A fleet of 170 Swan yachts has gathered in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, for the 23rd Rolex Swan Cup as Nautor Swan celebrates its 60th anniversary. More than 90 Swan models spanning six decades of production are represented at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) for what organisers describe as the world's largest one-brand sailing event.
The programme opened on Tuesday, the 15th of September, with practice racing and the "Dance of the Swans", which brings the entire fleet together around Isola dei Monaci in a choreographed formation for a photoshoot dedicated to renowned sailing photographer Carlo Borlenghi.
Three Generations of Swan
Racing is divided across ClubSwan Spirit, ClubSwan Racing and ClubSwan Legacy, bringing together everything from historic boat designs to the Finnish boatbuilder's latest yachts.
Harbour Full: Swan yachts pack Porto Cervo as a 170-strong fleet gathers for the 23rd Rolex Swan Cup and Nautor Swan’s 60th anniversary. Photo: ClubSwan Racing
ClubSwan Spirit comprises 43 Maxi Swans and 50 other Swan yachts, while ClubSwan Racing has 39 entries across the ClubSwan 50, 43, 42, 36 and 28 classes and the Swan 45. A further 37 yachts make up ClubSwan Legacy, representing designs by Sparkman & Stephens, Ron Holland and Germán Frers.
Among the historic fleet is Tarantella, Swan 36-001, the first Swan built, restored to her original appearance.
At the other end of the range are the Swan 128s BeCool and Raijin and the new Swan 80 Elvi. The fleet also includes Formosa, Nautor hull number 1000, the Swan 48 Elan, four Swan 65s and two Swan 651s.
Racing Starts Wednesday
Official racing begins on Wednesday, the 16th of September, and continues until Saturday, with four days of competition scheduled off Porto Cervo.
Generations Afloat: Swan yachts from across six decades sail off Porto Cervo, bringing historic designs and modern performance models together for the anniversary regatta. Photo: ClubSwan Racing
The onshore programme includes an owners' dinner marking Nautor Swan's 60th anniversary, a Rolex Dinner Party and daily gatherings for owners and crews at the YCCS.
Nautor Swan chief executive Gianguido Girotti said the anniversary edition demonstrated the strength of the ClubSwan community.
"ClubSwan is truly unique in yachting. Our events are not simply competitions; they are opportunities for owners to meet, sail, learn and share experiences," he said. "This 60th anniversary edition in Porto Cervo demonstrates the extraordinary strength of that community."
The Rolex Swan Cup concludes with the final races and prize-giving on Saturday (19 September).
