Classics compete

The reunion was conceived as a celebration of shared ownership, seamanship and the craftsmanship that has defined Nautor Swan yachts for generations.

Rather than a racing event, the Swan Heritage Reunion focused on connection. Owners shared stories, compared histories and celebrated the seaworthiness and understated elegance associated with the classic Swan fleet.

One of the highlights was a fleet gathering at anchor in a sheltered bay, where owners and crews spent time swimming and socialising in the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. For many participants, it became the most memorable moment of the weekend and reinforced the community spirit at the heart of the event.

Among the notable yachts present were Isabella, a Swan 36 and the tenth yacht ever built by Nautor Swan, and Formosa, a Swan 51 carrying the distinction of hull number 1000.

“In Capraia we brought together classic Swans designed by Sparkman & Stephens, Ron Holland and German Frers,” said Matteo Salamon, who leads the Sparkman & Stephens Swan Association.

These yachts represent the classic era of Nautor Swan, from the mid-1960s through to the late 1990s. Having 25 boats participating was an extraordinary achievement for this first edition, organised together with ClubSwan and Marina di Capraia Island, whose support was fundamental.

“Above all, the greatest contribution came from the enthusiasm of the participants themselves.”

Lodovica Genghini, Chairwoman of the Swan Classic by Frers Association, said the gathering had been a deeply emotional experience.

“The boats and their stories became people, families and friends, connected by a surprising sense of belonging,” Genghini said.

After only two days together, it felt as though we had known each other for years. What brought us together were the shared experiences of time spent at sea, protected and carried by these extraordinary boats.”

Genghini thanked the Sparkman & Stephens Swan Association, Nautor Swan and Luisa Bambozzi for their support in bringing the first edition together.

Luisa Bambozzi, Managing Director of ClubSwan, said the weekend demonstrated the strength of the Swan community across generations.

“The enthusiasm, friendship and sense of belonging shared by owners and crews throughout the event have demonstrated that the Swan spirit transcends generations and continues to thrive,” Bambozzi said.

“We now look forward to welcoming this exceptional community to Porto Cervo for the Rolex Swan Cup, where the many different expressions of the Swan world will come together once again to celebrate their shared passion and the Art of Sailing.”

The Rolex Swan Cup is scheduled to take place in Porto Cervo from 14 to 19 September 2026, bringing together the wider Swan fleet across racing, cruising and heritage divisions.

The success of the inaugural Swan Heritage Reunion confirmed the continuing appeal of Nautor Swan’s classic fleet and the strength of a community built around design, craftsmanship and time at sea.

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