competition in such an alluring location and among people with a shared passion is something we are all looking forward to.”

Nautor’s Swan has always pushed the boundaries to design yachts that perform to the most exacting requirements and endure. Its skill and heritage as a boatbuilder is considerable and the Rolex Swan Cup is the ultimate showcase. At recent editions, more than 100 of the marque’s yachts have attended, and while this year’s fleet may be smaller, it will still range from early designs of the 1960s through to the latest cutting-edge models, including the remarkable ClubSwan 36 drawn by the peerless naval architect, Juan Kouyoumdjian.

Competing yachts will be divided into various groupings, including the ClubSwan 36, ClubSwan 42, Swan 45 and ClubSwan 50 One Design classes – where the yachts are identical and the focus is firmly on crew work – and categories based on age (Sparkman & Stephens’ designs), performance (Grand Prix) and size (Swan Maxi) for those in excess of 30.5m (100 feet). Competition is relentless. Margins on the water are tight and there is usually drama until the very last race. 

While the Rolex Swan Cup draws an array of leading sailors, it is the yachts that are the stars. Immaculately maintained, they elicit a shared pride among Swan owners. This solidarity is demonstrated in the sense of fair play that prevails throughout the week. According to Leonardo Ferragamo, the owner of Cuordileone and chairman of Nautor’s Swan, “Swan owners have passion and a noble approach, which is characterized by the racing and the spirit that shines through at the Rolex Swan Cup.”

This year, more than ever, the ethos of community will be felt most keenly even if it is socially distanced. Rolex is proud to support such a respected event through enduring partnerships with like-minded organizations.

A NATURAL AND SUPPORTIVE PARTNER

Rolex has always associated with activities driven by passion, excellence, precision and team spirit. The Swiss watchmaker naturally gravitated towards the elite world of yachting six decades ago and the brand’s enduring partnership now encompasses the most prestigious clubs, races and regattas, as well as towering figures in the sport, including ground-breaking round-the-world yachtsman Sir Francis Chichester and the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, Sir Ben Ainslie. Today, Rolex is Title Sponsor of 15 major international events – from leading offshore races such as the annual Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the biennial Rolex Fastnet Race, to grand prix competition at the Rolex TP52 World Championship and spectacular gatherings at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. It also supports the exciting SailGP global championship in which national teams race identical supercharged F50 catamarans on some of the world’s most famous harbours. Rolex’s partnerships with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Yacht Club Italiano, New York Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron, among others, are the foundation of its enduring relationship with this dynamic sport.

ABOUT ROLEX

AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
Rolex, a Swiss watch manufacture headquartered in Geneva, is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products. Its Oyster Perpetual and Cellini watches, all certified as Superlative Chronometers for their precision, performance and reliability, are symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The word “Perpetual” is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. Rolex has registered over 500 patents in the course of its history. A truly integrated and independent manufacturing company, Rolex designs, develops and produces in-house the essential components of its watches, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.