From 27 to 31 May 2025, the waters off Porto Cervo, Sardinia, played host to the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, an event that blends world-class sailing with understated luxury. Organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS)— with Giorgio Armani as title sponsor since 2022 — the regatta officially marked the opening of the Mediterranean sailing season, unfolding against the dramatic beauty of the La Maddalena Archipelago.
Fifteen superyachts gathered for this year’s edition, divided into three categories — Superyacht, Corinthian Spirit, and Southern Wind Rendezvous — offering a rare convergence of technical precision and aesthetic grace. Conditions across the week were near perfect, allowing the fleet to complete the anti-clockwise circumnavigation of the archipelago, passing landmarks such as Monaci Island, Barrettinelli di Fuori, and the La Maddalena Channel.
Once again, Porto Cervo and its distinctive racecourse demonstrated why this setting remains one of the finest for superyacht competition in the world.
In the Superyacht class, the Swan 115 Moat repeated its 2024 triumph with a flawless run of first-place finishes, ahead of Vitters 107 Anomaly and Southern Wind RP/Nauta 100 Morgana.
“Everything came together perfectly — the boat, the crew, the conditions,” said owner Juan Ball. “Porto Cervo continues to offer the ideal balance of technical racing and spectacular scenery, with the YCCS and Giorgio Armani delivering an impeccable event.”
The Corinthian Spirit class saw a close contest, ultimately won by SW 108 Gelliceaux. Magic Blue, owned by YCCS member Tonino Cacace, and Grande Orazio, owned by Massimiliano Florio, finished tied on points, with Magic Blue edging into second place on countback.
“This racecourse is unmatched in the Mediterranean,” noted Gelliceaux’s owner. “We faced a full range of conditions — strong on day one, light and tactical the next — and the final win felt all the more rewarding for its narrow margin.”
The winners of these two divisions, Moat and Gelliceaux, were awarded the prestigious Silver Jubilee Cup.
As is tradition, no rankings were issued in the Southern Wind Rendezvous category, but the Willy Persico Trophy — awarded to the yacht that best embodied the spirit of the shipyard’s late founder — was presented to Agapi Mas.
As ever, the regatta was not only defined by racing but also by a refined social programme. The event opened with a welcome cocktail on the panoramic terrace of the YCCS, offering guests a view of the Sardinian coastline at sunset.
Each morning, participants gathered in Piazza Azzurra, where Giorgio Armani hosted an “All Together Breakfast” at its dedicated pop-up boutique — a quiet meeting point before the day’s racing. Owners of Southern Wind yachts enjoyed a private dinner curated by the shipyard, while the exclusive Giorgio Armani Owners’ Dinner at the YCCS restaurant offered a special "four hands" menu crafted by resident Chef Alessio Savona and Michelin-starred guest Chef Massimo Tringali of Armani Ristorante Paris.
The highlight of the week was the Sunset Beach Party, held the evening before the final race — a relaxed celebration under the Sardinian sky.
The event concluded on 31 May with the official prize-giving ceremony in Piazza Azzurra. YCCS Commodore Andrea Recordati praised the competitors and partners: “We are grateful to Giorgio Armani for elevating this event and to Southern Wind for choosing Porto Cervo for their Rendezvous. Once again, the La Maddalena course delivered conditions that tested and rewarded every crew.”
With its blend of precise competition, tailored hospitality, and iconic coastal setting, the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta remains a benchmark for elegance in Mediterranean sailing — a perfect harmony of sport, design, and tradition.
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