The Rolex Swan Cup returns to Porto Cervo for a record-breaking edition
by Nautor Swan 6 Aug 13:48 BST
13-19 September 2026
Rolex Swan Cup © ClubSwan Racing / Studio Borlenghi
Since its inaugural edition in 1980, the Rolex Swan Cup has become one of the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated events on the international sailing calendar.
The enduring partnership between Rolex, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Nautor Swan continue to set the benchmark for excellence, both on and off the water. This year's edition holds particular significance as it also celebrates the 60th anniversary of Nautor Swan.
More than a yacht builder, Swan represents a unique way of life, one founded on craftsmanship, performance, elegance, and a profound sense of community. For six decades, generations of owners, sailors and enthusiasts have shared an enduring passion for the sea, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the yachts themselves.
This year, that community is stronger than ever. With 160 yachts already confirmed and new applications arriving daily, the event is becoming one of the largest monobrand sailing events in the world.
Three souls, one spirit
The evolution of ClubSwan is reflected in the Notice of Race, where three complementary divisions express the many facets of the Swan family while remaining united by a shared spirit and sense of belonging.
ClubSwan Legacy brings together the yachts that built the Swan legend. For the first time, the iconic designs of Sparkman & Stephens, Ron Holland and German Frers will compete side by side, celebrating the timeless elegance, innovation and craftsmanship that have defined six decades of excellence.
ClubSwan Spirit welcomes owners of modern Swans, divided into Swan and Maxi classes, who share a passion for cruising, adventure and the pleasure of being together. Within this division, a dedicated category allows yachts to compete without racing optimisation, preserving their authentic cruising configuration and onboard lifestyle while embracing the spirit of friendly competition.
ClubSwan Racing remains the home of one-design competition and will feature the ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan 43, ClubSwan 42, ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 28 classes, delivering close, exhilarating racing at the highest level.
The remarkable balance across the fleet—with 44 Swan yachts, 40 Maxis, 33 Legacy yachts and 43 one-design boats—perfectly reflects the essence of ClubSwan. From historic classics to the latest performance yachts, every division contributes to a community where different ways of experiencing the sea come together under the same values and the same passion.
Gianguido Girotti, CEO of Nautor Swan, said: "A Swan is never just a yacht. It becomes part of people's lives, their adventures and their stories. It becomes a family legacy, passed down from one generation to the next.
That is what ClubSwan truly represents. No other shipyard creates so many opportunities for owners to come together, sail, learn and share experiences throughout the year. Our regattas are far more than competitions—they are occasions to build lasting friendships, exchange knowledge and celebrate the pure joy of sailing.
For sixty years, Swan has built exceptional yachts that have sailed the world—from the frozen poles to the sun-drenched Galápagos. The next chapter is not only about creating new yachts, but also about building an even stronger community around them."
Six decades of Swan excellence on the starting line
Leading the fleet will be Tarantella, Swan 36-001, the very first Swan ever built and the yacht that began the extraordinary story of Nautor Swan. Beautifully restored to her original splendour, she returns to the racecourse in Porto Cervo as a living symbol of the brand's heritage—bridging six decades of innovation while reminding the sailing world where the Swan legend began.
The anniversary fleet offers a unique journey through the evolution of Swan design, bringing together iconic yachts that represent every era of the shipyard's history. Alongside Tarantella will sail the two Swan 128, BeCool and Raijin, masterpieces of engineering, technology and contemporary elegance.
Making her first appearance within the Swan family after her world debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the all-new Swan 80 will line up beside hull number one of the same model, creating a powerful dialogue between the latest chapter of Swan innovation and its recent heritage. The same spirit of continuity will be reflected in the Swan 51 family, where the newest generation Swan 51 will race alongside Formosa the original model from the 1980s and Nautor Swan hull number 1000.
The celebration of Swan's evolution continues among the larger yachts. Further Beyond, the Swan 98 launched earlier this year, will race alongside the magnificent Swan 131, the longest Swan ever built. Together, these extraordinary yachts embody the breadth of the Swan range and demonstrate how six decades of craftsmanship continue to evolve while remaining unmistakably true to the brand's timeless identity.
Four days of racing, a lifetime of memories
The sporting programme promises an unforgettable week, with practice racing on Tuesday setting the stage before four days of competition from Wednesday through Saturday.
This edition will also welcome a significant number of first-time participants, joining long-standing owners in experiencing the distinctive atmosphere and powerful sense of belonging that define the ClubSwan family.
The Rolex Swan Cup has always been about far more than racing. It is a celebration of people—the owners, sailors, families and crews who return year after year to share their passion for the sea.
Rolex and Swan ambassador Paul Cayard, together with many of the world's leading professional sailors, will once again contribute their experience and passion, inspiring competitors throughout the week.
Celebrating together
As always, the social programme is an integral part of the Rolex Swan Cup experience.
The week begins with the Opening Ceremony before culminating in the prestigious Owners' Dinner on Thursday evening, a special celebration of Nautor Swan's 60th anniversary. The iconic Rolex Crew Party follows on Friday, while Saturday's Final Prize Giving will bring another memorable edition to a close.
Throughout the week, competitors and guests will gather each afternoon in Piazza Azzurra for the traditional after-race celebrations—moments that perfectly capture the true spirit of ClubSwan, where competition gives way to camaraderie and lifelong friendships are forged.
As Nautor Swan celebrates sixty years of excellence, the Rolex Swan Cup once again demonstrates that the true art of sailing is not only measured by performance on the water, but by the enduring bonds, shared passion and timeless values that unite the Swan community.