ClubSwan returns to American waters
by ClubSwan Racing 25 Feb 22:55 GMT
2026 Clubswan 28 Miami warm-up © Hannah Lee Noll
On Biscayne Bay, a growing fleet of ClubSwan 28s lined up for the Miami Warm-Up, marking the first chapter of a renewed presence in the United States. From the Mediterranean to Miami, the journey of the ClubSwan 28 now begins its American chapter. The fleet will follow the traditional American rhythm of winter in Florida and summer in Newport.
Named 2025 Boat of the Year by Sailing World, the ClubSwan 28 has already established itself across Europe as a refined, high performance one-design platform and gateway into the Swan world. Now, it begins its campaign in a market long familiar with the Swan name.
Over four days in Coconut Grove, Miami, USA, the fleet experienced every condition Biscayne Bay could offer. Light air tactical sessions proved a solid learning platform. Sunday delivered 15-20 knots of gorgeous planing conditions, a fitting conclusion to a weekend of skill refinement. John Huhn's Katana took the win of the weekend.
For Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, the weekend carried both meaning and momentum: "This weekend represents the first milestone in our return to America. The sport, the camaraderie, the community, and the technology, everything has been exceptional."
Pomati emphasized that the initiative extends beyond racing. "Our vision is to bring new generations into sailing and to create an easier entry into the Nautor Swan world," he explained. "What we are seeing is not only young sailors joining, but experienced owners stepping down from larger yachts to reconnect with the essence of sailing: to helm a responsive, manageable boat and feel everything again."
Federico Michetti, ClubSwan Racing Strategic Advisor and Southern Europe Commercial Director, described Biscayne Bay as the perfect proving ground. "Biscayne Bay has been unbelievable. We've had so many different conditions. Sunday it was blowing 15 to 18 knots, and it was a blast," he said. "This is Nautor Swan's pocket rocket. It's fun, easy, reliable. She sails comfortably from six to 25 knots. It's a different gear."
Designed by famed naval architect Juan Kouyoumdjian ("Juan K"), the ClubSwan 28 is conceived in the pure spirit of one-design sportboating: simple in concept yet technical in execution. Carbon mast, no backstay, a powerful but manageable sail plan, and a lifting keel that allows the boat to be trailered and rigged within hours. Equalized equipment and strict class rules ensure racing is decided by skill.
"We are fully committed to the U.S. market," Michetti added. "Watching the boats out there alongside the other fleets during Bacardi Winter Series, seeing all the interest — it makes me very proud."
At the Helm
The Miami Warm-Up brought together the first American owners of the class.
George Gamble of My Sharona described the experience with enthusiasm: "It was a blast. Tight racing. Great crews. Good people. The boats are fantastic. Everything about this class feels exciting."
John Huhn of Katana echoed that sentiment after Sunday's building breeze: "Three bullets today. The breeze built throughout the day. We used all the adjustments to keep the boat moving fast. It was a great day in Miami." His trimmer Morgan 'Truby' Trubovich perhaps captured the feeling best. "We're all learning a lot, and that makes it even more fun. It's like being a child again, discovering something new." That spirit, serious racing paired with genuine enjoyment, sits at the heart of ClubSwan.
Dan Cheresh of Extreme2 emphasized the learning experience: "We're all learning. Together. The learning curve is steep, but that's part of it. The racing is tight and competitive."
The American Season Ahead
This was just the beginning. The full 2026 ClubSwan USA Nations League now unfolds across the American sailing landscape. Next stop? Pensacola. Two events, March 19-22 and April 23-26.
Then, the fleet moves North to Newport:
New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta June 12-14
New York Yacht Club Race Week July 16-19
Safe Harbor Race Week August 7-9
The season concludes in Fort Lauderdale at Pier 66:
ClubSwan 28 USA Nations League Finals October 15-18
ClubSwan 28 Pre-Gold Cup November 7-8
ClubSwan 28 Gold Cup November 10-14
Eight boats are expected to race, with charter opportunities available at every event. Held in the United States, the Gold Cup will welcome international teams, further connecting American racing to the broader global ClubSwan circuit.
New owners and teams can enter the class by booking a private demo sail, charter a boat at any event, or enquire about new build opportunities. The objective is not simply participation, but integration into the wider Swan world — a community defined by top competition, international venues, and a shared commitment to excellence on and off the water.
From Florida in winter to Newport in summer, the American chapter of ClubSwan has begun.
As Pomati said, "This is just the beginning."