With sailors from 25 countries racing aboard the 36 Swan yachts competing across the fleets at the inaugural Swanmed regatta at Scarlino, it was more than appropriate that The Nations League 2023 was to be decided in sparkling Tuscan waters following a season-long contest that began in Croatia back in April.
Three of the four one-design classes went into the final race, with the leaders tied on points.
Ireland was well represented in the ClubSwan 36 class with crew aboard Richard Thompson's Black Seal, including National Yacht Club bowman Will Byrne and North Sails sailmaker Nigel Young from Royal Cork. The Blakc Seal crew ended up fourth.
Among the 36 fleet, the fight was more open between the leader of the circuit, the Monegasque GSPOT of Giangi Serena di Lapigio (Michele Paoletti on tactics) and the recent European Champion FAR STAR (Lorenzo Mondo, ITA), but GSPOT maintained its lead at the end 2022 title, reconfirming himself as champion.
