The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) has unveiled its 2026 sporting calendar, confirming a season of international regattas and youth development initiatives.
The programme was presented in Milan to around 200 guests, including members, partners, sailors and media at Casa Gessi.
Opening the event, YCCS President Princess Zahra Aga Khan recalled the vision of the Club’s founder, Aga Khan IV. She said the YCCS continues to set an international benchmark through “excellence, innovation and commitment to future talents”.
Commodore Andrea Recordati highlighted the return of the Range Rover Sardinia Cup after a 14-year absence. He described it as “one of the most iconic events” in the Club’s history.
The biennial team regatta will run from 31 May to 7 June, with ten international teams already entered. The format features two boats per yacht club, restoring its traditional role alongside the UK’s Admiral’s Cup.
The season opens from 24 to 26 April with the Porto Cervo debut of the Cape 31 class, racing in the opening leg of its Mediterranean circuit.
Spring also includes the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta from 26 to 30 May, expected to attract a strong fleet alongside the Southern Wind RendezVous.
In June, Porto Cervo will host the Rolex TP52 World Championship, part of the 52 Super Series. The event is among the most competitive monohull circuits in professional sailing.
The calendar continues with the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in September, followed by the Rolex Swan Cup marking the 60th anniversary of Nautor Swan.
Traditional fixtures remain, including the Vela & Golf event, Smeralda 888 regattas and the YCCS Members’ Championship. The J/70 class will close the season in October with its Italian Championship.
Offshore racing also features, with Porto Cervo supporting the Palermo–Montecarlo race alongside partner clubs.
Alongside racing, the Young Azzurra programme will continue supporting emerging sailors in Olympic and foiling classes.
A new “Call for Young Sailors” initiative, led by Olympic sailor Pietro Zucchetti, will launch in 2027 to identify future talent and introduce young sailors to offshore racing.
Princess Zahra Aga Khan said the Club is “forging a route that honours my father’s vision… enabling us to look to the future with coherence and determination”.
The event concluded with the unveiling of a new perpetual trophy in memory of Aga Khan IV. It will be awarded annually at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
