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Few sailing events capture the imagination quite like the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Each September, the emerald waters of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda become the stage for a regatta that blends technical mastery, high glamour, and an atmosphere of exclusivity. Organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and partnered with Rolex since its inception in 1980, it is regarded as one of the most prestigious fixtures in the sailing calendar.
A Legacy of Prestige
The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup was conceived to showcase the very best in maxi yacht design and performance. Over four decades on, it remains the ultimate proving ground for owners and crews who demand perfection on both sea and shore. Rolex’s enduring partnership ensures an unmatched level of sophistication, transforming the regatta into a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Competition at Sea
What sets this regatta apart is the calibre of yachts that compete. These aren’t ordinary sailing vessels but cutting-edge maxis, many custom-built by the world’s finest shipyards. At the helm are passionate owners and some of the sport’s most decorated sailors, including Olympians and America’s Cup veterans. The courses around the Maddalena Archipelago are renowned for their complexity, with shifting winds and dramatic coastlines that demand precision and nerve.
Porto Cervo: The Perfect Stage
Nestled on Sardinia’s north-eastern coast, Porto Cervo provides a setting as breathtaking as the competition itself. The waters shimmer in hues of turquoise and jade, while the granite cliffs of the Costa Smeralda create a natural amphitheatre for spectators. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, with its understated elegance, offers a vantage point where luxury and tradition meet.
The Social Dimension
Beyond the racing lies a social calendar that is every bit as compelling. Evenings are punctuated by exclusive dinners, private parties, and glittering gatherings hosted in Porto Cervo’s most glamorous venues. Rolex hospitality is a hallmark of the event, drawing together an eclectic mix of yacht owners, business leaders, royalty, and celebrities. The regatta becomes not only a test of skill on the water but also a stage for international high society.
Experiencing the Regatta
For those fortunate enough to attend, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup offers experiences that extend well beyond the racecourse. Chartering a yacht provides front-row views of the action, while others may prefer the dramatic coastal vantage points to watch sails billow against the Mediterranean horizon.
Luxury here is never in short supply. Porto Cervo is home to legendary hotels such as Hotel Cala di Volpe, famed for its glamorous guest list, and Hotel Pitrizza, with its discreet villas and private coves. The Romazzino adds a blend of timeless elegance and coastal beauty. Dining rises to the same standard, from Michelin-starred fine dining to stylish international favourites such as Novikov Porto Cervo. Add to this Porto Cervo’s designer boutiques, exclusive beach clubs like Phi Beach and Nikki Beach, and excursions to the Maddalena islands, and it’s clear why the regatta is as much about lifestyle as sailing.
Arriving by private jet into Olbia or by superyacht into Porto Cervo Marina ensures every moment of the journey feels as exceptional as the destination itself.
More Than a Race
The enduring appeal of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup lies in its rare combination of competition and lifestyle. It is an event where yacht design pushes the boundaries of innovation, where sailing legends share the deck with passionate owners, and where evenings are reserved for celebration under Sardinia’s starlit skies. Above all, it represents a vision of sailing not just as a sport, but as a reflection of artistry, ambition, and luxury living.
