"OPUS V" VICTORIOUS AT 5TH ANNUAL CLUBSWAN BVI RENDEZVOUS
04/02/2007

"Opus V" reigned supreme on corrected time winning the 5th Annual ClubSwan BVI Rendezvous' Around Virgin Gorda Race last month. In the owner's absence, Captain David McTaggart skippered the Swan 82RS to victory. Second place went to Bob and Kristin Beltrano with their Swan 53, “Nai’a”, and third place was awarded to Chris Maybury of Swan 112 RS, “Highland Breeze”. "Highland Breeze" won the race on elapsed time, missing the record by 3 minutes set by "Moondance", Swan 82 RS in 2005.

Each night featured a prize-drawing ranging from the 40th Anniversary Book, “Swan is Passion” to Swan caps, Swan calendars, ClubSwan scarf, ClubSwan tie, etc. It seemed like everyone came home a winner! "It's a great event, a wonderful location; the gathering of Swans in the BVI’s is the perfect union. A relaxed feeling is promoted at all times, with fun events, fantastic dinners, and some of the most amazing sailing on the planet. The ClubSwan BVI Rendezvous is one of the highlights of the year", said Miles Seddon, Custom Projects, B&G UK.

A Pursuit Race to Norman Island got everyone off to an early start with the Swan 112, 82 and 601 running their own match race. The new Swan 601, "Cherokee", quickly established herself in the lead and kept her opponents at bay the entire race. Pirate’s Bight was our overnight and marked the start of the Boule competition.

Always a favorite, Marina Cay was the next port of call with an afternoon for snorkeling or beach time and a sail to The Baths the next day. A Barbeque lunch was served aboard “The Corinthian”, a double-decker boat from the Bitter End. The evening's event culminated with the “Favorite Hors d’Oeuvre Aboard a Yacht” contest held at the Quarterdeck while being serenaded by Keith Williams (“Opus V”) on guitar. The Bitter End also created a special rum drink for the Swan Rendezvous which had a ‘Naming of the Brew’ contest judged by the Bitter End Manager and Bar staff. Frank Mavronicolas of “Boonatsa”, a Swan 57 stated, "Good times are judged by quality and not quantity. The friendships formed here at the BVI Rendezvous will last a lifetime."

Friday featured a day trip to the island of Anegada followed by the Laser Regatta. A squall line came through the course providing fantastic photo opportunities against the backdrop of the "Maltese Falcon" that was anchored nearby.

"If you have a Swan in the Caribbean you would have to think of a very good reason not to be with a group of Swans at the Rendezvous, with great food, great people and a great venue. We encourage you to bring your kids on school break. Our Sarah (9) and Charles (7) have traveled to many parts of the world with us and this is their very favorite event of all. We all love it!", satted Chris Maybury of "Highland Breeze".

The final prize-giving awards were as follows:

Fun Race to Norman Island

1st under Rating – Bob & Kristin Beltrano - “Nai’a”, Swan 53

2nd under Rating – Frank & Linda Mavronicolas – “Boonatsa”, Swan 57

3rd under Rating – Jan Breyer & Hank Schmitt – “Avocation”, Swan 48

Round Virgin Gorda Race

1st Elapsed Time – Chris Maybury - “Highland Breeze”, Swan 112 RS – 3:12:26

1st Corrected Time – Bert Cohen – “Opus V” - Swan 82 RS – 13284

2nd Corrected Time – Bob and Kristin Beltrano – “Nai’a”, Swan 53 - 13527

3rd Corrected Time – Chris Maybury - “Highland Breeze”, Swan 112 RS - 14098

Best Maintained Swan – Presented by B&G

“Nai’a”, Swan 53 – Bob and Kristin Beltrano

Laser Regatta

1st – Hank Schmitt, “Avocation”

2nd - Tony Kenny, “Highland Breeze”

3rd - Ewan Patterson , “Highland Breeze”

Boule Tournament

1st - Mark Duncan, “Shiraz II”

2nd – Bob Beltrano, “Nai’a”

3rd – Miles Seddon, B&G UK

Favorite Hors d’Oeuvre Aboard a Yacht Contest

1- Crusty Captain Crab Cakes with Tiger Shark Dipping Sauce – Cathy Schmitt, “Avocation”

2- Plantains wrapped in Proscuito – Bruno, “Gienah”

3- Artichoke Dip with Hearts of Palm – Kristin Beltrano, “Nai’a”

Jan Breyer, Co-Owner of “Avocation”, Swan 48 noted, "It was a splendid week. The people were beyond friendly, the food was excellent and a hell of a lot of fun! If you don’t put it on your calendar for next year, you’re missing out on something great!"

The 6th Annual ClubSwan BVI Rendezvous is tentatively scheduled for March 17-22, 2008.

04/02/2007 "OPUS V" VICTORIOUS AT 5TH ANNUAL CLUBSWAN BVI RENDEZVOUS .

04/01/2006 NAI'A WINS ROUND VIRGIN GORDA RACE AT THE BVI RENDEZVOUS .

10/26/2004 THE BOAT TO BEAT - FALCON, SWAN 56/035 .

06/30/2004 SWAN 45/002 .

06/04/2004 Perry on Design - Swan 75RS Luxury Cruiser .

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