Regattas 2025 in Sardinia between sport and glamour

The season's must-see stops along the coast

When one talks about elite sailing, elegance and adrenaline, you immediately think of Porto Cervo. This is because it is an iconic place: the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS). Since its establishment at the end of the 1960s, its modern vision has transformed Porto Cervo into a centre of excellence for international sailing. Between the emerald reflections of the sea and the new restyling of the headquarters designed in the early 2000s by architect Peter Marino, nautical tradition is combined with innovation and an unparalleled lifestyle. In 2025, the club has reaffirmed its vision with a programme of sporting events of international relevance, designed for an audience made up of protagonists and not spectators. The YCCS is more than just a club: it is a workshop of beauty, sporting excellence and environmental commitment. All regattas comply with the Clean Regattas international regulations formulated by the Sailors for the Sea organisation with the aim of receiving Platinum certification, the highest recognition. A serious commitment which confirms the relevance of Porto Cervo as a promoter of sustainable sailing.

On 4 June, the club organised the YCCS Clean Beach Day to celebrate the World Oceans Day held a few days later, : an event open to all and organised with the patronage of the Municipality of Arzachena, the support of the Costa Smeralda Consortium, Fondazione One Ocean, Sailors for the Sea and the CNR of Oristano. The 2025 season had already started in May with the exciting RC44 Porto Cervo Cup, a one-design race designed by Russell Coutts. Twelve international teams amazed the public with their skills at sea and style on land. After that, it was the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta reserved for large sailing yachts of more than 80 feet.

The event included the Southern Wind Rendez-Vous, now in its 19th edition. In the middle of June, the Nations League – Swan One Design Worlds: a race which featured Nautor’s Swan one-design sailing yachts, including the new ClubSwan 28 class which first sailed in Porto Cervo in 2024 on the occasion of the Rolex Swan Cup. Regattas of high technical value, but also exclusive events between the waterfront and the terraces of the Club. July and August will be more private: cocktail parties reserved for the members, gala dinners, and evenings under the stars. But the season will become lively again in September with two symbolic events.

From 7 to 13 September, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will celebrate its 35th edition and 40 years of partnership with Rolex – an undisputed symbol of excellence. Regarded as the world championship for maxi yachts (at least 70 feet), it will assign the World Sailing titles for the Maxi 1 and Maxi Grand Prix classes. Going for a walk along the docks during those days, you will be able to see real legends of Olympic sailing and the America’s Cup. The grand finale will be from 21 to 27 September with the 52 Super Series Porto Cervo Sailing Week: the last stage of the TP52 circuit and one of the most important sporting events in sailing. This will be an exciting return also for the YCCS whose Azzurra TP52 team successfully raced in the 52 Super Series from 2010 to 2020. But the influence of the club extends well beyond the Mediterranean. In 2025, there will also be the return of the legendary Admiral’s Cup after a break of 22 years.

Starting from 19 July, a team by Giovanni Lombardi Stronzati, shipowner and member of the YCCS will represent the club at the prestigious competition held in the English Channel with two boats led by Vasco Vascotto – Django WR51 and Django JPK – on the occasion of the centenary celebrations for the Royal Ocean Racing Club. In the exclusive atmosphere of its terraces overlooking the harbour, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda continues to be a sailing centre of excellence. Not ostentatious, but rich in meaning and value, it embodies an idea of sailing as an art, passion, lifestyle and constant desire to overcome one’s limits.