EARLYBIRD WINS THE CLUBSWAN 50 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN NAPLES
Hendrik Brandis’s German yacht EarlyBird secures its second consecutive world title after a thrilling final-day battle with Turkey’s All in One, while Hatari claims The Nations League honours.
The Gulf of Naples once again provided a spectacular setting for world-class sailing as the ClubSwan 50 World Championship 2026 concluded with a hard-fought victory for Hendrik Brandis’s EarlyBird. The German yacht successfully defended its world title following an intense final-day showdown with Turkey’s All in One, owned by H. Cem Bahadir, while Marcus Brenneke’s Hatari completed the podium and secured The Nations League title.
Organised by ClubSwan Racing in collaboration with the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia, the championship brought together 11 yachts representing six countries with sailors from 19 nationalities competing in one of the most closely contested editions of the event.
For EarlyBird, the victory marked another significant milestone in a remarkable journey with the ClubSwan 50 class. A participant since the class’s inception, the team claimed the inaugural European Championship and ranking title in 2017. Following years of fierce competition and three runner-up finishes at the World Championship, EarlyBird secured its first world title in 2025 before successfully defending it in Naples in 2026.
The back-to-back triumph reflects the team’s perseverance, consistency and determination over nearly a decade of competitive racing.
“How exciting! At least five boats had a shot at winning at the start of the day. We gave it our all in these last three races. It was a great battle until the very end with All in One, and that’s what makes sailing so much fun,” commented Hendrik Brandis, owner of EarlyBird. “It’s been a very intense season, and we’re looking forward to lots of fun next season as well, with a great schedule of races in the Mediterranean.”
The victory also marked a personal achievement for EarlyBird tactician Manu Weiller who celebrated his fourth ClubSwan 50 world title, having previously won twice aboard Cuordileone, owned by Leonardo Ferragamo who helped establish the class in 2017.
Adding a special local dimension to the victory were Neapolitan brothers Pierluigi and Lorenzo De Felice, both competing aboard EarlyBird. “We knew that today’s three races would be decisive, and we were certain we’d be able to sail them because I knew the wind would hold. It was great to win here in Naples, in my hometown, together with my brother,” said Pierluigi De Felice.
Four days of challenging conditions and exceptional competition the championship unfolded over four days of demanding and unpredictable weather conditions, testing the tactical skills, adaptability and determination of the competing crews.
The opening day began with promising conditions before a significant wind shift forced the Race Committee to suspend racing. The interaction between the morning Grecale breeze and the developing thermal wind subsequently resulted in calm conditions, preventing further competition.
On the second day, racing was delayed by approximately one hour as the fleet waited for the thermal breeze to establish itself. With winds eventually reaching 8–10 knots, the Race Committee successfully completed three races, including one shortened course.
At the conclusion of the day’s racing, Volpe emerged as the overall leader. Crewed by a close-knit group of friends Patrick Horst, Piet Goevaers, Filip Beyens, Gideon Messink and Anita van Oeveren the team demonstrated impressive consistency in the challenging conditions.
The third day brought a complete absence of wind, leaving the fleet ashore and setting the stage for a decisive final day.
On the fourth and final day, the return of the Grecale wind provided the conditions needed for three additional races. With several teams still in contention for the title, the championship remained wide open heading into the final showdown.
EarlyBird delivered a strong performance when it mattered most, overcoming a determined challenge from All in One, which made its ClubSwan 50 debut in 2025, to secure the world championship crown.
Hatari, owned by Marcus Brenneke, maintained its position among the leading contenders throughout the event, ultimately finishing third overall and claiming The Nations League title. Marlin3, owned by Enrico Aureli and competing in its first season in the class, completed the championship in fourth place.
Naples reinforces its position as a premier sailing destination beyond the sporting achievements, the championship highlighted the Gulf of Naples’s reputation as an outstanding venue for international sailing competitions.
With its distinctive coastline, challenging wind conditions and rich maritime heritage, Naples once again offered an exceptional backdrop for high-level racing, while the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia provided a welcoming environment for owners, crews and the wider ClubSwan community.
Roberto Mottola, President of the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia, reflected on the success of the event and its significance for the club. “With this ClubSwan 50 World Championship, we’ve wrapped up a great season. Seeing them at our dock was a great source of satisfaction because the class is full of exceptional sailors and passionate owners,” said Mottola.
“It was wonderful to witness the shared passion and the spirit that unites sailors, a spirit that aligns very well with what we do in our sports activities, both for young people and for our members. It’s important for them to see these events, just as it was for the preliminary races of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.”
Celebrating the spirit of the ClubSwan community the ClubSwan 50 World Championship once again demonstrated the unique combination of competitive excellence, sportsmanship and camaraderie that defines the ClubSwan racing experience.
Bringing together passionate yacht owners, experienced professional sailors and dedicated teams from around the world, the championship provided a fitting conclusion to another successful season.
Luisa Bambozzi, ClubSwan Managing Director, praised the competitors, organisers and partners whose contributions helped make the event a success.
“The ClubSwan 50 World Championship in Naples has been a wonderful celebration of competitive sailing, sportsmanship and the extraordinary spirit of our ClubSwan community,” commented Bambozzi.
“Our sincere thanks go to the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia for their warm hospitality and commitment in hosting this prestigious event in such an exceptional setting.”
Bambozzi also acknowledged the essential role played by the partners supporting The Nations League circuit. “I would also like to express our gratitude to all our partners of The Nations League circuit, whose contribution is helping us deliver outstanding experiences, both on and off the water.”
The circuit is supported by main partners Rolex, Denza Italia, Henri Lloyd, Banor and Telepass Mare, alongside technical partners Filette Prime Water, Sartoria Dal Cuore, Ethimo, Bricco Falchet, Gottifredi Maffioli, Quantum Sails, North Sails, Doyle Sails, Garmin Marine, B&G and Triacca Trasporti.
Looking ahead, Bambozzi emphasised the enduring importance of the owners and teams who continue to shape the ClubSwan community.
“Above all, it is the passion and loyalty of our owners and teams that make ClubSwan so special. We now look forward to an exciting 2027 season, starting in Bonifacio next May, with new destinations, new challenges and many more memorable moments to share.”
Looking ahead to the 2027 season as the curtain falls on the 2026 ClubSwan 50 World Championship, the Naples event leaves behind a memorable week of competitive racing, remarkable sporting achievements and shared passion for sailing.
With EarlyBird celebrating its second consecutive world title, All in One demonstrating its growing competitiveness and Hatari securing The Nations League honours, the championship once again showcased the strength and depth of the ClubSwan 50 fleet.
Attention now turns to the 2027 ClubSwan racing season, scheduled to begin in Bonifacio in May, promising new destinations, fresh challenges and further opportunities for the international ClubSwan community to come together on and off the water.
