The end of April saw the world's oldest Swan sailing yacht still in use launched at Pendennis Shipyard. ‘Carte Blanche', the third 36ft Swan ever built, has been at Pendennis since November 2009 for an extensive refit which included a full engine rebuild, full respray, complete varnish work inside and out, and the complete replacement of her galley equipment. She was also given new sole boards throughout and all of her sailing gear was modernised to include the latest Barton Size 3 mainsheet traveler system and a host of Barton sail control blocks.

Built in 1967 by renowned yacht builders, Nautor's Swan, ‘Carte Blanche' has been in the possession of her current owner since 1970. Her rebuild was overseen by project manager Roeland Vroon, himself a top offshore helm, who will be campaigning alongside the owner of ‘Carte Blanche' at the forthcoming Swan Rendezvous 2010 in Guernsey at the end of May. The owner of ‘Carte Blanche' commented, "The boat is now looking stunning and I hope that the team at Pendennis is as proud of the result as I am."