25th Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy 2026: Preview
by Joseph Sawyer 23 Jun 16:17 BST
24-28 June 2026
Argentario Sailing Week 2025, day 4 © Marco Solari
Preparations are under way at Porto Santo Stefano for the 25th edition of the Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy, among the most anticipated international events dedicated to classic and vintage yachting.
Adding to the event's celebrations for a quarter of a century of sport and beauty at sea will be the presence of the 69-metre training ship Palinuro: sailing icon of the Italian Navy and symbol of the country's seafaring tradition. On Wednesday 24 June, the Palinuro will moor at the Garibaldi quay in Porto Santo Stefano, where it will remain until Sunday 28 June.
The 25th Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy 2026, organised by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano, is held under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Tourism, the Region of Tuscany, the Province of Grosseto, the Italian Vintage Sailing Association, and the International Mediterranean Classic Yachting Committee, supported by the tangible contributions of the Municipality of Monte Argentario.
The Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy 2026's numbers confirm the regatta's international scope: fifty yachts entering from ten countries across three continents, as well as a community of over 1,000 people - from owners to crews, guests, organisers and yachting enthusiasts - who will bring Monte Argentario to life during a week brimming with events and top-notch sailing.
One number stands head and shoulders above all others in highlighting the historical significance and prestige of the stellar fleet of Grandes Dames taking part in this year's Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy: a sum total of almost 3,500 combined years of sailing and naval architecture history will be represented by the 50 exceptional vintage and classic yachts registered to race against the Gulf's spectacular backdrop. While the event itself celebrates its first quarter of a century, this year's line-up will take sailors and onlookers on a journey spanning well over a century, covering 130 years of maritime tradition: starting with Cariad, launched in 1896 and now celebrating her 130th anniversary, followed by Chinook and Rowdy, both celebrating their 110th anniversaries, and the three centenarians Hallowe'en, Margaret and Marilee.
The fifty-strong fleet of classic and vintage yachts is divided into eight classes: Big Boats, Gaff Vintage, Marconi Vintage, Classic, Classic IOR, Cruiser, Spirit of Tradition and Swan Classic. Prizes will be awarded to the top three boats in each class.
The event will officially kick off on Wednesday 24 June with registration and measurement checks. The event will consist of four days of racing, from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 June. Following the crew briefing, the first warning signal will be given at 11.00 am on Thursday. The races will continue until Sunday, which will end with the award ceremony scheduled for 6.00 pm at the regatta village, located on the Pilarella jetty.
Institutional statements:
"We are delighted to welcome a new edition of the Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy, an event that has made the name Monte Argentario synonymous with international sailing for over three decades. This historic regatta brings yacht owners, crews and enthusiasts from all over the world to our shores, showcasing one of the most stunning and sought-after stretches of water in the Mediterranean. The Argentario Gulf offers a unique setting, where sport, the sea and the surrounding landscape come together to create a breath-taking experience. We are proud to host one of the most prestigious events on the international calendar for classic and vintage yachts, and to introduce its participants to one of the most picturesque areas of Tuscany and Italy," stated Arturo Cerulli, Mayor of Monte Argentario.
"I am honoured to open the 25th edition of the Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy this week, one of the most prestigious events on the Italian Vintage Sailing Association circuit taking place across the Tyrrhenian Sea," emphasised Alessandro Maria Rinaldi, President of Yacht Club Santo Stefano. "This year, we're delighted to welcome the legendary Palinuro, one of Italy's most iconic tall ships, to our shores. Her arrival adds a touch of charm and beauty to the Argentario Gulf.
The Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy embodies the essence and enduring legacy of historic sailing challenges. The sport's timeless charm has consistently provided an unrivalled and irresistible spectacle throughout centuries of yachting. I extend my warmest welcome to the owners and crews of the magnificent yachts joining us this week. They have truly left an indelible mark on 20th-century sailing history. Special thanks go to Mayor Arturo Cerulli and his Municipal Council, whose determination has made this dream a reality. I would like to thank the regional and local maritime authorities, particularly the Captain of the training ship Palinuro, Gianluca Montella, who will be welcoming visitors onboard his ship over the coming days, and the Commander of the Porto Santo Stefano Maritime District Office, Lieutenant Francesco Luigi Balsamo, for deploying the necessary resources to accommodate so many yachts.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the title sponsor, Miramis Group, which complements our maritime hospitality with hospitality on land, offering participants access to the Group's prestigious hotels."
"The launch of the 25th edition of the Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy celebrates a tradition that has evolved over time without ever straying from its identity, the result of a shared commitment of institutions, associations and professionals who, year after year, contribute to the success of an event that attracts yacht owners, crews and guests from all over the world. For Miramis, it is a source of great satisfaction to support, especially this year as title sponsor, an event that is a benchmark in the sailing world and which helps to promote the Argentario location as a destination capable of hosting events of international significance and a community united by a deep-rooted maritime culture," stated Stefano Cuoco, CEO of Miramis.
The 25th edition of the Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy is organised with the support of title sponsor Miramis, official partners Jefferies and Nuncas Marine, institutional partner Banca Patrimoni Sella & C., and technical partners Helly Hansen, Cantiere Navale dell'Argentario and Verdissimo.
Special prizes
- The "Trofeo Voscià - Giancarlo Lodigiani" challenge trophy - inspired by the memory of the former President of the Italian Vintage Sailing Association who passed away in 2024 - is awarded to the Yawl-rigged yacht that achieves the highest score in the final standings;
- The Miramis Trophy is awarded to the overall winner in the Vintage classes;
- The Sixters Trophy is awarded jointly to the two yachts whose owners declare at the start of the event that they wish to compete together for the Trophy and who achieve the best combined results in the vintage sails category of the Argentario Sailing Week - Miramis Trophy. In the event of a tie, the trophy will go to the yacht in the category with the highest number of yachts registered and starting in the event.
All official event documents are available here