The weather played a major role in the S. Pellegrino Race Day, the first day of racing for the 50-strong Swan fleet in the 2003 Swan American Regatta. However, after nearly four hours delay due to lack of wind, it was Andrzej Rojeck and his Swan 45, Better Than, that managed to step up to the challenge to win Class A and take overall victory for the day on corrected time.

Racing eventually got underway in Narrangasett Bay as the sea breeze filled in providing winds of 10-12 knots. Due to the conditions, the planned 20-25 mile race was supplemented for a windward/leeward course of varying lengths to accommodate the three different classes separated according to Nautor’s own rating system.

It was the big boats that dominated the play on the water, with Roel Pieper’s impressive Swan 80, Favonius taking line honours. This true performance yacht managed to keep ahead of the fleet throughout the race, but was unable to maintain a sufficient distance in front of the pack of Swan 45s and Swan 56s, to beat her handicap. Yet again Nautor’s Swan celebrated Swan 45 showed its competitive spirit against the well raced Swan 56s, by taking four out of the five top placings in Class A. With Swan 45 East Coast of America Area Champion, Vim, owned by Craig Speck, and five other Swan 45’s racing, the week guarantees some well fought battles on the water.

It was a different kind of battle that was being played in Class B with the experienced and well raced group of Swan 44s taking, again, four out of the five top placings. After a faultless start, David Ford’s Lightwave, took the lead against her main class rivals Martin Jacobson’s Crescendo and Samuel Fortenbaugh’s Swan 51, Syrocco. Lightwave rounded each mark first showing great teamwork and boat handling to lead the class throughout the race to eventually cross the line first six seconds ahead of Crescendo.

Class C, the cruising class, was won by Roland Bathory’s Swan 53, Amanda.

Results (Overall)

1 Better Than Andrzej Rojec Swan 45 USA

2 VIM Craig Speck Swan 45 USA

3 Favonius Roel Pieper Swan 80 NED

4 Goombay Smash Corron Bay Marine Holding Ltd Swan 45 USA

5 Bandit Andrew Fisher Swan 45 USA

Class A

1 Better Than Andrzej Rojec Swan 45 USA

2 VIM Craig Speck Swan 45 USA

3 Favonius Roel Pieper Swan 80 NED

4 Goombay Smash Corron Bay Marine Holding Ltd Swan 45 USA

5 Bandit Andrew Fisher Swan 45 USA

Class B

1. Lightwave David Ford Swan 44 MKII USA

2. Crescendo Martin Jacobson Swan 44 MKII USA

3. Fierce Pride Van Holston Swan 44 MKII USA

4. Aura Willam J Kardash Swan 44 MKII USA

5. Reef Points Joseph F. Huber Swan 44 MKII USA

Class C

1. Amanda Roland Bathory Swan 53 USA

2. Ariel Jaffrey Associates LLC Swan 36 USA

3. Ciao Bella Robert Jellen Swan 60 USA

4. Dire Wolf Thomas C. Little Swan 44 USA

5. Aries Baron Bruno Bich Swan 37 USA