The Swan Sardinia Challenge 2024, an exclusive international event for the Swan One Design Classes ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 50, organized in collaboration with the Region of Sardinia and Consorzio Porto di Alghero, has successfully concluded after a thrilling series of races and a week full of high-level onshore events.

Held in the stunning Northern Sardinia city of Alghero from June 26th to June 29th, the event showcased the best of sailing, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives.

Tactical Races and Competitions

Throughout the week, 11 ClubSwan 50s and 8 ClubSwan 36s competed fiercely in the pristine waters off the coast of Alghero. The competition featured sailors from around the world, representing 24 nations. The races were marked by intense rivalry and sportsmanship, exemplifying the spirit of ClubSwan Racing.

The new venue proved to be more challenging than expected by the fleets and with a tough weather situation only three races for each class were finished thanks to the patience and talent of the PRO Maria Torrijo. On day one two races were sailed with light wind, and after two days of no wind, the final race was completed by the fleets today, the very last day of the event.

Marcus Brennecke on Hatari wins his second back-to-back ClubSwan Racing regatta, followed by Raquel and Graeme Peterson’s Moonlight and Hendrik Brandis’s Earlybird. “We only had three races and it was a tough week, it was super warm and hazy, and it was hard for everyone”, commented Markus Wieser, tactician on Hatari. “I think we sailed very well with two bullets, we were quite consistent, and we deserve the win, we also won the first event of the season so I can say we are in good shape, but our goal is to sail as good as possible at the World Championship in Palma, that is our main goal! Everyone is also looking forward to Porto Cervo in September, it will be a great event but there’s a long a long gap between now and then, so we, with another few boats, will go to Copa del Rey in Palma in August just to to keep it going and not having a too long break”.

In the ClubSwan 36, Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio won the last two races and the event with his Gspot, behind him Edoardo and Vanni Pavesio on Fra Martina and Edoardo Ferragamo with Cuordileone, they are the winner of the previous event in Bonifacio

Leonardo Ferragamo, President of Nautor Swan: “We are delighted to have had The Nations League in the picturesque city of Alghero. The Swan Sardinia Challenge has not only showcased the spirit of competition and excellence that defines ClubSwan yachts and crews, but also highlighted the beauty, history, authenticity and hospitality of this wonderful location, in a pristine part of Sardinia. The involvement and enthusiasm of the local community, especially the youth, have been truly inspiring.”

The Swan Sardinia Challenge was supported by the main partners of the Nations League, including Porsche Italia, Rolex, Randstad, and Banor, as well as technical sponsors such as QuantumSails, North Sails, Doyle Sails, Garmin, Sailmon, B&G, Gottifredi Maffioli, AON, Ethimo, and Ferrari Trento. Daily prizes were generously provided by our partners.

The Swan Sardinia Challenge 2024 has been a week marked by gentlemanly competition, stunning backdrops, and a great program of social events. The event highlighted the spectacular venue and the local gastronomic experiences enjoyed during the welcome cocktail and the owners’ dinner. The event was promoted by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, Department of Tourism, Crafts and Commerce, made possible thanks to Comune di Alghero, Fondazione Alghero, Consorzio Porto di Alghero, dello Yacht Club Alghero and della Lega Navale Italiana Alghero. With the Major of the city, Raimondo Cacciotto, wishing for the Swan Sardinia Challenge to become an annual event in Alghero, and expressing his pride at seeing many young people involved, underlining how sport is an extraordinary educational tool. The Regional Minister of Tourism of Sardinia, Franco Cuccureddu, added: “The sailing-Sardinia combination has grown stronger and consolidated over the years, thanks also to events like this one, which are supported by the Region because we strongly believe in tourism linked to nature, the sea, and respect for the environment, all values that we find in the sport of sailing.”

The Nations League 2024 for ClubSwan 50s and ClubSwan 36s will now go to the not-so-far-away Porto Cervo for the iconic Rolex Swan Cup from September 15th to the 21st, a week of spectacular sailing in one of the world’s yachting mecca, YCCS, where not only the One Design Classes of ClubSwan Racing, but all of Swan boats around the globe are invited to attend to celebrate the Swan family and the 40th anniversary of the partnership among Nautor Swan, Rolex and YCCS.

by ClubSwan Racing