Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta opens the superyacht racing season in the Mediterranean
Southern Wind Rendezvous returns as part of the event, for its 17th edition
The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta officially kicks off in Porto Cervo today, 6th June 2023, with the captains’ briefing followed by a welcome cocktail for participants on the rooftop terrace of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The Club is organising the event, which launches the calendar of superyacht regattas in the Mediterranean, alongside title sponsor Giorgio Armani. Now in its 16th edition, the second in partnership with Giorgio Armani, the regatta will conclude on Saturday 10th June.
Twelve superyachts are currently moored in Porto Cervo marina, a fleet which from tomorrow will be sailing the waters of the Costa Smeralda and weaving through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, providing a unique backdrop to the racing.
The fleet has been divided into two divisions, Superyacht and Southern Wind, with the latter dedicated to boats from the shipyard of the same name. The Southern Wind Rendezvous, an integral part of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, is an occasion for owners to compete in friendly races, which conclude with a sociable meet-up on the water before returning to the dock. The Superyacht division is in turn divided into ‘Combined Performance & Cruising Class’ and ‘Superyacht Cruising Class’, reserved for superyachts in accordance with the regulations of the Superyacht Racing Association. The winner of this class will be awarded the prestigious Silver Jubilee Cup.
Racing will take place over four days, through Saturday 10th June, with the size of the participating vessels meaning there will be a particular focus on safety. The Superyacht Division will have staggered starts every two to three minutes for this purpose. The courses, as always, will use the islands of the archipelago of La Maddalena as natural marks. As for the classic floating buoys used for the start, offset and finish line marks, organiser the YCCS will use MarkSetBot robotic buoys, which hold their position thanks to an electric motor teamed with a GPS system, with no need for anchors on the seabed.
For further information, entry list, programme, visit the YCCS website
