Please select your home edition
Edition
Rooster 2025

Entry criteria announced for Sardinia Cup 2026

by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 17 Sep 16:36 BST 31 May - 7 June 2026
Sardinia Cup © Yacht Club Costa Smeralda

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is pleased to announce that the next edition of the Sardinia Cup, taking place from 31 May to 7 June 2026, will adopt the IRC Rating Bands applied by the Royal Ocean Racing Club for the Admiral's Cup.

Established in 1978 and strongly promoted by then-Commodore Gianfranco Alberini, the Sardinia Cup is set to return to the international calendar next year, following its last edition in 2012. The regatta helped to make the Club a benchmark in international yachting, earning a reputation over the decades for attracting top-level boats and sailors, thanks to its spectacular Mediterranean race course, competitive spirit, and strong sense of belonging. The Sardinia Cup was designed to alternate in even-numbered years with the Admiral's Cup, the prestigious British competition that made its own return to the racing schedule this year.

In accordance with the rules for the Sardinia Cup 2026, teams of two boats - meeting the rating band requirements listed below - will compete on behalf of their yacht club. Nationality will be determined by the location of the yacht club represented. Each crew must also field at least one female athlete and one youth sailor under 27 years of age.

The programme for the regatta will include an overnight offshore race, alongside three days of competition alternating between coastal and windward-leeward courses.

YCCS Commodore Andrea Recordati commented: "The success of the Admiral's Cup this year reminded us how much we have missed sailing events of this calibre, where team spirit, national pride, and the honour of representing one's yacht club, are driving forces. The return of the Sardinia Cup in 2026 will no doubt channel this same enthusiasm, and our collaboration with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, through the adoption of the same rating bands to be used for the next edition of the Admiral's Cup, offers owners continuity and a strong incentive to take part."

The Notice of Race for the Sardinia Cup is currently being finalised and will be published by the end of October. In the meantime, the YCCS invites owners and crews to register their interest in order to receive updates and relevant useful information by contacting the YCCS Race Office: .

Rating Bands - Sardinia Cup 2026:

ClassMin TCCMax TCCMin LH (m)Max LH (m)Max Draft (m)
SC 11.2951.44013.4117.103.9
SC 21.1251.28211.5013.403.4

Related Articles

Another win for MACIF Santé Prévoyance
Sam Goodchild and Loïs Berrehar victorious in Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération The British skipper Sam Goodchild, who was a key part of the crew on Biotherm that won The Ocean Race Europe, followed up with victory in the two-handed Défi Azimut - Lorient Agglomération 48 Hours race today. Posted today at 10:52 pm
Team Malizia ends on a high
Boris Herrmann's team fourth in The Ocean Race Europe After five legs, over 4,500 nautical miles, and six weeks of intense offshore racing, The Ocean Race Europe 2025 concluded today in Boka Bay, Montenegro. Team Malizia delivered a strong performance, climbing the overall leaderboard to finish fourth. Posted today at 9:56 pm
A podium finish for Holcim-PRB
Team showed drive, consistent performance and commitment in The Ocean Race Europe After six weeks of racing, Holcim-PRB sailed its final race of The Ocean Race Europe 2025 today in Montenegro. With a third-place finish in the coastal race in Boka Bay, the Swiss boat secured a spot on the podium, claiming the bronze medal. Posted today at 9:47 pm
Emirates GBR street fighting and scrapping
Race Day 1 of the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said it felt as though the team was "street fighting" and "scrapping for every metre" on Race Day 1 of the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix on Saturday. Posted today at 9:04 pm
15th Défi Azimut - Acceleration and extension
Sleep? Dream on! The numerous videos posted by the OBRs (On-Board Reporters) on the Défi Azimut Lorient Agglomération server this morning testify to the infinite patience and the depth of talent required by the crews to make the Occidentale de Sein. Posted today at 8:53 pm
Richard Smallwood trophy at Frensham
2.4mRs, Hansas and a Stratos battle it out The Richard Smallwood Trophy is a two-day event set up in tribute to Richard Smallwood who was one of the leading lights in the creation and subsequent growth of disabled sailing at Frensham Pond in Surrey. Posted today at 8:50 pm
Noble Marine Musto Skiff UK Nationals day 3
Eddie Bridle rises to the top of the chasing pack Racing today was held inside the harbour, owing to the fruity forecast predicting a hazardous return to Harbour over the infamous 'bar' in 20 kts and an ebb tide. Posted today at 7:43 pm
Rooster Outlet deals during the boat show
More lines, more sizes, and bigger savings, even if you're not visiting Southampton The Southampton International Boat Show is officially underway, and we're excited to be there showcasing the latest Rooster kit alongside some unmissable deals. If you're visiting SIBS, make sure to come and see us at stand no W062. Posted today at 7:00 pm
BONDS Flying Roos in pole position in Geneva
Day 1 of Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix The BONDS Flying Roos top the event leaderboard with 25 points after opening day in Geneva. All 12 international teams battled shifty, light conditions, with those able to stay up on the foils and nail the maneuvers finding themselves still in the hunt. Posted today at 6:21 pm
Biotherm takes the win
Spectacular Coastal Race in Boka Bay marks the end of The Ocean Race Europe The Boka Bay Coastal Race was a perfect reflection of this edition of The Ocean Race Europe: spectacular. And as they did over and over again during the past six weeks, it was Paul Meilhat's Biotherm who secured victory. Posted today at 6:12 pm