Nautor’s Swan announced today that the Swan 45 Class has been officially designated by the International Sailing Federation as an ISAF recognised class. The decision to award the Swan 45s official one-design class status was made at the ISAF annual conference held this year in Singapore at the beginning of November.

A series of select committees made up of ISAF members from around the world voted on the application, and the ruling now allows the Swan 45s’ biennial class regatta to be officially re-named the Swan 45 World Championship, at which Swan 45s will compete for the coveted Gold Cup and world champion title. The first Swan 45 World Championship will take place at Acura Key West 2006 (14-20 January).

Enrico Chieffi, Vice President Marketing of Nautor’s Swan commented on the announcement: “We are delighted that the Swan 45 Class has been officially recognised by ISAF and that our growing Swan 45 fleet will now be able to compete in its own world championship. The success of the Swan 45 Class has been monumental, and to receive this ruling from the ISAF within just five years of its inception is an impressive feat, and one of which we are very proud.”