The ClubSwan event brought all the excitement and glamour from their worldwide events to Virgin Gorda, BVI during the intimate Rolex Swan Cup Costa Smeralda. With an impressive collaboration of organizers including Nautor’s Swan, Rolex and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), this biennial event brought a fleet of 21 SWAN yachts together to fight it out on the water during the week of March 3, 2015. The lure of this enchanting destination is irresistible, and events of this caliber choosing the British Virgin Islands is just another reason so many tourists visit these beautiful islands each year. Virgin Gorda is an ideal setting for both professional and novice sailors looking to take advantage of these pristine waters, and for other visitors simply looking for an unpretentious luxury getaway in the beautiful Caribbean islands.
The ClubSwan Experience
“The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda was delighted to continue the strong collaboration with our friends from Rolex and Nautor’s Swan, with whom we have been organizing regattas in Sardinia for over 30 years,” explained Riccardo Bonadeo, YCCS Commodore. The new marina was already making headlines in this area, and provided a beautiful backdrop during the Rolex Swan Cup. Strategically positioned in Virgin Gorda’s North Sound, one of the safest natural harbors in the Caribbean, the Yacht Club Smeralda provides an ideal cruising base for the entire Caribbean region. “The first edition of the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean in 2013 was a resounding success with owners and the crews, and this second edition was even better,” said Bonadeo.
In the world of professional sailing, being an owner of a Nautor Swan provides access to this exclusive family of Swan owners, and includes the coveted ClubSwan membership. Though the official home of ClubSwan is the Segelsallkapet Yacht Club in Pietarsaari, Finland, this distinct membership provides insider access to a host of regattas, cruising rendezvous, and social events all around the world. “This particular regatta combines spectacular racing with superb social events, add in the breathtaking location with the unmistakable Caribbean vibe, you can be assured of a superlative event,” said Bonadeo.
For many years, the Nautor’s Swan has been distinguishing itself as the true sailor’s choice; and with the heart and passion from the Italian influences combined with the Finnish level of perfectionism and cutting edge technology, the Swans are a sight to behold, and a joy to sail. These majestic sailing yachts are unmistakable as they slice through the water, and they bring a level of performance, safety and luxury that is unmatched in the world of sailing. “I feel strongly for evolution, using new technologies while preserving those values that have created such a strong identity at Nautor’s Swan,” said Leonardo Ferragamo, Chairman of Nautor’s Swan.
Though the sailing world is bracing itself for the first Swan 2014 flagship 115 to be officially launched later this year, with a total of four currently being built by the team in Finland, there were a number of other equally impressive Swan models competing for the Cup in BVI. The Swan 115 will be the ultimate Swan – combining the iconic style and quality the brand is renowned for with leading edge build techniques and materials. It’s certainly a very exciting time for the Swan family.
With the excitement level very high, the teams came together in this picturesque environment to showcase their yachts, and their talents. Having dominated from the very first race, Swan 80 Selene (CAY) and James Blakemore’s Swan 53 Music (GBR) were confirmed as the two Class winners. “The location in the British Virgin Islands is a sailor’s paradise and the competition on the water is tough, but the unique camaraderie that exists among the Swan ‘family’ means everyone looks forward to relaxing together after a hard day on the water,” added Bonadeo.
Where To Stay When Visiting Virgin Gorda
Oil Nut Bay is only accessible by water or helicopter, and ideal for families seeking the comfort of a private island experience, while still being only minutes from Virgin Gorda, and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The ultimate in luxury, guests can experience this exclusive collection of resort villas and suites. Graciously appointed accommodations with fine furnishing and the best in décor means guests enjoy the feel of their own Caribbean island with over-thetop seascapes while savoring all of the comforts and amenities that come with a full-service resort.
Biras Creek Resort is a favorite resort for this area, and only accessible by water or helicopter. The resort rests on a narrow strip of land between two hills with beautiful views of three distinct bodies of water, including the North Sound, Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. At Biras Creek Resort, there are 31 suites set among 140 acres of prime seaside real estate. Tennis courts, water sports, white sandy beaches and pools are available for guests while enjoying this unique Caribbean resort.
Nearby Luxury BVI Getaways
Necker Island is an uber-exclusive 74-acre resort destination owned by Sir Richard Branson, and is part of the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of luxury properties. The island can accommodate up to 28 guests, and while it is normally hired exclusively, there are selected weeks during each year when individual rooms are available. For guests looking for the feel of ultimate exclusivity, Necker Island has it all.
Peter Island Resort has been family owned and operated since 1978, and has a host of on-island and water sports available. Beyond volleyball, tennis, kayaks, windsurfers and more, the highlight of your trip might possibly be in the tranquility of the exceptional spa. The enhancement project was started last year, and includes the complete remodeling of the resort’s mega yacht harbor with a new open-air welcome pavilion, and new captain’s lounge and commissary for the water-lovers. And when celebrating lifetime events, Peter Island Resort has three luxury villas that are ideal for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays.
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