YCCS flagship regatta, the Sardinia Cup, set to return in 2026
by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 14 Jul 2025 16:38 BST
31 May - 7 June 2026
An image of the first edition of the Sardinia Cup, held in 1978 © Yacht Club Costa Smeralda
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is pleased to announce the return of the Sardinia Cup, one of the Club's most iconic regattas and a renowned international sailing event.
The competition will make its long-awaited return to the waters of the Costa Smeralda from 31 May to 7 June 2026, following the last edition in 2012.
The format of the Sardinia Cup mirrors that of the celebrated Admiral's Cup, which also returns in July 2025 after a 22-year hiatus. Teams representing their yacht clubs will take part with two boats each, with nationality being determined by the location of the Club. Both boats entered must comply with a predefined IRC rating range, similar to the one used in the Admiral's Cup.
The programme for the regatta will see five days of racing, including two medium to long distance coastal courses and three days of windward-leeward racing in the waters off Porto Cervo.
"The Sardinia Cup represents a cornerstone of our identity. We are very pleased to announce its return - an homage to the Club's history and a move that looks to the future with renewed enthusiasm. It is an event that helped shape both Italian and international sailing, and we're certain it will do so again, on one of the world's most beautiful race courses." commented YCCS Commodore Andrea Recordati.
First held in 1978 and strongly supported by then-Commodore Gianfranco Alberini, the Sardinia Cup marked the beginnings of international sailing events at the YCCS, contributing to earning the Club a respected place on the global yachting scene. The regatta was conceived to alternate in even-numbered years with the Admiral's Cup, the prestigious British competition that returns to the racing calendar this year.
Over the years, many of Italy's most celebrated yachts have taken part in the Sardinia Cup. Notable among them are Vanina, Yena and Dida V, who won the inaugural edition of the event in 1978. Brava, owned by Pasquale Landolfi, debuted at the Sardinia Cup in 1982, winning that edition and going on to collect further victories in 1990,1992,1996 and 1998. A memorable American win in 1980 by Acadia, Merry Thought and Tatoosh. Italy's dominance in the Roll of Honour includes the 1992 success of a team composed of YCCS members Giorgio Carriero with Mandrake, Pasquale Landolfi with Brava, and Luigi Carpaneda with Botta Dritta. Their respective crews boasted renowned sailors of the calibre of Francesco De Angelis and Rod Davis, Lars and Torben Grael, Flavio Favini and Tiziano Nava.
The Sardinia Cup gained popularity over time, fuelled by the participation of boats and sailors of the highest level, a unique race course in the Mediterranean, and a strong competitive spirit and sense of team pride. The return of this historic competition, following the successful revival of the Admiral's Cup, reflects strong enthusiasm for this style of competition.
Further details on the Sardinia Cup and the Notice of Race will be published in the coming weeks.