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The ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous, 15th - 20th March 2010 in the British Virgin Islands, had twenty yachts participating, ranging from Swan 44, Laughing Lady up to Swan 82RS Clevelander, with over one hundred people. The energetic fleet enjoyed the steady easterly trade winds and Caribbean sunshine for a week of outstanding sailing. Throughout the week there was an air of excitement and camaraderie as all participants enjoyed themselves in the true ‘Spirit of Swan’. The fleet enjoyed excellent hospitality during the week which included cocktail receptions and even an Island Dinner-By-Bite Buffet.
The Rendezvous sailed around the spectacular British Virgin Islands in a route that saw them visit the island of Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Cooper Island and Virgin Gorda. There were daily fun races to each island before the Round Virgin Gorda Race on the last day of the cruise. The week involved not only some incredible sailing in the British Virgin Islands but also many activities held on the islands where the ClubSwan Rendezvous stayed. The most popular of these was the ClubSwan Boules Tournament, which was run with daily heats on the beaches. The winner of the Boules Tournament was Charles Houal, from Swan 60, Early Purple.
The Laser Regatta was held at the Bitter End Yacht Club on the opening day of the Rendezvous with the concluding second part held on Friday afternoon when the yachts returned to the BEYC from the cruise. The Laser Regatta had twelve participants and was a spirited event, the winner of the Laser regatta was Pete Newlands, from Swan 46, Akarana.
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The ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous Boat Show was held at the BEYC, providing an opportunity for all owners to mingle aboard their Swan yachts. The Award for the Best Maintained Swan was kindly donated by the Swan Owners Association of America and presented to Ronald Wulff, owner of the impeccably kept Swan 51, Cheri. The Spirit of Swan Award was presented to Derya Pozcu, owner of Swan 70, Strabo, for having the best Swan Spirit throughout the week.
The Round Virgin Gorda race held on the final day both starting and finishing at the BEYC was a highly competitive affair. Swan 82RS, Capo Giro, owned by Dick Weismann claimed line honours finishing the race in 3 hours, 7 minutes, 51 seconds. Swan 82 RS, Clevelander, chartered by Ed Campbell won the race with a corrected time of 3 hours, 36 minutes, 18 seconds. In second place was Swan 82RS Capo Giro, owned by Dick Weismann with a corrected time of 3 hours, 44 minutes, 28 seconds. Swan 46, Akarana, owned by Graham Deegan claimed third place with a corrected time of 3 hours, 46 minutes, 11 seconds.
Sue Tweddell and Eddie Campbell both celebrated birthdays during the week and were treated to a rendition of Happy Birthday sang to them by over one hundred people in the evening which made very memorable birthdays for them both.
The overall feedback from owners and participants was that a fantastic and memorable week was had by all. The ClubSwan Caribbean Rendezvous due to be held in 2011 is expected to have a high entries due to the phenomenal success of this year’s event. www.nautorswan.com
