The first edition of the Swan Asian Regatta, held from 7th to 9th November at Riviera Zushi Marina in Sagami Bay, approximately 40 kilometres south-west of Tokyo, concluded with the victory of ClubSwan 42 Summer Girl, owned by Masahiro Banba.
The Swan Asian Regatta was the first regatta dedicated to Swans to be held in Japan, and the event is part of company Nautor’s initiatives to expand its global community and celebrate the timeless values that define the brand.
An experienced Japanese sailor, Masahiro Banba has won the Japan Cup four times and has participated twice in the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup. He is currently president of the Japan Sailing Federation.
Second place went to Naomichi Ando’s Swan 45 Lady Kanon and third place to Noboru Watanabe’s Swan 58 Qualia Riviera, the latter of whom is president and CEO of the Riviera Group, partner of the Riviera Swan Asian Regatta.
“Everyone involved has been nothing but incredibly supportive throughout all activities, in fact, we have already started to organise next year’s edition. The good news is that four crews have already confirmed their participation in the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo, and we very much hope others will join them to ensure a strong Japanese representation. Our goal is to strengthen our focus on sailing in Japan and, thus, on this event,” commented Barry Ashmore, Chief Commercial Officer of Nautor Swan.
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