Karim Aga Khan IV: A Passion for Yachting and His Legacy in Costa Smeralda

On February 4, 2025, Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Shia Muslims, passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon. The Aga Khan Development Network announced his passing with a statement:
"His Highness Prince Karim al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, passed away peacefully in Lisbon, surrounded by his family."

Born in Geneva in 1936, Aga Khan IV assumed spiritual leadership of the Ismaili community in 1957, at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather. Beyond his religious role, he was a prominent philanthropist, founding the Aga Khan Development Network, which has led humanitarian projects in over 30 countries, particularly in Africa and Asia.

The Sardinian coastline held a special place in Aga Khan’s heart. In the 1960s, captivated by the untouched beauty of northeastern Sardinia, he spearheaded the development of Costa Smeralda, transforming it into one of the world's most exclusive luxury destinations. In 1962, he founded Porto Cervo, where he built a 700-berth marina, luxury hotels, and elite social venues.

In 1963, he launched Alisarda Airlines, which later became Meridiana and subsequently Air Italy. His contributions to Sardinia’s infrastructure included the Olbia-Costa Smeralda Airport, built in 1969, which has since become the island’s primary international gateway.

A pivotal figure in yachting, Aga Khan established the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in 1967, reinforcing the region’s strong connection with the world of international sailing and competitive regattas.

Among his most significant legacies in the yachting world—besides the creation of Costa Smeralda—were two projects that shaped international maritime history: Azzurra and Destriero.

Azzurra: The Italian Dream in the America’s Cup

Prince Karim Aga Khan played a key role in Italy’s first-ever America’s Cup challenge, launched through the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) with the Azzurra project. It was the first Italian syndicate to compete in the world’s most prestigious sailing race.

In 1983, Italy made its America’s Cup debut with Azzurra, a 12-meter International Rule class yacht designed by Andrea Vallicelli. The team was led by Cino Ricci, with Mauro Pelaschier as the helmsman.

Azzurra made history, reaching the semi-finals of the first-ever Louis Vuitton Cup, the challenger selection series for the America’s Cup. This accomplishment placed Italy at the forefront of the sailing world, inspiring future Italian campaigns such as Il Moro di Venezia and Luna Rossa, both of which won the Louis Vuitton Cup in later years.

Aga Khan’s commitment to sailing and the YCCS helped establish Costa Smeralda as a leading hub for offshore yacht racing, hosting world-class regattas such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup, some of the most prestigious competitions in the world.

Destriero: The Transatlantic Speed Record

While Azzurra left a lasting mark in the sailing world, Destriero became a milestone in powerboat history.

In 1992, with the backing of Aga Khan and the YCCS, the Destriero set a transatlantic speed record that remains unbroken to this day. It crossed the Atlantic from New York to Bishop Rock (UK) without refueling, covering the distance in just 58 hours, 34 minutes, and 50 seconds, at an average speed of 53 knots.

Built by Fincantieri in La Spezia, the 67.7-meter Destriero was the epitome of naval engineering excellence. Powered by three General Electric gas turbines with a total of 60,000 HP, it was awarded the Blue Riband and the Virgin Atlantic Challenge Trophy for the fastest non-stop transatlantic crossing without refueling.

This extraordinary achievement made Destriero an icon of international powerboating, demonstrating Aga Khan’s vision for innovation and Italian excellence in maritime technology.

Costa Smeralda: A Global Hub for Yachting

Aga Khan’s commitment to yachting extended beyond racing. His vision led to the creation of Costa Smeralda, a groundbreaking project initiated in the 1960s.

In 1962, the Prince purchased vast coastal areas and established the Costa Smeralda Consortium, aiming to transform the region into a luxury tourism and yachting hub.

One of his most significant projects was the development of Porto Cervo Marina, now one of Europe’s most prestigious harbors, featuring over 700 berths—including facilities for superyachts—and world-class infrastructure for luxury boating.

Additionally, Aga Khan founded the Porto Cervo Shipyard, specializing in refitting and maintaining luxury yachts, further cementing Costa Smeralda’s role as a key destination for the international yachting elite.

Aga Khan’s Legacy in Nautical Excellence

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s relationship with the sea was not just entrepreneurial—it was deeply passionate. His dream was for Costa Smeralda to become a global epicenter for luxury yachting, a vision that has become a reality over the decades.

Thanks to his dedication, Sardinia is now a must-visit destination for yacht owners, sailors, and regatta competitors worldwide.

Through his foresight, Karim Aga Khan IV forever changed the history of yachting in Italy and the Mediterranean, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the industry today.

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