Nautor Swan joins Rolex China Sea Race as official partner
by Nautor Swan 25 Feb 01:47 PST
Nautor Swan joins Rolex China Sea Race as official partner © Nautor Swan
Nautor Swan has been named Official Event Partner of the 2026 and 2028 editions of the Rolex China Sea Race, reinforcing its long-term commitment to growing performance sailing in Asia.
Organised biennially by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the race stands as one of the region's most demanding offshore challenges. This partnership marks a strategic expansion of Swan's presence in Asia, under the custodianship of Sanlorenzo, strengthening its connection with the local sailing community while aligning the brand with a defining event on the international racing calendar.
The Rolex China Sea Race: a renowned global offshore challenge
Organised by the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club since 1962, the Rolex China Sea Race is an undisputed highlight of the international sailing calendar. As a 565-nautical-mile Category 1 Offshore Race sanctioned by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), it represents the pinnacle of ocean racing, attracting a competitive international fleet. The race's challenging course, which navigates the tactical complexities of the South China Sea from Hong Kong to Subic Bay, Philippines, has cemented its reputation as a must-do event for serious sailors worldwide. The event attracts a fleet of around 20-25 international yachts historically.
The 2026 edition will begin with the warning signal at 11:10 AM on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. This year, among the returning competitors is the Austrian entry, Philip Turner's Reichel/Pugh 66 Alive, which set the current monohull race record after completing the 565 nm course in 47 hours, 31 minutes, 08 seconds, while two Swan yachts, Swan 45 - Mazu and Swan 56 - Parnassus, will be joining the fleet of 20+ esteemed competitors. The event schedule includes a Welcome Party on 2 March, with the location prize-giving held in Subic Bay on 8 March, followed by the official prize-giving in Hong Kong on 18 March.
Nautor Swan: a legacy of performance and elegance
Coinciding with its 60th anniversary in 2026, Nautor Swan's partnership with the Rolex China Sea Race is a fitting tribute to its six-decade legacy of building yachts that master the world's oceans. Swan yachts, born from the design boards of legends like German Frers, are celebrated for their ability to blend exhilarating performance with Bluewater cruising capability. This is achieved through uncompromising construction quality and a design philosophy that prioritises seaworthiness, agility, and timeless elegance.
From the iconic Swan 65 Sayula II, winner of the inaugural Whitbread Round the World Race, to the modern ClubSwan racing fleet, Nautor Swan's DNA is deeply rooted in adventure and competition. The brand's product range offers a proven platform for success in the world's most demanding offshore races, with yachts like the new Swan 51 demonstrating exceptional blue-water capability.
At the core of Nautor Swan's sailing ethos is ClubSwan, the exclusive division dedicated to managing a global calendar of one-design, rating regattas and events for the wide cruising community. ClubSwan offers Swan owners a unique, high-level sailing and racing experience, fostering a vibrant community of passionate sailors. The ClubSwan 28, ClubSwan 36, ClubSwan 43 and ClubSwan 50 continue to prove their dominance on the one-design racing circuits worldwide.
The Swan community will shine at the Swan Regional Series, the Swan Maxi Series all around the world, the Swan Heritage Reunion in June in Capraia and the Swan Asian Regatta at Riviera Zushi Marina.
The whole Swan community will meet in Porto Cervo for the 23rd edition of the Rolex Swan Cup, which stands as a true milestone of the 2026 Season and celebration of Swan's 60th anniversary.
A strategic vision for sailing in Asia
The partnership of Nautor Swan and Rolex China Sea Race is a key pillar of strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific market, a region demonstrating dynamic growth and an increasing appetite for sailing, with Hong Kong being an established sailing centre with an active racing calendar in place.
"Partnering with the Rolex China Sea Race is a natural step for Nautor Swan in Asia-Pacific and reflects our deep commitment to sailing. The Rolex China Sea Race is precisely the kind of challenge that Swan owners relish. These are sailors who appreciate not only the beauty and comfort of their yachts but also their inherent capability to perform in demanding offshore conditions," states Daniele Lucà, CEO of Sanlorenzo APAC/ Simpson Marine. "This notable alliance is also a key part of our strategy in Asia-Pacific. We see tremendous potential in this region, and we are dedicated to investing in the sailing community here, creating world-class experiences that showcase our shared passion for the sea and for competitive sailing, building on four decades of a strong sailing pedigree that Simpson Marine has in the region."
Building the Swan Community in Asia-Pacific
With two Swan yachts already entered for the 2026 race, the partnership aims to cultivate a stronger and more engaged community of Swan owners in the region. A dedicated award will be awarded to the top-performing Swan yacht, adding a new layer of friendly competition.
Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Group, comments, "Nautor Swan has always been synonymous with the world's most prestigious sailing events. From our own Rolex Swan Cup in the Mediterranean to challenging offshore races across the globe, Swan yachts are built for sailors who seek adventure and performance. The Rolex China Sea Race is a legendary event that perfectly embodies this spirit. This partnership is a testament to our global commitment to the sport and our desire to support the growing community of Swan owners in Asia-Pacific. We are excited to bring the same passion and dedication that defines the Swan experience worldwide to this exceptional race, creating a new focal point for our international family of sailors."
This partnership marks a significant first step in Nautor Swan's strategy of expansion in Asia-Pacific. It is a key initiative in a landmark year for the brand, which will also see over 100 Swan yachts gather in Porto Cervo for the Rolex Swan Cup from 14-19 September for the grand celebration of its 60th-anniversary. By aligning with Asia's most prestigious offshore race, Nautor Swan is not only enhancing the event but also creating a powerful catalyst to grow the brand's presence and build a vibrant Swan community in the region, reinforcing Asia's status as a world-class sailing destination.