Here’s how the 10th Sparkman &Stephens Swan Rendezvous went

Waves of eight feet and more than 25 knots of mistral closed and crowned the final day of racing at the 10th Sparkman & Stephens Swan Rendezvous, the event dedicated to the Swans designed by the legendary New York studio, now among the
Classic Boats
most highly regarded and celebrated. A meeting rich in history and, this year more than ever, also in participation, with Marciana Marina (the now classic
rendezvous point
of the event) literally overrun with attendees.

10th Sparkman & Stephens Swan Rendezvous.

As many as 44 of the “Swans of Pietarsaari” in fact flocked from all over to celebrate their designers (and Lars Ström, to whom the event was dedicated), flocking to the Elban resort for a three-day regatta and conviviality. Here’s how it went and who won at this 10th Sparkman & Stephens Swan Rendezvous.

In the sign of Sparkman & Stephens

As always organized by the

Sparkman & Stephens Swan Association

, this year’s event offered particularly variable conditions, ranging from very light breezes on the first day of racing to far more complicated conditions on the third. A third day characterized, in fact, by a strong mistral wind that, if on the second day (due to a weather alert) had canceled the trials, instead and finally gave a remarkable show to all the lucky people present.

Overall, conditions that were able to emphasize the performance and potential of the various Sparkman & Stephens projects in attendance, divided into three main divisions, R and C, the latter of which in turn was also divided by LOA, the size range of the participating projects being abundant: from 36 to 65 feet, divided into classes 36-44 and 46-65.

10th S&S Swan Rendezvous – Great boats and great projects

Among the appearances were some iconic projects, to say the least, such as the splendid Swan 43 of 1967, a cult 13-meter with more than classic lines, or the Swan 48 of ’71, the first of a long series to feature the characteristic flush deck with anvil deckhouse. These, unfailingly, are also joined by the excellent Swan 38, a great performer, and the very elegant Swan 47, characteristic for the beautiful “heart-shaped” stern. Astonishing, as always, were the S&S signature queens, the Swan 65s, sanctified by victory at the Whitbread Round the World Race ’73 of the Sayula II (
learn more about the Swan 65
). Classic Boats that are not only marine but also very elegant, as the 65′
Nashira
, winning the prize intended for the most elegant boat among those present.

10th S&S Swan Rendezvous – The Standings.

Standing out on the water, however, were the Swan 44 Solano (outstanding performers at this 10th Sparkman & Stephens Swan Rendezvous), first overall C division and C division 36-4; the Swan 47 Vanessa, on the top step of the podium for Division C, 46-65; the Swan 38 Latin Rascal XXXIII, winner in division R; and, finally, the Swan 36
Isabella
, winner in W.

Division C (36-44)

1ST – FRA99A |
Solano
– Swan 44 – (2;2); 2° – K3470 |
Four Winds
– Swan 44 – (7;3); 3RD – FRA9540 |
Joconde
– Swan 44 – (6;4)

Division C (46-65)

1ST – ITA470699 |
Vanessa
– Swan 47 CB – (7;3); 2ND – GER 4760 |
Tortuga
– Swan 47 CB – (8.5;2); 3RD – ESP10362C |
Une Joie de Vivre
– Swan 65 (Ketch) – (5;8)

Division C (Absolute)

1ST – FRA99A |
Solano
– Swan 44 – (2;3); 2° – K3470 |
Four Winds
– Swan 44 – (7;4); 3RD – FRA9540 |
Joconde
– Swan 44 – (6;7)

Division R

1ST – ITA3821 |
Latin Rascal XXXIII
– Swan 38 ; 2ND – ITA1968 |
Josian
– Swan 36/7; 3RD – GER2547 |
Matilda
– Swan 47 CB

Division W

1ST – GER8510 –
Isabella
– Swan 36; 2ND – GBR1881 –
Star Swan
– Swan 40; 3RD – FIN7732 –
Windrush
– Swan 41

• Find out about all the participants HERE