Swan Porto Rafael Challenge
by Nautor Swan 8 Jul 11:25 BST
1-4 July 2026
Swan Porto Rafael Challenge 2026 © ClubSwan Racing / Studio Borlenghi
The inaugural Swan Porto Rafael Challenge has already established itself as one of the standout events of the 2026 ClubSwan Racing season, combining spectacular racing with the unique charm of one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful sailing destinations.
Set among the granite coastline and crystal-clear waters of the La Maddalena Archipelago, Marina di Porto Rafael has welcomed owners, crews and guests for a week that perfectly blends world-class competition with the distinctive hospitality and sense of community that define the ClubSwan Racing circuit.
More than 30 yachts representing 16 nations—Austria, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Monaco, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States—competed across the Swan One Design classes together with some Swan Spirit friends coming alongside.
In the ClubSwan 50 class—where the event also counted as the European Championship—Hatari, owned by Marcus Brennecke (GER) with tactician Nick Asher, dominated the fleet and strengthened its lead in the provisional Nations League standings. Earlybird, owned by Hendrik Brandis (GER) with Manu Weiller calling tactics, finished second, while Cuordileone 50, owned by Leonardo Ferragamo (ITA) with Paul Cayard as tactician, secured third place.
In the ClubSwan 36 class, Fra Martina, owned by the Pavesio brothers Edoardo and Vanni (ITA) with Lorenzo Bressani as tactician, claimed overall victory. Cuordileone, owned by Edoardo Ferragamo (ITA) with Michele Regolo on tactics, finished second, followed by Goddess, owned by Nikolay Burkart (GER) with David Chapman as tactician, in third.
In the ClubSwan 28 class, Anya, owned by Giulio Gatti (ITA), took the overall win. Play Bigger finished second, while Black Swan, owned by Lorenzo Bressani, completed the podium in third place.
The event officially began with the Opening Ceremony, bringing together the entire ClubSwan family to celebrate the newest addition to the 2026 calendar before attention shifted to the racecourse.
"It is always wonderful to come back to Italy," said Paul Cayard, ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone tactician. "To see a fleet of 25 boats racing in a place as spectacular as Porto Rafael is something truly special. The combination of this incredible venue, competitive racing and the passion of Swan owners and crews makes this a fantastic addition to the ClubSwan Racing calendar."
Day One delivered excellent sailing conditions, with a building westerly breeze providing an ideal start to the regatta. As the season moves beyond its halfway point, the Nations League battle has become increasingly competitive, with every race carrying valuable points.
Following the opening races, Hatari led the ClubSwan 50 fleet ahead of Lady Ghada and Olymp, while Cuordileone topped the ClubSwan 36 standings from Fra Martina and Goddess.
Day Two brought a complete change in conditions. Thunderstorms and unstable weather forced the Race Committee to postpone racing, leaving the fleet ashore and the standings unchanged. Despite the interruption on the water, the atmosphere around Marina di Porto Rafael remained vibrant, with owners, crews and guests enjoying the event's social programme and the exceptional surroundings.
Racing returned on Day Three under much more favourable conditions, with a steady breeze allowing the fleet back onto the racecourse for an action-packed day. Three races were completed, producing close competition across the fleets and further shaping both the event standings and the season-long Nations League battle. The ClubSwan 28 fleet also made its eagerly awaited debut, adding another exciting dimension to the regatta.
Away from the racecourse, Friday evening provided one of the week's most memorable moments as owners gathered for a special dinner in the picturesque piazzetta of Marina di Porto Rafael. Surrounded by the warm glow of the village, overlooking the sea and enjoying the relaxed Sardinian atmosphere, guests shared an unforgettable evening that perfectly captured the spirit of the Swan community—where outstanding sailing is matched by exceptional hospitality and lasting friendships.
Saturday's racing was dominated by light winds, testing the crews' patience, tactical awareness and boat-handling skills. The challenging conditions placed a premium on consistency and precision, making every manoeuvre and strategic decision crucial throughout the day's racing.
Throughout the event, DENZA, BYD's premium automotive brand, showcased its flagship Z9GT, highlighting the strong synergy between the worlds of luxury mobility and high-performance sailing. Both DENZA and ClubSwan Racing share core values of innovation, craftsmanship, design excellence, and a passion for performance. Participating in the event provided DENZA with a valuable opportunity to connect with owners and guests who appreciate products that seamlessly combine advanced technology, refined elegance, and emotional appeal.
With its breathtaking setting, competitive racing and unique social programme, the Swan Porto Rafael Challenge has made an outstanding first impression and has all the ingredients to become a firm favourite on the ClubSwan Racing calendar.
Find out more at www.nautorswan.com/clubswan-racing/events/2026/swan-porto-rafael-challenge