Forty years ago, in September 1985, the Swiss watchmaker began its historic collaboration with maxi yacht racing, supporting what would become the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. Established in 1980 and originally held biennially, by 1999 the regatta had evolved into a classic annual event at the YCCS.

Over the years, the fleet of participating yachts has grown increasingly impressive, representing the cutting edge of yachting technology and design. In the past, some yachts were even built expressly for the event, including well-known names such as Matador, Morning Glory and Il Moro di Venezia. From the outset, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup has embodied excellence, precision, innovation, tradition and competitive spirit, attracting the world’s most spectacular maxi-yachts to Porto Cervo, crewed by the cream of international yachting talent.

Over the decades, the regatta’s reputation has flourished, establishing it as a landmark event, where sporting performance meets the charm and style of the YCCS and the Costa Smeralda. The partnership with Rolex has helped to consolidate its prestige, thanks to a vision based on shared values.

The 40th anniversary of the title sponsorship is testimony to the enduring bond between two institutions that have helped shaped key chapters in the history of international sailing. As Highness the Aga Khan IV observed on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the partnership between the YCCS and Rolex: “The results achieved fill us with pride and enthusiasm for the future. May the future bring further satisfaction and success to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and Rolex.”

A week of great sailing

This year's edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will undoubtedly be a special one. In addition to celebrating the longstanding partnership with Rolex, the event will host two world championships: the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 World Championship and the Rolex IMA Maxi Grand Prix World Championship.

Of the 47 yachts taking part, a standout debut in Porto Cervo will be that of Magic Carpet E, the innovative 100-foot yacht owned by YCCS member Sir Lindsay Owen Jones. Designed by Guillaume Verdier, it boasts unique technological solutions and interiors curated by Hermès. Also in the spotlight will be the trio of Baltic 68 Café Racers: Open Season, Ganesha and Scorpione Hormar, launched this year. Among the long-time loyal participants in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup will be YCCS member Vittorio Moretti, recently honoured with the title of “Cavaliere del Lavoro”, who will return with the largest yacht in the fleet, his 36-metre Viriella. Italian sailing legend Mauro Pelaschier will be at the helm, with Maddalena Spanu - an athlete from the YCCS Young Azzurra sporting programme and European WingFoil Racing champion - joining the crew for several days to broaden her sailing experience.