News

Porto Cervo, 21 May 2026. The Grand Soleil Cup 2026, an event dedicated to owners of Grand Soleil sailing yachts, organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in collaboration with Cantiere del Pardo, officially opens this evening with a gala dinner on the YCCS terrace.

A fleet of 21 boats from 8 nations has gathered in Porto Cervo, confirming the event’s international appeal and the enduring bond between the Grand Soleil community and one of the most celebrated regatta venues in the Mediterranean.

The 2026 edition will feature significant new interest on the water, starting with the world debut of the new Grand Soleil 80 Plus. Three Grand Soleil 72s will also be present, two in the Long Cruise configuration and one in the Performance version, alongside the much anticipated racing debut of two Grand Soleil 65s: the Dutch Ribelle, a Performance version, and the Australian Halimede, a Long Cruise version. The 72- and 65-foot maxi yachts represent the shipyard’s recent stylistic and design evolution, although earlier version remain well represented at the Grand Soleil Cup, continuing to deliver thrills and satisfaction to their owners. At the other end pf the scale, the smallest yacht in the fleet is a GS 37 of just over 11 metres.

Coastal races will take place in the waters of the La Maddalena Archipelago, offering crews top-class sailing conditions against a unique natural backdrop. The Grand Soleil Cup is an event offering the perfect blend of competition, passion for the sea and a friendly atmosphere.

On Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May, skippers will assemble each morning in Piazza Azzurra for a pre-race briefing, with races scheduled to start at 12 noon. On return to shore, owners and crews will be welcomed with after-race refreshments in Piazza Azzurra, a social ritual firmly established at YCCS regattas.

“Cantiere del Pardo and the Grand Soleil owners have chosen to return to Porto Cervo, We thank them and will do our utmost to ensure they take home wonderful memories of the event, both on and off the water. Fair winds to all!” commented Giorgio Benussi, Secretary General and Sports Director of the YCCS.

The regatta concludes on the evening of Saturday 23 May, with the prize-giving ceremony and a Farewell Party at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda open to all participants.

The forecast is for light northerly winds.
 

For further information, entry list, programme, news and photos please visit the section dedicated to the regatta on YCCS website.

Contacts
YCCS Press Office
Marialisa Panu/Giuliano Luzzatto
Tel. +39 345 7938513 - +39 348 5966160
pressoffice@yccs.it 
www.yccs.com