The 102-boat fleet at the Swan Rolex Cup yesterday took part in the long-distance Islands race during day three of the Rolex Swan Cup 2004 from the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda.

The competitors were met with an 18-20kt westerly breeze at the start of the 57-nautical-mile course. From the start line off Porto Cervo, the three classes sailed upwind to a turning mark, and then continued on the wind to Monaci Island, before heading downwind to Mortoriotto.

The next leg took the yachts upwind, leaving the islands of Caprera, Santo Stefano, La Maddalena and Spargi to starboard. After navigating the channel between Santa Maria and Barettinelli (the first boat, the Swan 80 Favonius, rounded at 15:46), the fleet headed into open sea on a long run, rounding Mortoriotto a second time, before heading up to the finish line off the entrance to Porto Cervo. Last night, at the halfway mark of the Barettinelli Islands, the leading Class A yachts were the Swan 80 Favonius of Italy, followed by current regatta leader Bugia Bianca, a Swan 70 from Italy, and the Swan 70 Stay Calm of Great Britain.

Massimo Ferragamo’s Bellicosa headed up the Swan 45 Class B fleet at the halfway point, followed closely by Wisc of Great Britain and Mascalzone Latino of Italy. In Class C/D, the Swan 48 Solenia 2 of Italy was followed by the Swan 65 King’s Legend of The Netherlands, with the Swan 53 Katrina of the US in third. So far one yacht, the Italian Swan 60 Alula has withdrawn due to gear failure.

Racing continues on Saturday after a lay day (Friday).