Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

We are always eager to see how the outside media portrays sailing, and when we came across a story titled “Six Luxury Regattas that Celebrate Sailing and the Seas” from ICONIC LIFE, we pulled the car over.

Any publication that’s purpose is to celebrate the art of living beautifully and to showcase vibrant people was going to know how to have a good time.

Does any other sport have a better stereotype than sailing? Bring on the bubbly drinks, big hats, and cheese plates…. here’s their report:

Regattas or boat races are perfect ways to spend a summer or early fall day, in our humble opinion. Watch as skilled sailors take to the seas and show off just what their yachts were designed to do. During these regattas, mingle with other spectators and owners over cocktail parties and other glamorous social events.

Here are six regattas around the world where you can watch these elegant regattas and partake in the festivities. Bon voyage!

THE SUPERYACHT CUP | Palma, Mallorca, Spain
June 19 to 22
The Superyacht Club Palma The Superyacht Club Palma—the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe—is returning to the Bay of Palma staring on June 19. An island off the coast of Spain, Mallorca’s sunny weather and reliable sea breezes are ideal for a fine day of sailing. The event typically includes one day of J-Class racing followed by three days of competition. When they’re not racing, yachts are moored at the Superyacht Cup Regatta Village at Muelle Viejo. The marina features jaw-dropping views of the Palma Cathedral and palm tree-lined Paseo Maritimo. Social activities include cocktail parties, happy hours, dock parties and barbecues. One highlight of this year’s regatta? The Meteor yacht, returning to the race for the first time since 2007. The 51.1-meter-long yacht will be the largest one at this year’s celebration of sail.

CANDY STORY CUP | Newport, Rhode Island
July 25 to 27
The Candy Store Cup Superyacht Regatta carries forward the tradition of the Newport Bucket (founded in 1986 and originally called the “Nantucket Bucket”), which ended in 2015. Take in gorgeous and classic New England views complete with shoreline and quaint, historic buildings. There will be two days of racing in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound on July 26 and 27. Pursuit-style races kick off at 1 p.m. Shore-side parties will include an invite-only owner’s dinner at the Clarke Cooke House on Bannister’s Wharf in Newport on July 25, a “yacht hop” at Newport Shipyard hosted by participating yachts, an awards presentation for the yacht owners, sailors and regatta sponsors and a closing party on July 27.

SPETSES CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA 2019 | Spetses, Greece
June 27 to 30
Car-free Greek island Spetses—the Venetians called this place “the island of perfumes”—is an ideal place for yacht owners to sail due to its secluded beaches and sandy bays. And it’s not hard to see why the Spetses Classic Yacht Regatta, founded in 2011, is the most popular one in all of Greece. Attendees will appreciate the sparkling blue waters of the Argo-Saronic Gulf and the more-than-one-century-old Poseidonion Grand Hotel that make for one stunning backdrop. Anticipate seeing classic yachts, Aegean schooners and traditional work boats, traditional open boats, family open boats or dinghies and contemporary classic yachts. Crews from Greece and all over the world command these ships. Some of the most famous boats in the world have participated in this regatta including the Aeolos Spetses, South Wind and Afroessa.

BARCOLANA | Trieste, Italy
October 4 to 13
Perhaps the most renowned historical regatta on our list, Barcolana is the largest regatta in the world. Held about two hours away from Venice in the town of Trieste, Italy, Barcolana typically features almost 2,000 sailing boats and 400 events. And it’s come a long way. The regatta started in 1969 with just 51 sailboats. Every October, all of Trieste is swept up with regatta fever. Anticipate shows, art installations, concerts and street markets all over town. The U-shaped Gulf of Trieste provides spectators with spectacular vantage points from every angle. A staggering 300,000 spectators are expected. The main race is slated to take place on October 13. The race kicks off from Miramare Castle and finishes up at Piazza Unica.

ROLEX BIG BOAT SERIES | San Francisco, California
September 11 to 15
Thought to be one of the largest regattas on the West Coast, the Rolex Big Boat Series Rolex Big Boat Series features four days of world-class competition for buoy and stadium-style racing at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco Bay. Besides stunning Bay-area vistas, sailors can anticipate navigating the challenging winds that San Francisco is renowned for. The race usually attracts visitors from all over the world and has featured more than 100 participants. One ultra-luxe perk of this regatta? The top prizes: Swiss-made Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Chronometers.

LES VOILES DE SAINT-TROPEZ | Saint-Tropez, France
September 28 to October 6
Since 1981, Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez has unofficially commemorates the end of the season in early autumn. More than 300 of the world’s most stunning yachts race against the backdrop of Saint Tropez—a luxe coastal town on the French Riviera that has attracted a glamorous crowd ever since French actress Brigitte Bardot put this town on the map. Today, modern celebs like Leonardo DiCaprio, Bono and the ultimate power couple Jay-Z and Beyonce love to frolic on this French Riviera island’s shores. More than 300 modern, classic and Wally yachts compete in a series of marked sailing courses in the gorgeous Gulf of Tropez. What does the winner receive? The coveted Rolex Trophy.