YCCS kicks off sporting season with Round 1 of Cape 31 Med Circuit
by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 23 Apr 16:58 BST
24-26 April 2026
Cape 31 Med Circuit © Yacht Club Costa Smeralda
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's sporting season gets under way with a noteworthy debut, as it welcomes the Cape 31 to the waters off Porto Cervo.
Designed by Mark Mills in collaboration with YCCS member Lord Irvine Laidlaw, the one-design class is attracting growing interest from experienced owners and their crews, comprising both amateur and professional sailors.
The Porto Cervo event also opens the 2026 Mediterranean circuit for the Cape 31 Class, with Round 1 organised in collaboration with the YCCS. Fourteen boats are entered, bringing together familiar names and newcomers. Among the seasoned competitors are Alessandro Rombelli's Stig, 2025 European and circuit winner, Lennard van Oeveren's Motions, reigning Corinthian champions, and Michael Wilson's Shotgunn, last season's champion. Joining them for the season opener in Porto Cervo are new entry Team Chocolate, skippered by François Bopp, and Django, skippered by Vittorio Lombardi Stronati and flying the YCCS colours.
The first starting signal is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday 24 April at 12 noon. Today, 23 April, competitors took part in the practice race ahead of the skippers' briefing and a welcome cocktail on the YCCS terrace. A maximum of nine windward-leeward races are planned across the weekend, with up to four races taking place per day. After each day on the water, sailors will gather in Piazza Azzurra for the traditional post-race refreshments. On Saturday 25 April, all competitors are invited to the Team Party at the YCCS, before racing concludes on Sunday 26 April with the prize-giving ceremony in Piazza Azzurra.
Giorgio Benussi, YCCS Secretary General and Sports Director, commented: "We are particularly pleased to open the sporting season by welcoming the Cape 31 class for the first time. This rapidly growing circuit fully embodies the truest essence of sailing: fierce competition on the water, a strong fighting spirit and, at the same time, a deep respect for the values of camaraderie and solidarity among crews. We look forward to watching the 14 teams do battle on the regatta course off Porto Cervo, in what are sure to be highly technical races."
The weather forecast indicates light winds for the entire regatta weekend.
Event website: cms.cape31class.com/racing/regatta/porto-cervo-2026
Race Circuit Fires into Life and New Season Momentum
Racing activity begins on Thursday 23rd with the official training day, marking an important step forward for the circuit. The fleet will be joined by newly appointed professional Race Officer Mattais Dahlstrom, bringing fresh expertise and precision to race management. Teams will also be introduced to the Vakaros Race System for the first time, enhancing on-the-water performance tracking and race execution.
This season also sees expanded media coverage, with Sailing Energy Media onboard to capture all the action throughout the circuit, starting here in Porto Cervo. On-the-water umpiring will be in place to ensure fair and consistent racing across the fleet.
A strong and competitive lineup is confirmed for the opening event, featuring many familiar names alongside exciting new entries. Among those returning are 2025 European and Circuit Champions Alessandro Rombelli's Stig, Corinthian Champions Motions, and previous season champions Michael Wilson's Shotgunn. Joining them this season are new teams Django and Team Chocolate, adding further depth to an already high-calibre fleet.
In total, 14 teams representing 10 nations will compete in Porto Cervo, setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested Mediterranean circuit. Across the full season, the fleet is expected to grow to over 20 teams, underlining the continued momentum of the class. Notable additions include the renowned Swan team Hatari, now campaigned by new owner Marcus Brenneke, alongside Poland's Aspire and new Italian entries Chisum and Milkwave. German teams will also strengthen the fleet later in the season, with Niramo (hull 43, formerly Chaotic) and hull 31 set to join.
Off the water, the event is equally well supported. Range Rover will provide airport transfers for teams and guests, as well as offering test drives throughout the weekend. A full social programme complements the racing, including a Welcome Cocktail and Crew Party hosted at the yacht club.