Dear Members,

In just one week, the Rolex Swan Cup 2026 will begin — a record-breaking edition, with more than 170 yachts taking part.

https://www.yccs.it/en/regattas-2026/rolex_swan_cup-3345/iscritti-265/provisional_entry_list

Among them will be 37 Heritage Swans (S&S, Swan Classic By Frers and by Ron Holland) racing within their respective classes. This is an important development, as it gives our boats the opportunity to take part even in cruising configuration — just as we did with Lunz am Meer when we first joined the Swan Cup in 2012.

That regatta, sailed with a furling genoa and Dacron sails already more than ten years old, remains without doubt one of our most beautiful and emotional memories — even though we finished last in every race!

There is no doubt that cruising and racing are two profoundly different ways of experiencing the sea. Cruising is perhaps the deeper and more meaningful experience on a human and personal level. Yet racing on the water among highly skilled sailors and discovering just how far our boats can be pushed, are experiences that, in my view, are essential to fully understand and appreciate the beauty of sailing.

It is therefore a tremendous joy to know that so many of us will be there, and that very soon we will have the opportunity to meet again — or, in some cases, to meet for the first time.

The memory of our Capraia gathering is still very much alive. We have sent each participating member a selection of the most beautiful images from the event featuring their yacht.

Looking ahead, I would also like to share three events in 2027 that could offer wonderful opportunities for us to meet again with our beautiful Swans:

BONIFACIO | 28 April – 1 May 2027
The opening event of the ClubSwan Nations League, with the ClubSwan 50, 36 and 28 fleets taking part. As this year, all One Design events will also be open to other Swans, with a reunion and easy-sailing format alongside the racing.

PORTO CERVO | 2–5 June 2027 | The Nations Trophy
This event is conceived as a smaller and more intimate Swan Cup — another wonderful opportunity to bring the Swan community together.

PORTO RAFAEL | 7–10 July 2027
Together with ClubSwan, we have chosen this date one month after the Porto Cervo event, creating the opportunity for owners to leave their boats in Sardinia between the two gatherings, during that wonderful period just before the peak of the summer season, when Sardinia is perhaps at its most beautiful.

I very much look forward to seeing you all soon.

Fair winds and Godspeed to all of us,

Lodovica