The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta will mark once again the beginning of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda‘s superyacht racing season. The first of the most prestigious events in the Mediterranean, the fifth edition of this popular race, organized in Porto Cervo, Sardinia in partnership with Boat International Media will play host to the fleet of magnificent sailing yachts from all over the world from 4th to 9th June.

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, Sardinia

The crystalline waters of the archipelago of La Maddalena will once again be the setting for exciting competition between the 20 yachts enrolled which will be divided into Cruising and Performance divisions. Ones to watch will include regular participants such as Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s My Song and the sailing yacht Highland Fling – at 25 metres in length one of the smallest competing boats and current title holder in the Performance division. Three monolithic sailing yachts will be sure to draw attention: the 45-metre charter yacht Salperton, designed by Dubois and built by New Zealand shipyard Fitzroy, the 53.8 metre charter yacht Parsifal III and the Twizzle superyacht which, measuring 57.5 metres (188.6 feet), is the largest of the fleet.

The regattas will showcase the work of renowned naval architects such as Dubois, Reichel-Pugh and German Frers in spectacular surroundings. The event, which year after year embodies elegance and meticulous attention to detail, will see vessels from top shipyards such as Nautor’s Swan, Royal Huisman, Perini Navi, Southern Wind and Fitzroy Yachts – both of which will be awarding special prizes – parading through the islands off the coast of north-eastern Sardinia on courses set by the YCCS Race Committee.

Luxury sailing yacht Zefira in the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2011 Photo by Carlo Borlenghi

The event begins officially with the Skippers’ Briefing and Welcome Cocktail at the YCCS Clubhouse on Monday, 4th June, while racing is scheduled to take place from 5th to 9th June. As always, a fun-filled schedule of social events has been organized for owners, guests and crews once they return to shore. Highlights include the Owners’ Dinner on Wednesday 6th June at the YCCS, the Sunset Party on Friday 8th June at the Phi Beach club in Baia Sardinia and the final prize giving which will take place in Piazza Azzurra, overlooking Porto Cervo Marina, on Saturday 9th June.