The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta officially kicks off in Porto Cervo today, 6th June 2023, with the captains' briefing followed by a welcome cocktail for participants on the rooftop terrace of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The Club is organising the event, which launches the calendar of superyacht regattas in the Mediterranean, alongside title sponsor Giorgio Armani. Now in its 16th edition, the second in partnership with Giorgio Armani, the regatta will conclude on Saturday 10th June.
Twelve superyachts are currently moored in Porto Cervo marina, a fleet which from tomorrow will be sailing the waters of the Costa Smeralda and weaving through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, providing a unique backdrop to the racing.
The fleet has been divided into two divisions, Superyacht and Southern Wind, with the latter dedicated to boats from the South African shipyard of the same name. The Southern Wind Rendezvous, an integral part of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, is an occasion for owners to compete in friendly races, which conclude with a sociable meet-up on the water before returning to the dock. The Superyacht division is in turn divided into 'Combined Performance & Cruising Class' and 'Superyacht Cruising Class', reserved for superyachts in accordance with the regulations of the Superyacht Racing Association. The winner of this class will be awarded the prestigious Silver Jubilee Cup.
Racing will take place over four days, through Saturday 10th June, with the size of the participating vessels meaning there will be a particular focus on safety. The Superyacht Division will have staggered starts every two to three minutes for this purpose. The courses, as always, will use the islands of the archipelago of La Maddalena as natural marks. As for the classic floating buoys used for the start, offset and finish line marks, organiser the YCCS will use MarkSetBot robotic buoys, which hold their position thanks to an electric motor teamed with a GPS system, with no need for anchors on the seabed.
The top-level fleet includes returning participants such as Pattoo, a 33-metre Malcolm McKeon design which claimed victory in Porto Cervo in 2021 under the name Missy, as well as the modern Baltic 108 Win Win, a 2022 participant, and Inoui, designed by Philippe Briand for Switzerland's Marco Vogele, an owner who never misses the Superyacht Regatta.The Wallycento V will undoubtedly attract attention thanks to its aesthetic lines and technology - designed by Mark Mills with interiors by Pininfarina, this eye-catching yacht was formerly known as Tango.
Among the Southern Wind yachts, the SW105 Sørvind, whose name means "south wind", will be attending the event for the first time. Launched in March 2022 in Cape Town, the yacht was recently awarded the title of Best Sailing Yacht below 50 metres at the World Superyacht Awards 2023. Returning to the Rendezvous, meanwhile, are yachts such as the SW102 Egiwave, the SW100 Freebird, and the most competitive vessel in the fleet, the SW94 Aragon.
The programme back on land will see the Giorgio Armani Owners' Dinner held on the evening of 7th June, without doubt the most glamorous and exclusive moment of the week, while the Farewell Party taking place on Friday 9th is also not to be missed, and is open to all the crews.
"The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta opens our international sporting season, and I want to extend the warmest of welcomes to the owners and crews, many of whom return to Porto Cervo every year. Thanks to them and to Southern Wind for showing their appreciation for our event. And special thanks must obviously go to Giorgio Armani, for choosing the YCCS and uniting his name with the Superyacht Regatta. Fair winds to everyone!" commented YCCS Commodore Michael Illbruck.
Tomorrow's forecast is showing ...... The first starting signal is expected to sound at 11.30 a.m. for the Southern Wind fleet, followed by the Superyacht division at 12 midday.