Moat and Gelliceaux claim top honours at the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2025

The 2025 edition of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta came to a close on 31 May, delivering a thrilling conclusion to a week of elegant racing and high-spirited camaraderie along the shores of Porto Cervo. Organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) and supported by title sponsor Giorgio Armani, this year’s regatta was marked by light but tactically demanding conditions and a fleet of yachts that once again showcased the synergy of performance and prestige.

In the Superyacht class, the Swan 115 Moat, owned by YCCS member Juan Ball, reaffirmed her dominance by sweeping all races for a second consecutive year, securing the coveted Silver Jubilee Cup. The Vitters 107 Anomaly and the Southern Wind 100 Morgana completed the podium in second and third place respectively, both in the final race and overall standings.

The Corinthian Spirit division saw an intense contest, with the Southern Wind 94 Magic Blue – helmed by YCCS member Tonino Cacace – clinching the day’s win by a narrow margin of just under three minutes on corrected time. However, consistent performances across the series gave the Southern Wind 108 Gelliceaux overall victory in this class, followed closely by Magic Blue and Grande Orazio, who tied on points. A second-place finish on day two tipped the balance in favour of Magic Blue for runner-up honours.

Reflecting on the win, the owner of Gelliceaux commented: “This is a truly wonderful event – the sailing area is the best in the Mediterranean. The conditions were challenging, with a spectacular first day followed by lighter winds. As a new team, we’re still coming together, so this win is all the more rewarding.”

Running in parallel to the regatta was the Southern Wind RendezVous, which, in keeping with tradition, did not feature competitive rankings. Instead, the focus was on celebrating the spirit and community of Southern Wind owners. The standout yacht of the RendezVous, Agapi Mas, was honoured with the Willy Persico Trophy – an award given to the vessel that best represents the values and legacy of Southern Wind’s founder.

The final day of racing followed a 14-nautical mile course through the La Maddalena archipelago, shaped by a shifting breeze from the north to northeast at 6–7 knots, with gusts reaching ten. The fleet rounded the Monaci islet, passed the Tre Monti shoal and threaded through the Bisce pass before returning to Porto Cervo.

YCCS Commodore Andrea Recordati opened the closing ceremony by thanking the participants and partners: “Our thanks go to all the owners and to Giorgio Armani, whose ongoing support ensures this regatta continues to grow. We are also grateful to Southern Wind for hosting their 19th RendezVous here. The diversity of conditions across the La Maddalena archipelago made for an unforgettable week of racing.”

Moat’s owner Juan Ball echoed the sentiment: “Everything went perfectly for us. The boat was in top form, and the crew were flawless. With Porto Cervo as the backdrop and the organisation of the YCCS, enhanced by Giorgio Armani’s elegant touch, it’s the perfect recipe for competitive sailing.”

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta remains one of the Mediterranean’s most refined yachting events, blending world-class competition with a relaxed social atmosphere, set against the spectacular scenery of Sardinia. The next edition is already eagerly anticipated.