Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, day one brings a perfect start

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta got off to a perfect start today, the event is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda with the support of title sponsor Giorgio Armani, and is now in its 16th edition. A north-easterly breeze of about 7 knots intensified, as expected, to around 12 knots and rotated towards the southeast over the course of the day. At 1 p.m. the Race Committee sounded the start for the 45-metre Gitana, the first superyacht off the line in the staggered starting sequence used by the Superyacht Racing Association to ensure safety on the course for these imposing vessels. The Southern Wind division, reserved for yachts from the shipyard of the same name, then got going at 1:30 p.m. The departure for the Southern Wind Rendezvous was instead a fleet affair, with the SW105 Sørvind winning the start.

The route chosen by the Race Committee took both divisions, Superyacht and Southern Wind, from the start off Porto Cervo to an offset mark, before rounding the island of Monaci. After leaving the Monaci lighthouse to port, the superyachts sailed up the coast of the island of Caprera and entered the Saline gulf, where they left a mark to port before returning to Porto Cervo via the Bisce Pass, for a total of approximately 20 miles.

The first day saw the 33-metre Baltic 108 Win Win take victory in the Superyacht division, followed by another 108-footer in the form of Inoui, with owner-helmsman and regular participant in the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta Marco Vogele on board. Inoui fought for most of the course with Pattoo, another 33-metre yacht which already has a win in Porto Cervo under her belt, when she was known as Missy. The Wallycento V, meanwhile, claimed the top spot in the Combined Performance and Cruising Class.

Ken Read, multi-award winning sailor and tactician on the Wallycento V, declared: "We couldn't have asked for a better day here in Porto Cervo. Sunshine, flat seas and a gentle breeze of 12 knots, a perfect situation for these boats. The beauty of this place always amazes me and sailing here with these boats is a unique experience, they let me have a few moments in which to look around and smile, because honestly there is nothing more beautiful than all this."

Results aren't drawn up for the boats taking part in the Southern Wind Rendezvous, reflecting the particularly convivial atmosphere that reigns at this gathering, now in its 17th edition. The fleet sailed in a compact group and the owners were able to enjoy the same course as the Superyacht division.

Since the social aspect ashore is an integral and exclusive part of the entire event, the day will conclude with the Owners' Dinner, offered by Giorgio Armani to owners and their guests at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, where the terrace offers splendid views over the marina and the waters off Porto Cervo.

Racing continues tomorrow, 8th June, with a breeze similar to today's forecast. The start for the Southern Wind Rendezvous division is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., followed by the Superyacht division at 12 midday.