Inaugural ClubSwan 28 Nations League USA event at Pensacola
by Hannah Lee Noll for ClubSwan Racing 23 Mar 16:32 UTC
March 19-22, 2026
Inaugural ClubSwan 28 Nations League USA event © Hannah Lee Noll for ClubSwan Racing
On Pensacola Bay, a growing fleet of ClubSwan 28s delivered the first official chapter of a renewed ClubSwan presence in the United States. What began in Miami has now become a platform in motion, establishing a new reference point for refined owner-driver one-design racing.
George Gamble's My Sharona claimed the inaugural title on home waters, prevailing in a regatta defined not by dominance, but by closeness across the fleet.
The Spirit
The defining characteristic of the week was the closeness of the racing: No single team controlled the event. Multiple race winners. Constant lead changes. Every mark rounding carried congestion and consequence.
The penultimate day concluded with just one point separating the top three teams. Going into the final race, Play Bigger (Al Ramadan) and My Sharona (George Gamble) were tied for the lead with 13 points. Just behind with 15 points, Extreme2 (Dan Cheresh) and Bacio (Michael Kiss) sat within striking distance. In the end, Gamble's My Sharona secured the overall victory, followed by Play Bigger, with Extreme2 completing the podium.
"The fleet is unbelievably tight," said Class President Al Ramadan. "There were moments where all boats arrived at the top mark at the same time. That's exactly what you want as an owner."
For a fleet in its first sanctioned U.S. regatta, the level is already established. New owners entered and were immediately competitive. Sailmakers were embedded and engaged. Daily debriefs, including fleet-wide drone analysis sessions led by Quantum Sails' Brett Jones, accelerated collective learning.
"We're all on the learning curve at the same time," said Michael Kiss. "That's what makes it so fun. And the racing is very close."
On shore, a distinct culture is already forming. Owners are walking the docks to swap stories and create shared memories. More than one owner has exclaimed excitement about the culture of openness: "There are no secrets right now," said George Gamble. "Everyone goes boat to boat, sharing, asking questions. That's how the class grows."
The Sea
Pensacola delivered a full range of conditions unfolded across the event, building in intensity each day and culminating in a final Sunday that felt purpose-built for the class: 15-20 knots, flat water, and full planing conditions under clear skies. "It doesn't get much better," said Gamble. "Flat water, 15 knots of breeze. Great fun on the boats."
Racing was conducted alongside the GL52 fleet under Principal Race Officer Carol Ewing.
Off the water, the setting proved equally strong. With expansive dock space and a steady stream of spectators at Palafox Marina, combined with warm hospitality from Jaco's Restaurant, Pensacola established itself as a natural setting for top competition.
The week concluded with an Owners' Dinner, bringing every team together in a setting that reflected the balance of competition and camaraderie at the core of ClubSwan.
The Sailor
Across the fleet, the sentiment was consistent: the racing is real, and the experience is distinctly Swan in both performance and experience.
"Anybody that's not sailing these boats is missing out," said Dan Cheresh. "Great teams, great owners, and the boats are fantastic."
For many, the appeal lies in both performance and connection. "We love the added dimension of the Swan circuit and the international component. That's what drew us in," said Michael Kiss.
The platform itself continues to reveal depth: "The boat feels like a dinghy and a keelboat combined," said Al Ramadan. "You have to sail it actively. But at the same time, it's simple. No backstay, no runners. It's very accessible."
And critically, the barrier to entry is lower than many expected. "We have new owners coming in and immediately competitive," Ramadan added. "That shows how equal the platform is."
The Swan
Behind the new fleet is a deeply experienced organization with long-standing heritage and a renewed intent.
"The ClubSwan 28 represents the first milestone in the return of ClubSwan activities to America, a fundamental pillar in strengthening our presence—stronger than ever," said Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan. "This is not only about business, we believe sailing is the most sustainable way to experience the sea."
Designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian, the ClubSwan 28 blends simplicity, quality, and one-design performance into a platform that is both accessible and deeply technical.
Named 2025 Boat of the Year by Sailing World, the 28 has already proven itself across Europe. In the United States, it now serves as a natural point of entry into the broader Swan world.
"This is Nautor Swan's pocket rocket," said Federico Michetti. "It's fun, easy, reliable, and it has a lot to give. We are fully committed to building something meaningful in the U.S. This is only the first milestone."