Excitement builds ahead of ClubSwan Racing season opener

ClubSwan Racing © Stefano Gattini

Excitement is building as the fast-approaching 2022 ClubSwan Racing season promises a further helping of fun and high-adrenaline competition at six spectacular Mediterranean venues.

• Swan Tuscany Challenge less than a month away
• The home of Nautor's Swan in the Med is first of six spectacular venues
• New owners from Japan and Brazil set to join the growing fleet
• ClubSwan 50 class on course to break entry record during season

With less than a month to go to the opening regatta - the Swan Tuscany Challenge (26-30 April) - anticipation within the Nautor's Swan community of an intense year of competitive sailing, alongside exclusive and memorable shoreside events, is increasing by the day.

Competition will also be renewed for the hotly contested Nations League title, with top scoring yachts adding points to their country's tally throughout the season. In 2021 Germany topped the table ahead of Italy and 17 other countries, while to date no fewer than 21 nations will be represented in 2022.

Meanwhile Nautor's Swan world-class race management team are getting ready to welcome several new owners and boats to the ClubSwan Racing family, including entries from Japan, Brazil, Spain, Romania and Monaco across the four one-design classes: ClubSwan 36, ClubSwan 42, Swan 45 and ClubSwan 50.

Scarlino all set to get the season started

First up for the ClubSwan fleet is the Swan Tuscany Challenge (26-30 April) which will be held in the home of Swan in the Mediterranean, Scarlino. Located in the heart of the Tuscan region's beautiful countryside with its famed wineries, Marina di Scarlino, its resort, and adjacent Nautor's Swan Global Service Scarlino shipyard, offer world class shore amenities and services.

The opening 2022 regatta - organised by the Yacht Club Isole di Toscana together with ClubSwan Racing - will offer the ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 50 classes full-on action out on the Gulf of Follonica alongside top-line entertainment and facilities ashore.

As ever, the inclusive Swan community will welcome numerous professional racing sailors, many with Olympic, America's Cup and Ocean Race experience, who will compete alongside the talented and passionate owner-driver yachtsmen and women who are at the heart of the Swan experience.

Among the former is Spain's Olympic Gold Medal winning sailor Iker Martinez, tactician on the ClubSwan 50 Ulika: "Swan is such an iconic brand it is always a pleasure to race these boats, and the incredible development of the one-design fleet, not least the ClubSwan 50s, has added something really special to the mix. The competition is going to be intense - and fun!"

National Park will provide a magnificent Sardinian setting

The ClubSwan fleet - joined by the Swan 45 class - will then head to the Swan Sardinia Challenge (31 May-4 June), and the crystal-clear waters of Villasimius- a sensational holiday destination even by the standards of Sardinia. This will be a new venue for the Nations League, and based in the world-class Marina di Villasimius, a company by Marinedi Group, racing will be held within the beautiful Capo Carbonara National Marine Park, under the organisation of Lega Navale of Villasimius.

A record 20+ entry is expected in the already competitive ClubSwan 50 class, a development welcomed by Marcus Brennecke, the German owner of the 2021 class winning Hatari.

"Last year was great and 2022 is already taking shape to be even better," he said. "We are looking forward to playing our part in holding on to the Nations League title for Germany for a second year.

"I am delighted to be continuing my journey in what is looking like a fantastic and super-competitive class, and it is exciting to be welcoming a couple of new owners this season."

Mid-summer regattas in Spain offer a true test of talent

Next up is the third edition of the Swan One Design Worlds (5-9 July) in Valencia. Hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Valencia, this will be a clash of the titans to decide the world champions in each of the ClubSwan classes.

Then it's off to the Copa del Rey in Palma de Mallorca (1-6 August), an event popular with both yacht racing professionals and enthusiastic Corinthian sailors alike, and this year celebrating the 40th edition of Spain's royal regatta.

"The World Championship this year comes in July on one of the most appealing racecourses in the world," said Federico Michetti, Head of Sports Activities at ClubSwan Racing.

"We chose Valencia as the venue offers all the ingredients that make an event successful sport wise and fun wise. The event itself will crown the world champions per each One Design class and we are very excited about it.

"We will then head to Palma de Mallorca for the Copa del Rey, another milestone in our calendar. Nautor and the Real Club Náutico de Palma have a long-term partnership and this, plus having a great number of Swans competing, and the professionalism of the team at the RCNP are just a few of the things that make us feel at home."

Swan season highlight in Porto Cervo combines all the elements for success

Located in one of the most appealing venues in the world the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia (11-18 September) has all the ingredients to be a spectacular success: a diverse international fleet showcasing the Swan range, an array of dedicated owners, pros and amateurs, a stunning yacht club and a title sponsor renowned for its excellent products.

Set in a Sardinian paradise, the 21st edition of this unmissable regatta again brings together a dynamic trio - the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Nautor's Swan and Rolex - for a week-long festival of sportsmanship, camaraderie and spirited racing.

The eagerly awaited Swan family gathering will, as ever, showcase the inspiring range of Swan yachts built over the company's 56-year history. The fleet will be divided into seven different racing classes: the Swan Maxi Class (60ft and above), Swan Grand Prix Class (below 60ft), Sparkman & Stephens Class, and the four Swan One Design Classes - ClubSwan 36, ClubSwan 42, Swan 45 and ClubSwan 50.

"The Rolex Swan Cup is one of the pinnacle events by Nautor's Swan, and after the cancellation of the 2020 edition we are amazed by the response we've already had in terms of participation," said Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO.

"Having all generations of Swans participating in one venue is something inspiring and thrilling for us. It's like watching a movie of the evolution of our brand over the decades with the same elements of quality, elegance, innovation, performance and reliability that make a Swan unique."

Croatian decider for ClubSwan 36 racers

For the ultra-competitive ClubSwan36 fleet there is a final hurrah to their racing year, when they gather for the ClubSwan 36 Europeans (4-8 October) in Split, Croatia, the 2022 championship decider, and a great way to end the racing season.

"Swans have always had a great racing pedigree, and the ClubSwan 36 class has taken it to another level producing fantastic racing in superb boats," said Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio, owner of the 2021 class winning ClubSwan 36 G Spot.

"We are looking forward to great competition throughout the season, renewing rivalries out on the racetrack and friendships ashore. It's going to be quite a ride until we reach the conclusion of our season in Croatia."

ClubSwan Racing is a global affair

Alongside the One Design racing calendar ClubSwan Racing has also created a number of regional multi-event Swan Series to bring the community of Swan owners together at competitive events in their region, and to recognise the best-performing boats across the season.

The Swan Series portfolio comprises the Solent Series, Baltic Series, North American Series and the Mediterranean Series.

Taken together with the Swan Maxi Series, with regatta locations in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, ClubSwan Racing offers the passionate community of Swan owners and sailors a spectacular range of competitive events.