Swan Porto Rafael Challenge: A New Mediterranean Stage for the Swan Fleet
by Nautor Swan 1 Jul 16:19 BST
1-4 July 2026
Swan Porto Rafael Challenge © ClubSwan Racing / Studio Borlenghi
For the first time, The Nations League arrives in Porto Rafael, where Marina di Porto Rafael will serve as the official venue for the Swan Porto Rafael Challenge.
The choice is the result of a unique combination of factors: a strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, overlooking the La Maddalena Archipelago and just a short distance from Corsica, a marina seamlessly integrated into its natural surroundings, and a destination that has successfully reinvented itself in recent years, becoming a reference point for yacht owners, sailors and the international superyacht community.
Nestled among the granite rocks of Punta Sardegna, Marina di Porto Rafael is today one of Sardinia's most appreciated marinas, renowned for the quality of its services and hospitality. An integral part of the village founded in the 1960s by Count Rafael Neville, it combines the timeless charm of an iconic destination with a contemporary vision of luxury hospitality, offering premium services, refined design and an increasingly sophisticated lifestyle experience.
"Porto Rafael is an iconic destination, rich in history and surrounded by one of the most spectacular natural settings in the Mediterranean, with a privileged position overlooking the La Maddalena Archipelago," said Luisa Bambozzi, CEO of ClubSwan Racing. "This event is the result of months of dedicated work alongside the local community, and we are proud to finally be here. The enthusiasm among the teams is extraordinary. We are grateful to our long-standing partners Rolex, Denza, Henri Lloyd and Banor, and we are delighted to welcome Telepass Mare as a new partner alongside all our technical partners, further enhancing the event experience. We are confident that Porto Rafael will become one of the most anticipated venues on the ClubSwan Racing calendar."
The Swan Porto Rafael Challenge marks the third event of the season for the ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 28 classes and the second event for the ClubSwan 50 fleet, which is also the largest with ten yachts entered. The ClubSwan 28 class welcomes the debut of the British team Jumunu, led by Alistair Ray, while six ClubSwan 36s will compete, including the two Magenta Project Academy teams skippered by Lucille Frascari and Phoebe Chalmers.
The ClubSwan 36 Nations League is led by Fra Martina of Mr Edoardo and Vanni Pavesio with, tied on points with Cuordileone helmed by Edoardo Ferragamo with Michele Regolo tacticians.
In the ClubSwan 50 Class the leading team is HATARI of Marcus Brennecke, followed by CUORDILEONE of Leonardo Ferragamo with Paul Cayard calling tactics and PERHONEN of Ross Wartburton
Among the ClubSwan 28, ANYA, helmed by Giulio Gatti, leads the standings. It is followed by MARCELLO, BLACK SWAN, and PLAY BIGGER, all tied on equal points.
The Swan Spirit fleet, dedicated to rating yachts, will feature Lunz am Meer owned by Riccardo Genghini, Azzurro owned by Bruno Veronesi and Suspiria de Revenge owned by Antonino Venneri.
"For my family, Porto Rafael is much more than a destination," said Sara Pincioni, Managing Director of Marina di Porto Rafael. "It is about memories, belonging and continuity. It represents a deep connection with this place, the sea that surrounds it and a history built over time through commitment, vision and dedication. Hosting the Swan Porto Rafael Challenge for the very first time is an opportunity to give this unique location the recognition it deserves—not only as a place of extraordinary natural beauty, but as a destination capable of welcoming an international event with elegance, authenticity and a strong sense of identity. This regatta brings together the sporting excellence of sailing, the prestige of the Swan world and the authentic story of Porto Rafael. We are proud that it will showcase Porto Rafael at its very best: an exclusive, refined and timeless destination that speaks to an international audience while preserving its true soul."
The event officially began with the Opening Ceremony on June 30th. Throughout the regatta, crews and guests will gather every afternoon for the After Race at Aether, the spectacular waterfront terrace overlooking the La Maddalena Archipelago, where sunset DJ sets will welcome competitors back ashore.
The highlight of the social programme will take place on Friday, 3 July, with the Owners' Dinner in Porto Rafael's historic piazzetta, followed by the Swan Club Night, the official party of the event open to the public and featuring a DJ set by Marco Carpentieri. The evening will transform Aether into the meeting point for the Swan community and guests from the Costa Smeralda, in a unique setting between the sea and Porto Rafael's iconic granite landscape.
"This new event has a very special meaning for me," said Antonino Venneri, Swan owner and supporter of the initiative. "I have enthusiastically followed the ClubSwan Racing circuit for many years, and welcoming the fleet to Porto Rafael—the place I call home—is a source of great pride. It is the first time an international event of this calibre has come to Porto Rafael, and I am confident that competitors and guests alike will be captivated by the unique atmosphere of this extraordinary place. Porto Rafael offers the perfect balance of sailing heritage, natural beauty and Mediterranean lifestyle, and seeing this project become a reality makes me immensely proud, both personally and as a member of the local community."
The entire marina has been designed with particular attention to architecture and its integration with the surrounding landscape. Outdoor furnishings by Ethimo complement the natural environment with an elegant contemporary style, reinforcing the destination's refined identity.
With its unique combination of unspoilt nature, history, hospitality and entertainment, Marina di Porto Rafael provides the ideal setting for a new chapter in the ClubSwan Racing circuit—one that is set to become one of the most iconic events on the international sailing calendar.
Find out more at www.nautorswan.com/clubswan-racing/events/2026/swan-porto-rafael-challenge