Rolex Swan Cup returns to Porto Cervo as Nautor Swan celebrates 60 years
by Nautor Swan 7 Mar 14:34 GMT
13-19 September 2026
Rolex Swan Cup © Carlo Borlenghi
The Rolex Swan Cup returns to the waters of Porto Cervo for its 23rd edition, marking a milestone year as Nautor Swan celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Organised in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the event once again brings together the international Swan fleet for a week of racing and celebration.
Since its inaugural edition in 1980, the regatta has become one of the most anticipated events on the global sailing calendar. The long-standing partnership between Rolex, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Nautor Swan continues to set a benchmark for excellence, both on and off the water.
Tarantella leads the fleet
This year's edition carries special significance as the shipyard celebrates the 60th anniversary of its foundation by Pekka Koskenkylä in 1966. Now under the proud custodianship of Sanlorenzo, the landmark year is an opportunity for Swan to set its course firmly toward the future, while preserving the values that define the brand.
Leading the fleet is Tarantella, Swan 36-001, the yacht that marked the beginning of Nautor Swan's production history. Following a meticulous refit to restore her original splendour—and after taking part in the anniversary celebrations at the yard in Pietarsaari alongside the generations of craftsmen and women who have shaped the company's legacy, she will return to the starting line of the Rolex Swan Cup, honouring the past while sailing into the future.
Alongside her, the Swan 128 flagships, the new Swan 80, and the latest additions to the range will showcase the continued evolution of design, technology and performance that defines the brand, with a record fleet of over 120 Swans expected to participate.
A family united by the sea
Over more than four decades, the Rolex Swan Cup has grown into far more than a regatta. It is a gathering of a global community united by a shared passion for sailing, sportsmanship and a deep connection to the sea.
Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, said: "The story of Swan is written on the passion, vision and dedication of its owners, sailors, employees, designers, partners and boatbuilders. As part of the ClubSwan family, we celebrate our heritage while looking ahead, ready to write the next chapter of this remarkable journey. We are proud to continue it together with Rolex and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, whose enduring partnership has been an integral part of our history."
Andrea Recordati, Commodore of the YCCS, commented: "The 23rd edition of the Rolex Swan Cup promises to be especially significant as the shipyard celebrates its 60th anniversary. We are pleased that the longstanding collaboration between Rolex, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Nautor Swan continues, and look forward to joining in the celebrations together with the large fleet of participants. Since its very first edition, the Rolex Swan Cup has been defined by its family spirit, with owners and crews returning to the waters of the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago not only to race in a unique setting, but above all to gather together. We are ready to welcome the great Swan family to enjoy a very special week, united in the spirit of sailing and friendship."
One vision, three souls
In this collective story ClubSwan continues to evolve and today finds expression in three complementary souls, reflected in the Notice of Race through the different divisions competing on the water.
ClubSwan Racing remains dedicated to One Design and, in this edition, will be represented by the ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan 43, ClubSwan 42, ClubSwan 36, ClubSwan 28 and Swan 45 classes.
ClubSwan Legacy brings together historic Swans from the early years of the brand. For the first time, yachts designed by Sparkman & Stephens, Ron Holland and the Swan Classics by Frers will compete together, celebrating the timeless designs that shaped the Swan legend.
ClubSwan Spirit unites modern Swan owners who share a passion for adventure and the pleasure of sailing together. Within Spirit, a dedicated division is reserved for those wishing to participate without racing optimisation, allowing yachts to compete while maintaining their authentic cruising configuration and onboard experience.
The Rolex Swan Cup experience
The calendar of the Rolex Swan Cup promises an exciting and unforgettable week: four days of racing from Wednesday to Saturday, preceded by practice races on Tuesday that welcome the fleet and begin building the unique atmosphere that unites Swan owners and passionate sailors alike.
A significant number of boats that have never competed before will gather in Porto Cervo alongside the regular participants, experiencing the distinctive spirit and strong sense of belonging that define the ClubSwan family.
The social programme is equally remarkable, featuring must-attend moments such as the Opening Ceremony, the prestigious Owners' Dinner celebrating the 60th anniversary on Thursday, the iconic Rolex Crew Party on Friday, and the Final Prize Giving on Saturday, bringing the event to a memorable close.
Unmissable highlights also include the daily after-race gatherings, when the ClubSwan community comes together in Piazza Azzurra to celebrate both competition and camaraderie.