Held in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup was the biggest edition of the event since the mono-brand regatta was inaugurated in 1980.

The event entries were capped at a record 170 yachts, which were sailed by over 2,000 sailors from 30 countries, while several other yachts remained on the waiting list for a record-breaking edition that celebrated Nautor Swan’s 60^th anniversary.

From the appearance of the 1967-launched Tarantella, the first Swan ever built, to the recently launched flagship Swan 128s Be Cool (2025) and Raijin (2026), the event was a spectacular showcase of the Finnish brand’s iconic designs.

A highlight of the event – before the racing even began – was the ‘Dance of the Swans’, which saw the entire fleet sailing together around Isola dei Monaci. Describing the memorable occasion, Rolex ambassador Paul Cayard commented: “For any other brand, it would be practically impossible to organise an event like this. There is something unique about Swans.”

Gianguido Girotti, Nautor Swan’s CEO, further added: “I have only been here for a few months, but I immediately understood the great difference compared with other brands. It is the pride of owning a Swan, a unique dream in the world of sailing.”

With a variety of racing classes to suit all style of Swans, the event finished with a plethora of overall winners and special prizes.

Among the Swan Legacy yachts, winners included Shirlaf (Swan 65) in the Sparkman & Stephens ≥47’ class, Pride (Swan 44) in the Sparkman & Stephens ≤44’ category and Lunz am Meer (Swan 651) in the Classics by Frers class.

The Swan Maxi title was won by Freya (Swan 90), Arobas (Swan 601) secured the Swan Mini-Maxi, From Now On (Swan 45) took victory in the Cruiser Racer class, and the Pure Cruising and Maxi Pure Cruising categories were won by Black Zero (Swan 51) and Azzurro (Swan 78) respectively. The Swan 42 Nadir was the overall winner of the ClubSwan One Design races.

Other prizes included the Fabio Gallia Trophy, designed to celebrate the spirit of sailing. The award was presented to French sailor Catherine Chabaud, the first woman to ever complete the Vendée Globe, who raced aboard Storm during the event. The ClubSwan Ambassador Award was presented to Filip Beyens, owner of the Swan 51 Vesper.

The recently-refitted Swan 53 Galadriel was recognised as the Best Maintained Swan, and the Spirit of Swan Award went to Windekind, which was sailed by family members only.

Luisa Bambozzi, Managing Director of ClubSwan Racing, announced that the next major appointment in the Swan calendar, The Nations Trophy 2027, will take place in Porto Cervo from June 2-5 and will serve as a “dress rehearsal” for the 2028 edition of the Rolex Swan Cup.
nautorswan.com