Summer Girl; Photos: Riviera Group

Summer Girl, a ClubSwan 42 owned by Masahiro Banba, won the first edition of the Swan Asian Regatta in Sagami Bay. The regatta’s fleet was hosted by Riviera Zushi Marina, which is set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji and owned by the Riviera Group, Swan’s exclusive distributor in Japan in 2016.

After three days of racing, Summer Girl secured overall victory ahead of Naomichi Ando’s Swan 45 Lady Kanon and Noboru Watanabe’s Swan 58 Qualia Riviera. Banba is a four-time Japan Cup winner and a two-time participant in the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, and currently serves as President of the Japan Sailing Federation.

“Three years ago, when the idea of an Asian Swan Regatta was first proposed, I immediately knew I wanted to take part,” Banba said.

“Winning the first edition is truly the most wonderful feeling imaginable. I’m incredibly proud of my crew, they are a fantastic team. The races were intense and uncompromising, yet the camaraderie and sportsmanship among all participants made the event unforgettable.”

Second-placed Ando, a member of the Seaborn Yacht Club, acquired his Swan 45 in 2022, meticulously restored the yacht, and began his racing campaign this year.

Meanwhile, third-placed Watanabe, Chairman and CEO of the Riviera Group, is the Founding Host and Cultural Partner of the Swan Asian Regatta.

Under the theme ‘Sailing for a Better Ocean’, the Swan Asian Regatta affirmed its commitment to environmental preservation in line with the Riviera Group’s long-standing dedication to sustainable marine development and ocean education. A portion of each yacht’s entry fee was donated to the Riviera Future Creation Project, a certified non-profit organisation established by the Riviera Group.

“With the passionate owners participating in this first edition, we proudly felt the dawn of a new era for the Swan family in Asia,” said Watanabe, who also owns the Riviera Country Club, the venue for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic golf competition. “We wish to continue sharing with the world a new future where sport, culture, and sustainability live in harmony.”

For Nautor Swan, the Swan Asian Regatta held special significance as it reached out to a community of Asian yacht owners who share a deep connection with sailing.

Barry Ashmore, Nautor Swan’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are absolutely amazed by the warm welcome we received. Everyone has been incredibly supportive throughout all activities, and we are already starting to organise next year’s edition.”

The Swan Asian Regatta will return in 2026, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Nautor Swan’s founding, which will also be marked by a major edition of the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo.

“The great news is that four teams [from the Swan Asian Regatta] have already confirmed their participation in the Rolex Swan Cup 2026 in Porto Cervo, and we hope more will join to ensure a strong Japanese representation,” Ashmore said. “Our goal is to strengthen our focus on sailing in Japan and, consequently, on this event.”

nautorswan.com