Swan Sardinia Challenge | Final Day

Four days of intense racing in the spectacular setting of southeast Sardinia came to a conclusion on Saturday with the final places decided at the Swan Sardinia Challenge.

The crystal-clear waters off Villasimius were witness to 10 hard fought and ultra-competitive races, with fortunes across the three one-design classes varying rapidly on each leg of the racecourse.

The Swan Sardinia Challenge was able to celebrate a successful regatta at what was a new venue for the Nations League, with the Marina di Villasimius providing a warm welcome alongside the support provided by the Regione Sardegna, the town of Villasimius and the Marinedi Group.

Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO said: "This is our first time in Villasimius, and it’s been an amazing 'first'! Watching 26 boats competing in this beautiful setting of a natural park. A full programme of 10 races with excellent wind conditions from 8 to 25-plus knots has been quite a show. We want to thank the local authorities and the Marina di Villasimius for hosting us and for gifting us with great special moments during this event."

Marcus Brennecke's well sailed Hatari emerged at the top of the ClubSwan 50 leaderboard, holding off persistent and determined challenges from Louis Balcaen's Balthasar and August Schram on Stella Maris.

Meanwhile a string of five back-to-back race victories in the ultra-modern ClubSwan 36 class helped Richard Thompson's Black Seal secure a well-deserved though tight win ahead of Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio's G-Spot – who had won the ClubSwan Racing season's opening event in Tuscany in April – and Edoardo and Vanni Pavesio's Fra Martina.

The Swan 45 class was a competitive all Italian affair which saw all three boats competing constantly changing position. Claudio Terrieri's Blue Sky pipped Stefano Masi's Ulika by a single point, with Luca Locatelli's Thetis, which had taken two race wins, only two points adrift.

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