The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta officially opens in Porto Cervo today, marking the start of the Mediterranean superyacht racing season. Seventeen superyachts are lined up in the Costa Smeralda ahead of racing, which begins tomorrow, 27 May. The event is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) with title sponsor Giorgio Armani returning for a fifth consecutive year.
Racing will continue until 30 May across the waters of the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago. The fleet includes some of the best-known yachts on the international circuit, alongside the 20th Southern Wind Rendezvous and Trophy.
Southern Wind owners will take part in both competitive racing and social sailing events around the islands.
Superyachts race through the waters of the Costa Smeralda as the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta opens the Mediterranean sailing season in Porto Cervo. Photo: YCCS
The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta fleet has been split into Blue and White divisions under ORCsy regulations, with a separate Corinthian category for yachts competing in cruising configuration.
Attention on the water will focus on the renewed rivalry between the Swan 115 Moat and the Southern Wind RP100 Morgana.
Several returning yachts include Gelliceaux, Magic Blue, Grillo Parlante, Liberty and Sorceress. New entries this year include the Southern Wind 108 Kalantis, the 39-metre Vitters yacht Cervo, the Pendennis-built Nostromo and the Wally 94 Vantanera. SØRVIND by Giorgio Armani also returns to the regatta fleet with Tommaso Chieffi, Mike Toppa and Emily Nagel onboard.
Professional sailors across the fleet include Cameron Appleton, Bouwe Bekking, Alicia Ageno, Luis Doreste, Cole Parada and Jesper Bank.
Racing will use staggered coastal starts, with the first warning signal scheduled for 12 noon local time on Tuesday.
Andrea Recordati, Commodore of the YCCS, welcomed competitors to Porto Cervo. “The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta offers what I believe is a perfect balance between sporting competition, the pleasure of sailing and the enjoyment of time spent together for owners and crews,” he said.
The regatta concludes with the prize-giving ceremony in Piazza Azzurra on Saturday, 30 May.
