The months of May, June and July played host to the succession of sporting events that formed the first part of the YCCS calendar. The Vela & Golf competition officially kicked off the season in Porto Cervo, while a busy month of June saw the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, followed by the J/24 Range Rover European Championship, the Grand Soleil Cup and the Smeralda 888 Invitational. The Coppa Europa Smeralda 888 marked the conclusion of the first part of the sporting season in mid-July.

4-8 June Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta represents sport and lifestyle in perfect harmony. The 2024 edition was marked by exclusive experiences ashore and at sea, from spectacular manoeuvres at the foot of the rocky outcrops of Capo Ferro, to the Armani Dinner on the Panoramic Terrace at the YCCS. Moat, owned by Member Juan Ball, claimed the Silver Jubilee Cup for overall victory in the event. The Southern Wind Rendezvous once again took place as part of the regatta, a friendly gathering designed to ensure carefree days of sailing for yachts from the Southern Wind shipyard in the beautiful Costa Smeralda.

10-16 June J/24 Range Rover European Championship

Measuring 7.32 metres, or 24 feet - hence the name, the J/24 made sailing history as a proposal for a one-design keelboat. Designed by American Rod Johnstone in the mid-1970s, it is estimated that at least 5,500 units have been built worldwide to date, with well-established fleets active in at least 27 countries. 

Nearly 50 boats from 21 nations took part in the J/24 Range Rover European Championship, with a total of more than 250 sailors on the water. Clear skies, sunshine, the island of Caprera in the background and a Mistral wind made for the perfect ingredients for an exhilarating championship. The Irish crew on Headcase took home the title of J/24 European Champions for the second year running.

21-23 June Grand Soleil Cup 

The Grand Soleil Cup, an event reserved for sailing yachts built by Cantiere del Pardo, held its 22nd edition in Porto Cervo, a first return visit since 2007. Although the Mistral turned out to be the absolute protagonist, not permitting any sailing to take place, the 40 crews taking part in the event enjoyed fun times and wonderful social events on dry land. A celebratory weekend, spent in good company and in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

28-30 June Invitational Smeralda 888

The Invitational Smeralda 888 brought June to a close, a circuit event for the Smeralda 888 Class, the 8.88-metre boat one-design boat created by German Frers for the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. Eight teams entered, including regular participants, welcome return visitors, and some new faces, all competing on the waters off Porto Cervo. At the conclusion of the three days of racing, Bedà took the top step on the podium, followed by Millenium Falcon in second. Third place went to a third team representing the Yacht Club de Monaco , Vamos Mi Amor.

12-14 July Coppa Europa Smeralda 888

The Coppa Europa Smeralda 888 is a traditional event on the YCCS sporting calendar. A fleet of 11 teams representing leading international yacht clubs gathered in Porto Cervo for this year’s 21st edition. Leadership of the classification changed hands several times over the course of the three days of windward-leeward racing, with final victory coming down to the very last race. First  to cross the finish line, and claim the win for YCCS, was Giovanni Lombardi Stronati's Django.

All eyes now turn to September for the Grand Finale of the season!