Rolex Swan Cup: A Record Edition Celebrates Six Decades of Swan

Promises were kept at the record-breaking edition of the Rolex Swan Cup, which concluded Saturday, September 18th, in Porto Cervo after a week of extraordinary sailing, spectacle and camaraderie.

With 170 yachts taking part, this was one of the largest gatherings ever staged for the most iconic name in sailing. Together, the fleet represented more than a mile and a half of yachts in a single line, creating a spectacular living timeline of six decades of Swan design, technology and sailing culture. They hoist flags from 30 nations, with Australia, Japan and New Zealand represented.

From the Swan 36 Tarantella, designed by Sparkman & Stephens and among the early cruising yachts to feature the innovative separation of rudder and keel, to the magnificent Swan 128, a showcase of contemporary technology and timeless style, the fleet offered a remarkable portrait of the evolution of sailing yacht design.
Between these two extremes lies an extraordinary succession of names, styles and technical philosophies. After Sparkman & Stephens came designers such as Ron Holland, German Frers and Juan K., each contributing to the distinctive Swan legacy.

For several days, the pontoons of Marina di Porto Cervo became the setting for what could be described as an extraordinary industrial fairytale: a story in which the passion of yacht owners has always met the finest expressions of design and craftsmanship.
One of the most memorable moments came even before racing began, with the Dance of the Swans, when the entire fleet took part in a spectacular sail around Isola dei Monaci. It was a unique image and an emotion destined to remain part of the history of the event.

“There is something unique about Swans,” said Paul Cayard, Rolex ambassador and former member of the Nautor Swan Board of Directors. “For any other brand, it would be practically impossible to organise an event like this.”
The magic of Swan, however, goes well beyond technology and innovation.

“I have only been here for a few months, but I immediately understood the great difference compared with other brands,” said Gianguido Girotti, Nautor Swan’s new CEO. “It is the pride of owning a Swan, a unique dream in the world of sailing.”
That sense of belonging was perhaps the defining feature of this edition. More than 2,000 sailors gathered in Porto Cervo not simply to race, but to share a lifestyle, a passion and a common identity — becoming part of what is universally known as the Swan family.

The Winners

The 2026 ClubSwan racing series in Porto Cervo concluded with a thrilling final day, as the Swan One Design and Swan Legacy fleets crowned their overall winners following a week of highly competitive racing.

In the Swan classes, Freya (Swan 90) claimed the Swan Maxi title after a remarkable comeback, winning the final three races of the series. Arobas (Swan 601) secured the Swan Mini-Maxi title through consistent results, while From Now On (Swan 45) took victory in the Swan Cruiser Racer class after three consecutive race wins.

Among the Swan Legacy yachts, Shirlaf (Swan 65) prevailed in a closely fought Sparkman & Stephens ≥47’ class, edging Elan on the final day. Pride (Swan 44) won the Sparkman & Stephens ≤44’ category and also claimed the overall title among the Legacy yachts. Lunz am Meer (Swan 651) dominated the Classics by Frers class, while Katia (Swan 39) was the sole Ron Holland design competing in the Swan Legacy fleet. In Swan Pure Cruising, Black Zero (Swan 51) secured victory on countback, while Azzurro (Swan 78) completed a dominant run in the Swan Maxi Pure Cruising class with three consecutive wins.

The ClubSwan One Design fleets also delivered a highly competitive finale. Earlybird, owned by Hendrik Brandis with Francesco “Checco” Bruni calling tactics, won the ClubSwan 50 after an outstanding series featuring five victories from seven races. Cuordileone finished second, with Hatari third.

In the ClubSwan 43, Team 42+1 secured the title with six consecutive victories followed by a second place in the final race. The ClubSwan 42 title went to Nadir after an exceptionally close battle with Pez de Abril: the two teams finished level on points and had identical countback scores, with Nadir taking the championship thanks to its victory in the final race.

Cuordileone dominated the ClubSwan 36, winning the first four races and securing the overall title ahead of Goddess and Fra Martina. In the ClubSwan 28, Anya Race claimed victory by just one point over Black Swan, with Marcello completing the podium.

The final day brought the 2026 ClubSwan racing programme to a close with a series of decisive performances, close overall classifications and victories reflecting both consistency and strong finishing form across the fleets.

The Fabio Gallia Trophy: Sailing Beyond Competition

Among the strongest expressions of the spirit of passion, friendship and respect for the sea was the Fabio Gallia Trophy, awarded to French sailor Catherine Chabaud, who raced aboard Storm alongside fellow French sailor Lionel Lemoncheau.
Chabaud made history as the first woman to complete the Vendée Globe, the solo, non-stop round-the-world race, which she contested twice. In the 1996–1997 edition, she finished sixth overall aboard Whirlpool Europe 2.

She has crossed the Atlantic fifteen times and began her competitive sailing career in 1991 by taking part in the Mini Transat. Following her racing career, she turned to journalism and marine conservation, a commitment that eventually led to her appointment as Ministre Délégué e Chargée de la Mer et de la Pêche in the second Lecornu administration.
Two years ago, the same trophy was awarded to Marco Trombetti, following his participation in the Ocean Globe Race aboard Translated 9, which also returned to compete in this spectacular Rolex Swan Cup.

Celebrating the ClubSwan Family

The Rolex Swan Cup’s sense of community was equally evident during the Rolex Swan Cup Crew Party, where a series of special awards celebrated the people and stories that make the Swan world unique.
Among the most touching moments was the recognition of Swan 44 S&S Hokusai, which hosted the youngest sailor at the event’s opening Dance of the Swans: Oliver Hartas’s five-month-old daughter, already introduced to life at sea and to the Swan family.
The Swan 53 Galadriel, owned by photographer Luca Villata, was recognised as the Best Maintained Swan, following an extensive refit carried out by Swan Global Service in Scarlino.
The Spirit of Swan Award went to Windekind, sailed by family members only— father, mother and son.
The ClubSwan Ambassador Award was presented to Filip Beyens, owner of the Swan 51 Vesper, in recognition of his commitment and tireless work in helping to grow the ClubSwan fleet together with fellow members of the Swan community.

Looking Ahead to 2027 and 2028

As the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup drew to a close, Luisa Bambozzi announced the next major appointment in the Swan calendar:
“The next edition of The Nations Trophy 2027 will take place in Porto Cervo from 2 to 5 June 2027. The event, open to Swan Maxi - Swan Spirit - Swan Legacy - Swan One Design, will keep the ClubSwan spirit and excitement alive on the road to the 2028 Rolex Swan Cup. I would like to thank all the owners who have joined us and embraced the event with such enthusiasm.”
From classic Swans to the latest generation of high-performance yachts, from legendary designers to new generations of sailors, the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup once again demonstrated that the Swan story is about far more than yachts.
It is about heritage, design, performance, friendship and belonging — a shared passion that continues to bring together generations of sailors in some of the most beautiful waters in the world.
Porto Cervo may have lowered the sails on this edition, but the Swan family is already looking towards the next chapter.