News

Porto Cervo, 3 July 2026. The Smeralda 888 season continues in Porto Cervo with the 23rd edition of the Coppa Europea. The event follows last weekend’s Invitational Smeralda 888, which concluded with a victory for Millenium Falcon.
Ten teams will compete across three days of racing through Sunday 5th July aboard Smeralda 888 one-design boats, designed by German Frers for the YCCS and now based in the Principality of Monaco. Up to three races a day are scheduled on the regatta course off the coast of Porto Cervo, for a maximum of eight races in total.

Marco Favale’s Millenium Falcon returns, keen to repeat last weekend’s success. Other key contenders include Stay Rude, helmed on this occasion by YCCS member Giovanni Lombardi Stronati. Defending the YCCS colours will be Nicolò Saidelli’s Bloody Mathilde and Germano Scarpa’s Giada. Several crews returning from the Invitational Smeralda 888 will also be looking to make their mark: Martin Nweeia’s Paka’ A, Charles de Bourbon’s Vamos mi Amor, Marie Helene Polo’s Zarina by Das and Silvia De’ Longhi’s Ziva. Completing the fleet are two fresh entries in the form of Paolo Rotelli’s Black Star and Luigi Guarnaccia’s Capocaccia, winner of the 2025 edition.

The Smeralda 888 class has always been distinguished by its friendly spirit, which focuses on the shared joy of sailing while embracing a healthy competitive spirit. The standard of racing is evidenced by the presence of some of the most prominent names in Italian and international sailing, not least Checco Bruni, who will be racing aboard Ziva. Also bringing their experience to the fleet are Giulio Desiderato on Stay Rude, Flavio Favini on Bloody Mathilde, Giorgio Poggi and Duccio Colombi on Capocaccia, and Andrea Casale on Zarina by Das.

Following today’s briefing at 12 midday CEST, the first race is scheduled for 2.30 p.m., with a north-easterly wind of between 11 and 12 knots. The event concludes on Sunday 5 July with a final prize-giving ceremony.

For updates, follow the YCCS Instagram channel. For further information, please contact the Press Office.