The Cape 31 Mediterranean Circuit moves to Sardinia this weekend for Round 2 of the 2026 series at Puntaldia. Racing runs from 15–17 May and is hosted by Marina di Puntaldia and Yacht Club Marina Puntaldia on Sardinia’s north-east coast. The fleet arrives after a strong opening round in Porto Cervo, with teams expecting competitive racing following a week of Mistral winds across the region.
Boats have been preparing in Puntaldia throughout the week ahead of Friday’s first start at midday. The regatta programme combines on-water racing with a packed social schedule, including daily post-race gatherings, a crew party at Il Marino Restaurant on Saturday evening and Sunday’s final prize-giving ceremony.
Fleet Focus: Cape 31 crews line up for close racing on the Mediterranean circuit in Sardinia. Photo: Sailing Energy
“We’re excited to be returning to Sardinia for Round 2, and to be visiting Puntaldia for the first time as a class,” said Tor Tomlinson Cheney. “It’s a beautiful venue both on and off the water, and the combination of great racing conditions, excellent hospitality and a fantastic social programme should make this a real highlight of the season,” he said.
A strong international fleet from across Europe is expected on the start line, with entries from Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Turkey, Hungary and the Isle of Man.
Round 1 winners Stig, skippered by Alessandro Rombelli, return looking to extend their early lead after victory in Porto Cervo. Michael Wilson’s Shotgunn, which finished second in Round 1, also returns with Olympic sailors Stu Bithell and Luke Patience onboard. Third-placed Kalantis will not race in Puntaldia, leaving the podium positions wide open.
Round Winners: Alessandro Rombelli’s Stig crew celebrate victory in Round 1 at Porto Cervo. Photo: Sailing Energy
The weekend could also produce a shake-up in the standings if a stronger breeze arrives, with teams expecting different conditions from the lighter winds often seen in Sardinia. Puntaldia also marks the debut of Hatari’s new Cape 31, recently delivered from Cape Performance Sailing in Cape Town.
Nic Asher joins the Hatari crew as the team makes its first appearance against the established front-runners. Returning entries include K-Force Jr, Hatari, Shotgunn, Squirt and Black Pearl in a fleet combining Corinthian and professional sailors.
Olympic medallists and world champions expected to race include Luke Patience, Stu Bithell, Ian Ainslie, Sime Fantela, Sam Gilmour and Zsombor Berecz. With three days of racing scheduled and favourable conditions forecast, organisers expect another close contest in the growing Cape 31 Mediterranean Series.
