This is the second time Bonifacio has hosted the event, but 2025 is already setting new standards. For the first time in the history of the Nations League, two racecourses will be used – a reflection of the fleet’s growing scale and diversity. The regatta features 12 ClubSwan 50s, 8 ClubSwan 36s, 6 ClubSwan 42s and 5 of the newly launched ClubSwan 28s. Add to that a harbour buzzing with visiting Swan yachts and onshore events, and the stage is set for four days of high-octane Mediterranean action.
Clubswan
Nautor Swan has launched ClubSwan Yachts, a high-performance division dedicated to speed, innovation, and competitive sailing. Designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian, the ClubSwan range incorporates cutting-edge technology and streamlined simplicity to offer top-tier One Design racing yachts.
The ClubSwan 28 is the smallest Swan ever built, offering ease of use and high performance for sailors new to competitive racing. Smart and fast, it’s designed for a crew of four, with a clean deck layout, a simple hydraulic rig system, and a lifting keel that makes the boat easily trailable without special permits.
The ClubSwan 36, Nautor Swan’s “radical foiling racer”, revives the legacy of Nautor’s original 36-footer, combining extreme performance with accessible handling. Built for speeds over 20 knots, it features advanced hydrodynamic design, a modern, ergonomic deck, retractable bowsprit, and smart systems concealed under removable panels for easy access and a dry interior.
The ClubSwan 50 pushes the boundaries further, using full pre-preg carbon construction to minimise weight and maximise performance. Its layout suits both competitive racing and short-handed cruising, with flexible sail-handling options. With optional cruising features, it offers both comfort and speed in a bold, contemporary design.
Together, the ClubSwan fleet exemplifies Nautor Swan’s continued innovation in performance yachting.
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The setting could hardly be more dramatic. Bonifacio’s chalk-white cliffs and tight, fjord-like harbour have for centuries served both as refuge and challenge to sailors. With the narrow Strait of Bonifacio funnelling unpredictable breezes between Corsica and Sardinia, racers can expect everything from glassy calms to pumping Mistrals. Daily schedules allow for up to three races, with a mix of windward-leeward and coastal formats depending on conditions. A single discard is allowed after five races, making consistency – not just wins – crucial.
Four Kiwis
Among the 31 international crews, four veteran New Zealand sailors stand out. Racing in the ClubSwan 50 class, they bring a wealth of America’s Cup, Whitbread, and Olympic experience to the Mediterranean.
Ross Halcrow – Hatari
One of New Zealand’s most decorated sailors, Ross “Rosco” Halcrow joins the crew of Hatari. A sailmaker by trade, Halcrow’s CV spans the 1987 and 1992 New Zealand America’s Cup campaigns, a Volvo Ocean Race win with Illbruck Challenge (2001–02), and Team New Zealand’s famous 1995 Cup victory aboard Black Magic. He’s also clinched titles in the TP52 Super Series, Maxi72s, and 6 Metres – and he’s no stranger to ClubSwan success, with a world title under his belt.
Hamish Pepper – Moonlight
Olympian Hamish Pepper – a Laser and Star World Champion – takes the tactician’s role onboard Moonlight. He brings a cool head and sharp tactical nous, honed through campaigns with Team New Zealand (2000), BMW Oracle Racing, and Team Synergy. Pepper has a history of delivering under pressure.
James Baxter and Daniel Fong – Perhonen
Perhonen fields two more seasoned pros. James Baxter, formerly a grinder with Team New Zealand and later a key crew member during Oracle’s 2010 and 2013 Cup victories, takes on main trim duties. He’s joined by Daniel Fong, whose grand prix pedigree includes Whitbread, Volvo Ocean Race, and America’s Cup campaigns with America True, Luna Rossa, BMW Oracle, and Team New Zealand. Fong’s experience also spans superyachts (Ranger, Velsheda) and cutting-edge campaigns onboard Bella Mente and Momo.
A deep and diverse fleet
Alongside these Kiwis are new names and teams. The ClubSwan 50 welcomes three new entries: Lady Ghada (Egypt), All In One (Turkey), and Volpe (Netherlands), while other classes also see returning teams and new talent. In the ClubSwan 42s, Zappy (France) and Raving Swan (USA) return from a two-year break. A Hungarian team, Racing Django, makes its debut in the ClubSwan 36s. The ClubSwan Academy, focused on youth development, fields a Dutch team in the 28s – which enter their first full competitive season after debuting in late 2024.
With 32 races planned across the full Nations League calendar, the Bonifacio Challenge is only the beginning. But as the opening act, it sets the tone: high-calibre racing, spectacular venues, and a global community united by precision, performance, and passion.
Whether they reach the podium or not, the Kiwi sailors underscore New Zealand’s standing as a powerhouse in the world of competitive sailing. Their presence, alongside global talent, is a reminder that while the geography may change, world-class skills – and fierce rivalries – travel well.
