Giorgio Armani Regatta 2026 signals the start of the summer superyacht season in the Med

YCCS/Studio Borlenghi

I simply love the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta. I love it because the venue—the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in super-exclusive, sailing-crazy Porto Cervo—is glorious and the YCCS is known for stellar regatta organization. I love it because the yachts that compete are powerful and elegant. I love it because Giorgio Armani has been the title sponsor for the last five years. I love it because it’s one of a few special events that signal the start of summer superyacht season in the Med. And I love the competitive racing, of course.

But I’m sure the owners and crews of the Swan 115 Moat and the Southern Wind 96 Liberty Squared love this regatta even more than me, because after four days of high-octane racing, both of those winning boats names have been etched on the Silver Jubilee Cup.

Moat, owned by YCCS member Juan Ball with tactician Cole Parada, was pretty much unbeatable in the Blue class. Juan Ball said, “This is our third consecutive victory in the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, but it is the result of constant work to improve the boat throughout the year. I would like to thank Giorgio Armani for their support of the regatta, and the YCCS — of which I am a member and which I love dearly — for the organization, and all the participants who return every year regardless of who wins. This is a unique regatta, thanks to the spirit that sets it apart and the extraordinary location where it takes place.”

In the White class, the SW 96 Liberty Squared, with Bouwe Bekking on tactics, was a solid winner. Second place overall went to Nostromo, followed by Sørvind by Giorgio Armani with tactician Tommaso Chieffi.

“It’s been a fantastic week,” said the owner of Liberty Squared, Carlo Pirzio Biroli. This is my fifth time taking part in the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta and it’s always a wonderful week. We were lucky with the weather, managing to race on all four days. The Race Committee did an excellent job of keeping the fleet together along the race course. Sailing alongside the other boats, so close together, was truly thrilling and fun at the same time.”

The season is just getting started. Watch this space.