YCCS postpones opening and is ready for 2020 season

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2019 © Carlo Borlenghi / Rolex

Pending definitive government provisions, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has postponed the opening of its base in Porto Cervo until the end of June/beginning of July, and in the meantime is preparing to get safely under way.

During this period of forced closure, preparations are continuing for social and sporting events in July and August, and the traditional September regattas - the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup - together with the Sailing Champions League, which for the moment remain confirmed, although possibly with certain limitations. As for the Perini Navi Cup, in agreement with the Perini shipyard it has been decided instead to postpone the event until 2021. In addition, given that the international regatta calendar is constantly evolving, the possibility of racing in October has not been ruled out.

Regional sources have indicated that national flights to and from Sardinia will resume from 15 June. Confirmation is expected in the coming days on whether or not this will be brought forward to the beginning of June on the basis of national indications, while international connections will resume from 25 June.

The main objective for the season will be first and foremost to assure the utmost safety for visitors to the structure - members, staff, boat owners, sailors, suppliers, etc. - through timely implementation of the standards developed by the Government, WHO, Federalberghi, the Italian Ministry of Health, CONI (Italian Olympic Committee), etc. The YCCS Crisis Management Committee is constantly at work, monitoring alignment with government provisions, and will remain active throughout the duration of the emergency, working to ensure all measures for safeguarding health are adopted.

In addition, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has recently begun to collaborate with various local entities and operators in the tourism sector, offering its contribution to develop a new tourism offer for Sardinia as a destination. Among these collaborative projects is "Sardegna Isola Sicura" (Sardinia - Safe Island) launched by the Portale Sardegna Group with the aim of ensuring the Sardinian tourism supply chain is prepared and coordinated in managing arrivals, reducing any worries tourists may have to a minimum.

YCCS aerial view - photo © Carlo Borlenghi

YCCS Commodore, Riccardo Bonadeo commented: "We are all aware of the grave crisis that we are experiencing at an international level, and also of the great uncertainty that defines this historic period, elements that undermine the stability of long-term decisions. However, circumstances permitting, the YCCS intends to safely begin to resume its activities. We are working actively and proactively to this end, so that we will be ready and organised to handle the season ahead in the best possible manner. We have promised ourselves that we will face this challenge with extreme prudence of course, but also with faith and determination."

The YCCS will provide updates on its sporting events at the end of May, end of June and end of July on the basis of the evolution of the situation at an international level.

Information on any developments regarding the activities of the YCCS in relation to the Covid-19 crisis will be published in the dedicated section of the website.

See the updated sports calendar here.