Day one of the Rolex Swan Cup saw the 100 strong fleet sail in 10 to 12 knots of easterly winds. At the conclusion of the day’s racing the leaders included Hendrik Brandis’ Earlybird (FIN) for the Swan 45s, Enrico Scerni’s Kora 4 (ITA) for the Club Swan 42s, Roel Pieper’s Favonius (BVI) among the Maxis, and John Bainbridge’s Zen (GBR) in the Classic division.

Racing started on time for all four classes. The Race Committee set windward-leewards for the two one design fleets, and coastal courses through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago for the Maxi and Classic classes.

Among the Maxis Favonius took an early lead but was overtaken by Roberto Galperti’s White Lie (ITA) which went on to take line honours. The Italian Swan 90 corrected out to seventh place however, while Favonius took first ahead of Peter Ogden’s Spirit of Jethou (GBR) and Leslie Green’s Ginger (ITA).

The Classic boats were led across the finish line by first-time racer Vanish II (USA), owned by Alvise Zanetti, just 11 seconds ahead of Jaime Olzabal Fourquet’s Clem (ESP). While Vanish II moved back to fourth on handicap, Bainbridge’s Swan 48 Zen took first place ahead of Clem and Francesco Persio’s Dream (ITA).

The Swan 45 fleet, competing for their Swan 45 Gold Cup World Championship during the event, completed three windward-leeward races today. Finnish owner Tea Ekengren-Sauren and Blue Nights won the first race of the day.

The competing Club Swan 42s raced two windward-leewards and produced identical results in each race. Scerni’s Kora 4 (ITA) took victory in both races ahead of Nautor Chairman Leonardo Ferragamo’s Cuordileone (ITA). Austin Fragomen’s Interlodge (USA) took third place in each race and the overall scoreboard sees the same three boats at the top.

Racing continues today. Forecasters predict light easterly breezes in the morning, which should shift round to the south-east and intensify over the course of the afternoon.