The Swan World Cup hit a new level this year in Sardinia, with nearly 100 entries and most of the afterguards from the last America’s Cup taking part. In the final tally Dee Smith and Jens Christensen added another pot to their millennium collection aboard Theo Kinsbergen’s Swan 58 Defiance. But the tone of the event has changed, as Rob Weiland reports.

Numbers were staggering: 99 entries from 26 nations, 1,800 crew members, the total value of the yachts ranging between 36ft and 82ft well over US$100,000,000, a 1,600sq m regatta village with tents for event organisers, rating office, sponsors, press, TV, marine suppliers, service, beer (and champagne) and enough space left for prize givings and a busy social programme.