In an extremely thinned-out event, trade fair and regatta calendar, the South African Southern Wind shipyard provided a small piece of normality in troubled pandemic times at the beginning of September. In compliance with the necessary hygiene regulations and without a shore-side entertainment programme, Southern Wind organised the "SWS Family Sail", a regatta-like format from the Marina di Porto Rafael, where the focus was primarily on fun and camaraderie. A total of seven owners accepted the invitation to Sardinia; the smallest format was the SW78 "Ocean Horse", the largest the SW105 "Wolfhound". With the 90-foot-long "AllSmoke", a German owner also took part.
In glorious late summer weather, around 20 nautical miles long courses were sailed in a light mistral breeze with winds of between five and a maximum of 15 knots. The finale was set by Southern Wind in a picturesque bay off the small island of Spargi, where the small but fine fleet of supersailors gathered and sounded their horns together. "In these times," said Andrea Micheli, Commercial Director at Southern Wind, "sailing is one of the few ways to stay positive and spend time with family and friends. The event was important and a great success."
Another edition of the "SWS Family Sail" is already being planned - but then hopefully and probably with more participating yachts.
