ClubSwan Season opens in Bonifacio and Pensacola
by Nautor Swan 3 May 23:33 PDT
28 April - 2 May 2026
Swan Bonifacio Challenge © Studio Borlenghi
After a vibrant fortnight both on and off the water, the curtain falls on the Swan Bonifacio Challenge and USA League Event 2 in Pensacola.
The 2026 ClubSwan Racing season is now officially under way on both sides of the Atlantic: in the United States with the USA League, and in the Mediterranean with the Nations League. For the third consecutive year, the Mediterranean season opener was hosted in the striking port of Bonifacio, confirming it as one of the most spectacular and competitive racecourses in the global one-design calendar. A total of 35 yachts across four classes took part in these opening events.
This year carries particular significance as it marks the 60th anniversary of Nautor Swan, celebrating six decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and a distinctive sailing philosophy. The Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo this September will stand as the flagship event of an extensive ClubSwan calendar.
"This opening of the season perfectly reflects the spirit of ClubSwan Racing today," said Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan. "A truly international circuit, with high-level competition across two continents, outstanding sporting performance, and a unique atmosphere that brings together owners, crews, and partners. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are proud to see our values expressed so strongly both on and off the water."
From April 22 to 25th, the ClubSwan 28 class demonstrated the true global nature of the circuit. While one fleet raced along Florida's Gulf Coast, another competed in the Mediterranean: two events, two continents, running concurrently. The ClubSwan 28 Nations League is no longer just a concept; it is now a fully established circuit. Competition for the top step of the podium was fierce: in Bonifacio, Giulio Gatti's Anya Race climbed from third to first on the final day to claim the title, while in Pensacola Bay, Dan Cheresh's Extreme2 closed out a weekend of relentlessly close racing to secure victory. Two very different venues, united by one shared standard.
From April 28th to May 2nd in Bonifacio ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan 42, and ClubSwan 36, aced on a spectacular course. On the opening day, two races were held in winds from 060-065 degrees at 20-21 knots, with gusts up to 24 knots and flat water. The races were short and intense: in the first race, the battle between Ghada and All In One went down to the finish line, with All In One taking the win and repeating its success in race two, making it the standout performer of the day in the ClubSwan 50 class. G-Spot dominated in the ClubSwan 36 fleet, while Nadir set the pace in the Swan 42 class. These races were highly technical, requiring sharp tactical decisions and precise boat handling. The day concluded with a cocktail reception aboard Swan Arrow.
Day two delivered classic "champagne sailing," with a steady 065-degree breeze at 16-18 knots and gusts up to 20. Cuordileone claimed victory in the ClubSwan 50 class, while Pez de Abril and Goddess led their respective fleets. In the second race, with the wind shifting slightly to the right but maintaining strength, margins remained extremely tight. Perhonen, Cuordileone 36, and Pez de Abril emerged on top. The "Boat of the Day powered by Città di Bonifacio" awards went to Cuordileone 50 and 36, and Pez de Abril.
On the third day, the Strait of Bonifacio lived up to its legendary reputation, and after an initial delay, the races were canceled due to high winds. As a result, the teams were able to take turns testing the DENZA Z9 GT on routes leading to the lighthouse and the cliffs overlooking the gulf enjoying spectacular views along a guided, scenic drive. The Corsican lanscape allowed to highlight the high-level technology and the extreme elegance of the two brands resulting in a perfect match.
On the final day during the first two races, the wind direction ranged between 040 and 050 degrees at 18-20 knots, before shifting and easing in the final race. The overall winner of the ClubSwan 50 class was decided in the last race, with Hatari, owned by Marcus Brenneke, taking the title. Cuordileone, skippered by Leonardo Ferragamo, finished second, followed by Perhonen, owned by Ross Warburton. Notably, Marlin Cube placed fourth, tied on points with the third-placed boat—owner Enrico Aureli having recently stepped up to the ClubSwan 50 class after being overtaken by the fleet while racing his Swan 65 at the last Rolex Swan Cup.
Among the Swan 42s, José María Meseguer's Pez de Abril delivered a dominant performance, securing victory with one race to spare. In the ClubSwan 36 fleet, the title was also decided in the final race, with Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio's G-Spot finishing first ahead of Nikolai Burkhart's Goddess and Edoardo Pavesio's Fra Martina. The Magenta Project, an all-female team, made its debut in Bonifacio, launching a season that will see them compete in four events as part of the ClubSwan Academy educational programme, aimed at enhancing female inclusion and introducing new generations to the sport of sailing as an educational and cultural tool.
The week was not only about racing. The Swan Bonifacio Challenge successfully combined elite sport with signature hospitality. During the Opening Ceremony at the Bastion de l'Étendard, ClubSwan President Edoardo Ferragamo reflected on continuing the vision developed over many years by his father, Leonardo, with a commitment to a bright future for ClubSwan. The event featured daily dockside gatherings, an exclusive Owners' Dinner at the Centre Nautique, and a lively Crew Party at B52. Saturday's final prize-giving brought together the international Swan community to celebrate the event's champions and the shared spirit of camaraderie.
Results can be found here.