The 23rd Rolex Swan Cup is set to deliver a spectacular week of racing in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, with a record fleet assembling for one of the most prestigious events on the international sailing calendar. Hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda from 13 to 19 September 2026, this edition promises to be the biggest and most competitive yet.
The Rolex Swan Cup has long been regarded as the pinnacle gathering for Nautor Swan owners and crews from around the world. Every two years, the emerald waters off the Costa Smeralda provide a stunning backdrop as classic and modern Swans go head to head across multiple divisions and classes. The 2026 edition continues that proud tradition, with entries spanning the full range of the Swan fleet from elegant cruiser-racers to the high-performance ClubSwan one-design classes.
Racing will be organised across two groups. Group 1 covers the larger and classic Swan yachts competing under IRC and ORC ratings on both windward-leeward and coastal courses around the La Maddalena Archipelago. Group 2 features the one-design ClubSwan classes, where identical boats ensure that crew skill and tactics are the decisive factors. Detailed sailing instructions, course information, and amendments have been published on the official notice board to keep competitors fully informed throughout the week.
The crew and boat board for the event highlights the truly international nature of the Rolex Swan Cup. Sailors from Germany, Australia, Turkey, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and beyond have posted their availability, ranging from 19-year-old youth programme athletes to seasoned professionals with tens of thousands of offshore miles. Positions sought include foredeck, trimmer, pit, grinder, helm, and tactician, reflecting the broad range of roles needed aboard these impressive yachts.
Among the crew seeking boats are sailors with experience from the Copa del Rey, Giraglia Rolex Cup, RORC Caribbean 600, Fastnet Race, and multiple transatlantic crossings. Several have raced aboard Swan 42s, Swan 45s, Swan 60s, Swan 80s, and even a Swan 90, underscoring the deep connection between the Swan community and this flagship event.
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability for the regatta, aligning with the principles of the Charta Smeralda and the One Ocean Foundation. Live tracking will be available throughout the racing, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action in real time from the waters off Porto Cervo.
With the J/70 Cup and Italian Championship following immediately after from 29 September to 4 October, Porto Cervo’s autumn sailing season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The Rolex Swan Cup remains the crown jewel, drawing the global Swan family together for a week of world-class competition, camaraderie, and celebration of sailing at its finest.
