SWAN HERITAGE
Nautor Swan
SWAN HERITAGE REUNION BRINGS TOGETHER THE LEGACY OF NAUTOR SWAN IN CAPRAIA
Last weekend, the main quay of Capraia Island provided a remarkable setting for the inaugural Swan Heritage Reunion, a gathering dedicated to the classic yachts that have shaped the history of Nautor Swan.
For the first time, a legendary Sparkman & Stephens, Ron Holland and Classic by Frers Swans fleet came together in a single event, celebrating a shared passion for the iconic yachts built near the Arctic Circle.
The Swan Heritage Reunion was conceived as a non-competitive event, focused on bringing owners together to share stories, experiences and a common appreciation for the craftsmanship, seaworthiness and timeless elegance that have defined Swan yachts for generations.
Capraia Island proved to be the ideal backdrop for the occasion. Both ashore and at sea, participants enjoyed a unique atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie. One of the highlights of the weekend was the fleet gathering at anchor in a sheltered bay, where owners and crews spent time swimming, socializing and enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. For many, this became the most memorable and community-focused moment of the event.
A total of 25 yachts participated in the Reunion, alongside several owners who joined the event ashore. Among the most notable boats present were Isabella, a Swan 36 and the tenth yacht ever built by Nautor Swan, and Formosa, a Swan 51 carrying the historic distinction of being 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, organized together with ClubSwan and Marina di Capraia Island, whose support was fundamental. Above all, however, the greatest contribution came from the enthusiasm of the participants themselves.”
“This first reunion has been a deeply emotional experience,” added Lodovica Genghini, Swan Classic by Frers Association Chairwoman “The boats and their stories became people, families and friends, connected by a surprising sense of belonging. 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. On behalf of the members of Swan Classic by Frers, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our ‘older cousins’ at the Sparkman & Stephens Swan Association, especially Matteo Salamon, for their support and guidance. I would also like to thank Nautor Swan for its invaluable contribution to the organization of the event, and in particular Luisa Bambozzi, whose dedication was instrumental to the success of this gathering.”
Luisa Bambozzi Managing Director of ClubSwan said “This weekend in Capraia has been truly special. 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.
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 success of the inaugural Swan Heritage Reunion confirmed the enduring appeal of Nautor Swan’s legacy fleet and highlighted the strong sense of community that continues to unite owners across generations. More than a gathering of yachts, the event was a celebration of a shared culture of sailing, craftsmanship and passion that remains at the heart of the Swan story.