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The second edition of the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean provided four sparkling days of racing in the stunning waters of the Virgin Gorda archipelago in the British Virgin Islands.
Strong winds that were consistently above 20 knots provided challenging and exciting conditions for the 21-strong fleet, although two boats were consistently at the head of the pack. Photo Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
On corrected time, the Swan 80 Selene, from the Cayman Islands, dominated the five-strong Class A for yachts over 18.29m in length. She sailed a perfect regatta to win all four races on handicap. Photo: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Winner of Class B was a British Boat with a South African crew, James Blakemore’s Swan 53 Music. After taking the runner’s up prize at the inaugural edition of the regatta two years ago, she revelled in the strong winds this year, storming to overall victory with a win in every race. Photo: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Tom Siebel’s Swan 90 Odin is a boat with an enviable number of regatta successes to her name and was the fastest competitor on the water this year, even though she failed to break through Selene’s dominance on corrected time. Photo: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Second in Class B was the smallest boat at the regatta, Paolo Scerni’s American Swan 42, Kora 6, which finished six points behind Music. Photo: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Joe Mele’s American Swan 44 Triple Lindy may not have gained a place on the podium at the end of the regatta, but she was undeniably well sailed and made a spectacular sight running under a big spinnaker in the strong winds. Photo: Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean 2015: overall results
Class A
1. Selene (CAY), Selene Management, 4 points
2. Odin (CAY), Tom Siebel, 8 points
3. Stark Raving Mad (USA), James C. Madden, 12 points
Class B
1. Music (GBR), James Blakemore, 4 points
2. Kora 6 (USA), Paolo Scerni, 10 points
3. Jeroboam CA Nova (ITA), Vittorio Codecasa, 13 points
For more yacht racing images and exotic destinations on boats.com, see: Volvo Ocean Race 2014-15: best images so far or 10 of the best luxury charter yacht destinations.
