Countdown to swan racing in Guernsey

An exciting and challenging four days racing and an active social programme are anticipated when a fleet of Swan yachts arrive in St Peter Port from the UK and Europe at the end of the month. With just three weeks to go, the organising committee of ten people from the Combined Island Yacht Clubs have a busy time ahead. Martin Ozard, committee chairman, said: We now have twenty-two racing entries with yachts ranging in size from 36 to 65 feet taking part. Given it is ten years since the last event of this nature, we are delighted at the enthusiasm and response from Swan owners. The success of any regatta is good, well-organised racing and an interesting social programme for the visiting skippers and crew. Amongst those yachts entered already, 4 locally based Swans are taking part. It is estimated that of a total fleet of 200 Swans sailing the world, a significant number are owned through Guernsey companies. It has been possible to mount this event thanks to the generous support of the event sponsors, Visit Guernsey, Long Port Properties, Heritage Group and Ego Motifs who have made a significant contribution to the event infrastructure and to the racing and social programme. Peter Falla, Policy and Development Manager of VisitGuernsey, said: We are delighted to welcome a Swans event back to the island after a break of 10 years. This represents a very significant event in the Islands nautical calendar and we are especially grateful to Martin Ozard and his team of the Guernsey Combined Yacht Clubs for their support and hard work in liaising with the representatives of Nautors Swan and making this event happen. The Heritage Group is pleased to be flying the company flag. Martin Belcher, Chief Executive explains: Both tide and land will provide competitors, with exciting and challenging racing conditions, which will make it a no nonsense event. We are pleased to be sponsors and welcome all bullet-proof Swans to the local race. Heritage Group is a leading financial services group of companies, and is Guernseys largest independent captive manager. The group provide all aspects of insurance to individuals and corporates worldwide. Entrepreneur Charles Billson, Chairman of the Long Port Group, a leading local property development, regeneration and investment company, commented: Having a great enthusiasm for boating and maritime activities myself, and a great admiration for all examples of flawless design, as displayed in the craftsmanship of Swan yachts, Long Port are privileged to be sponsors of the Nautors Swan Rendezvous Guernsey 2004 event. Examples of Long Port Properties work include the award winning Cour du Bordier redevelopment and the ongoing prestigious regeneration of the former Royal Hotel site. Long Port itself prides itself on an ethic of retaining the heritage and culture of Guernsey. Mr Billson has also generously donated the use of his own boat, a 65ft Sunseeker Manhattan 64, for guests selected by the Guernsey Combined Yacht Clubs to experience the racing at sea first hand for the duration of the regatta. There will be six races in all over the four days and Bob Milner, well-known international Race Officer will be in charge of the racing. Most of the races of varying lengths will take place in the Little Russell and around the island with different challenging courses set each day. Ego Motifs will be providing specially designed regalia for the event and the sponsors have each elected to take a day to support the racing, presentation of prizes and the evening social events. Registration for Swan Rendezvous Guernsey takes place on Sunday 30 May at Race Headquarters at Castle Emplacement. Following a briefing for crews that afternoon the Lt Governor Sir John Foley will welcome the sailors at the Visit Guernsey opening reception. A Pirates Party in Castle Cornet follows a full days racing on Monday. A fun evening of Oppie racing on the Model Yacht Pont is on offer on Tuesday evening and Wednesday the Heritage Group will be hosting a Barbeque for 300 people. The Bailiff, Sir de Vic Carey will draw the four day event to a close at Race Headquarters where visiting yacht owners and crew will enjoy a lunchtime champagne and lobster buffet hosted by Long Port Properties. If youre interested in crewing e-mail your details to [email protected], or call the Guernsey Yacht Club on 722838 or register on Sunday 30 May at Race Headquarters at the Castle Emplacement between 1500 and 1730. The Swan Rendezvous Guernsey will run from 30 May to 3 June. Visit the www.gyc.guernsey.net website for further information. – ends –