Bringing back the Sardinia Cup in 2026

Following the relaunch of the Admirals Cup in 2025 by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is dusting off the Sardinia Cup following its last edition in 2012. Established in 1978, the team keelboat championship was designed to alternate in even-numbered years with the Admiral’s Cup, and will take place using IRC handicap in 2026 on May 31-June 7 in Porto Cervo, Italy.

Teams of two boats, meeting prescribed rating band requirements, will compete on behalf of their yacht club. Nationality will be determined by the location of the yacht club represented. Each crew must also field at least one female athlete and one youth sailor under 27 years of age.

The program for the regatta will include an overnight offshore race, alongside three days of competition alternating between coastal and windward-leeward courses.

“The success of the Admiral’s Cup this year reminded us how much we have missed sailing events of this caliber, where team spirit, national pride, and the honor of representing one’s yacht club, are driving forces,” said YCCS Commodore Andrea Recordati.

“The return of the Sardinia Cup in 2026 will no doubt channel this same enthusiasm, and our collaboration with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, through the adoption of the same rating bands to be used for the next edition of the Admiral’s Cup, offers owners continuity and a strong incentive to take part.”

The Notice of Race for the Sardinia Cup will be published by late October. The YCCS invites owners and crews to register their interest in order to receive updates and relevant useful information by contacting the YCCS Race Office: secretariat@yccs.it.

Source: YCCS