The Sardinia Cup returns to Porto Cervo this week after a 14-year absence, bringing together 10 international teams and 20 yachts for one of the Mediterranean's most anticipated regattas.
Organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) adopts a new club-team format, with each team represented by two boats. The structure mirrors the modern Admiral's Cup, with which the Sardinia Cup has historically alternated.
Teams from Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Turkey have assembled in Porto Cervo, fielding some of the sport's most recognised sailors and tacticians. Every crew includes at least one female sailor and one sailor under the age of 25.
Among the leading entries are two teams from the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Yacht Club de France, the Bayerischer Yacht Club and the Turkish Offshore Racing Sports Club. Italian representation comes from the Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia, Yacht Club Repubblica Marinara di Pisa, Yacht Club Rimini, Vela Club Portocivitanova and host club YCCS.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club fields James Neville's TP52 Ino Veritas alongside Per Roman's GP42 Garm. Its second team includes Peter Harrison's Admiral's Cup-winning IRC 52, Jolt 3, and Niklas Zennström's IRC European champion, RAN.
Bow Battle — Jolt 3, representing the Royal Ocean Racing Club and winner of the 2025 Admiral’s Cup, races alongside rival entries during the return of the Sardinia Cup in Porto Cervo. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
Yacht Club Repubblica Marinara di Pisa will race Roberto Lacorte's wallyrocket51 Rocket Nikka and the Fast40+ Nola, while Bayerischer Yacht Club brings the successful TP52 Red Bandit and the 43-foot Neomind.
The home challenge comes from Team Django. Giovanni Lombardi Stronati will helm Django WR alongside an afterguard featuring Guillermo Parada and Vasco Vascotto. The Fast40+ Django JP will be steered by Alberto Bolzan with Michele Ivaldi calling tactics.
Home Waters — Django WR, owned and helmed by Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, flies the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda burgee as the home team challenges for the revived Sardinia Cup trophy. Photo: Studio Borlenghi
"Flying the colours of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda at the Sardinia Cup is both a great honour and a great responsibility for me," said Lombardi Stronati. "We're here to have fun, because ultimately that's one of the best things about sailing, but we'll do so with a competitive approach and the utmost determination."
YCCS Commodore Andrea Recordati welcomed the event's return. "The return of the Sardinia Cup perfectly embodies the history of our Club," he said.
"We look to the future with an awareness of our past and what we have built over almost 60 years of international yachting."
Following an official practice race in favourable conditions, racing begins on 2 June with a coastal contest. A 150-nautical-mile offshore race is scheduled for 3-4 June, followed by windward-leeward and coastal racing through to 7 June in the waters of Porto Cervo and the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Forecast Mistral winds are expected to provide strong opening conditions before easing later in the week.
