Nations League 2025 opens with the Swan Bonifacio Challenge
by ClubSwan Racing 7 May 01:21 AEST
6-10 May 2025
The highly anticipated 2025 edition of The Nations Cup officially sets sail today from Bonifacio, Corsica, with a record-breaking 31 ClubSwan one-design yachts representing 27 nations. The event opens the international season of ClubSwan Racing in spectacular fashion, hosted for the second consecutive year in the stunning port of Bonifacio.
This year also marks an important milestone, with two racecourses operating for the first time in The Nations League history - an innovation reflecting the continued growth and diversity of the fleet. Among the 31 teams, the competition features 5 ClubSwan 28s, 6 ClubSwan 42s, 8 ClubSwan 36s and 12 ClubSwan 50s. Numerous other Swan yachts have also gathered in Bonifacio to enjoy the event's vibrant atmosphere and unique setting.
"The start of the Nations League is always a very emotional moment," said Federico Michetti, Head of Nautor Swan Sport Activities. "Seeing our owners back in Bonifacio after the winter break, so passionate and determined, is a great source of motivation for the entire Nautor Swan team. From now on, we have 32 races ahead of us to discover who will win the 2025 Nations League".
A Global Lineup and New Faces on the Water
The ClubSwan 50 welcomes three new teams:
Lady Ghada (Ghada Barsoum, EGY), makes the move up from the ClubSwan 36.
All In One (H. Cem Bahadir, TUR) enters with a clear purpose: "Our goal is not only to be competitive, but to create real opportunities for Turkish sailors to grow on the international scene," says Bahadir.
Volpe (Patrick Horst, NED), backed by Nautor Swan Benelux and led on the water by Gideon Messink, joins with ambition: "The ClubSwan 50 represents the top level of one design sailing. Bonifacio is a new venue for us, and we are excited to compete here."
In the ClubSwan 42 division, two teams return after a two-year break: Zappy (Christophe and Coralie Wargny, FRA) and Raving Swan (Jerome Stubler, USA). The ClubSwan 36 class debuts a new Hungarian team, Racing Django (Zoltan Petranyi), while the ClubSwan Academy returns with a Dutch youth team, continuing its mission to develop the next generation of talent. This will be the first full season of the newest addition to ClubSwan Racing, the ultra-competitive ClubSwan 28 after the launch during the 2024 Swan Cup and the first regatta in November, the Villasimius Sardinia Challenge.
The event is proudly supported by Rolex, Henri-Lloyd, and Banor, alongside the loyal participation of Swan owners, top sailors, and guests from around the world.
Bonifacio: A Premier Setting for Performance Sailing
Set against the dramatic limestone cliffs of southern Corsica, Bonifacio offers a spectacular backdrop for sailing and leisure alike. With its natural harbor, rich maritime culture, and Mediterranean charm, the port has quickly become a favorite among international sailors. The Yacht Club de Bonifacio and the city itself are fully committed to delivering a world-class event on and off the water.
"Bonifacio is proud to host the second edition of the Bonifacio Swan Challenge, a must-attend event in contemporary prestigious sailing," said Jean Charles Orsucci, Mayor of Bonifacio.
"This event, bringing together exceptional sailboats and high-level crews, demonstrates our commitment to making our port shine within the circuit of major international regattas. Beyond athletic performance, this race aligns perfectly with our vision: to promote respectful sailing, rooted in a demanding environmental approach, and to make Bonifacio a stop of excellence where heritage, nature, and innovation go hand in hand."
Michel Mallaroni, President of the Yacht Club de Bonifacio, added:
"A unique playing field, wind, and high-performing crews - this new edition of the Swan Bonifacio Challenge is shaping up under the best auspices. The team at the Yacht Club of Bonifacio will give their all to make this Bonifacio stop a benchmark in the international Swan circuit".
Schedule Highlights
The regatta begins today, 6 May, with the official Opening Ceremony and Welcome Cocktail at iconic Bastion de l'Étendard. Racing officially gets under way on Wednesday 7 May, with four days of racing across all four classes. Each day concludes with refreshments and prize-giving, gathering the entire Swan community at the heart of the Bonifacio marina.
The Swan Bonifacio Challenge Owners Dinner will take place on Friday, 9 May, at the rooftop of the Centre Nautique, offering owners an exclusive evening to celebrate the occasion. The event will conclude on Saturday, 10 May, with the final races and the official Prize Giving Ceremony, closing the first chapter of the 2025 Nations Cup in fitting style.