At last, DSK3 departed Finland on 20 September!

Milan, 28 October 2008 - At last, DSK3 departed Finland on 20 September. Four tonnes lighter than the standard Swan 90, with fared hull and keel, 5m bowsprit and a race ready deck package. With over 100 litres of hydraulic oil whizzing around the boat, the winch system is powerful and very fast. This can be run off the PTO on the genset or from the power pack.

We were incredibly lucky with the weather on the trip down as for 2500nm of the 3200nm trip the wind was directly behind us. So it was not such a great trip for testing, but it made for a quick run to Palma di Mallorca.

Five days after we arrived, Pioneer Investments and their team, including photographer Carlo Borlenghi, arrived for a photo shoot. This turned out to be our first real opportunity for sail testing.

The first test was in 28 knots of breeze with the kite up. No problem apart from the helicopter almost hitting the backstay! Then back into the bay for some upwind work in flat water and 14 kts. Palma produced a very memorable weekend of sailing. Pioneer Investments were delighted with Carlo’s results, as were we.

DSK3 will continue with more testing in Palma before leaving in mid November for the Caribbean.

Danilo Salsi's DSK-Comifin Swan 45 season drew to a close with the Swan 45 World Championships in Porto Cervo, from 8-14 September.

Milan, 19 September 2008 - Danilo Salsi's DSK-Comifin Swan 45 season drew to a close with the Swan 45 World Championships in Porto Cervo, from 8-14 September.

It was a challenging week for the team despite racing in their home waters of the Costa Smeralda. Following on from their win at the Copa del Rey in Palma, Chris Larson was onboard once again calling tactics. Over the course of the week, the race committee managed to get in eight races for the Class, but the region's mistral meant no coastal race for the fleet of 22 Swan 45s.

DSK-Comifin finished 13th overall in the Worlds yet this less than traditional result for the team did not dampen their spirits.

The team's strong performance throughout the season on the Swan 45 Mediterranean Circuit (Memorial G Falck, Rolex Capri Sailing Week, Copa del Rey and Rolex Swan Cup) translated into overall victory for the team.

Complimenti!