Ideal Mistral sets the stage for spectacular opening at the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta

The 2025 Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta opened yesterday, as a striking fleet of 14 sailing yachts crossed the start line in ideal conditions off Porto Cervo. The regatta – organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) with support from title sponsor Giorgio Armani – is once again proving itself as a standout event in the Mediterranean superyacht calendar. Now in its 19th edition, the Southern Wind RendezVous and Trophy adds a distinct familial charm to the proceedings, celebrating the spirit and craftsmanship of the Cape Town-based shipyard.

Sailing under bright skies and propelled by a fresh Mistral of 12 to 20 knots, the three classes – Superyacht, Corinthian Spirit, and Southern Wind RendezVous – embarked on a scenic 30-mile course around the La Maddalena Archipelago. The fleet departed in staggered starts, with yachts leaving two minutes apart, ensuring both safety and spectacle as they converged around Isola dei Monaci and rounded Barrettinelli di Fuori where gusts reached over 20 knots.

The course took full advantage of Porto Cervo’s renowned racing playground, guiding the yachts through the dramatic La Maddalena channel, past the Tre Monti shoal and the Passo delle Bisce strait, before finishing back at the home port.

In the Superyacht class, it was a photo finish with YCCS member Juan Ball’s Swan 115 Moat clinching victory by just 15 seconds over Anomaly (formerly Ribelle), a sleek Vitters 107. Close behind, in third place, was the Southern Wind 96 Liberty, trailing by a mere two minutes – a testament to the calibre and competitiveness of the fleet.

The Corinthian Spirit class saw Sørvind – making her regatta debut under the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta banner – contend in her first competitive outing. But it was the seasoned Southern Wind 82 Grande Orazio, owned by YCCS member Massimiliano Florio, that emerged triumphant. She was followed by the freshly introduced Southern Wind 108 Gelliceaux, and the Southern Wind 100 Grillo Parlante (previously Cape Arrow) in third.

True to the convivial nature of the Southern Wind RendezVous, participating yachts followed the same course without formal classification. Yachts such as No Rush, Sorceress, Ammonite and Agapi Mas added to the pageantry, enjoying the spirited sailing in sync with their racing peers.

As the sun set over Porto Cervo, the fleet returned to port greeted by the animated hum of satisfied owners and crews. The day concluded with an intimate dinner hosted by Southern Wind in the heart of San Pantaleo – a signature gathering that reinforces the camaraderie and community at the core of the brand.

Juan Ball, owner and helmsman of Moat, reflected on the narrow win:

"We love coming here to Porto Cervo. Last year we were lucky enough to win the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta and we came back with a partly renewed crew that still needs to train together a little to get to their best. However, the guys on board were very good and we won today by just 15 seconds – it was a great day for us."

Tactician Lorenzo Bortolotti, sailing aboard Grande Orazio, added:

"It was a fantastic day, in the middle of the beautiful islands that this coast is famous for, with a Mistral that was stronger than expected but still a perfect intensity. The competition was strong, but we had a great race, always staying away from the rest of the fleet, which was the key to today’s success."

Racing resumes today, 29 May, with the first superyacht scheduled to start at 12 midday CEST. Light northerly winds are forecast, setting the stage for a more tactical challenge on day two. With the bar already set high, expectations continue to build as this year’s Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta unfolds in unmistakable Sardinian style.