Get set for the Med this summer

Kicking off the Med season on the last Sunday in May was the Monaco Grand Prix, but events to attend stack up quite quickly after that, and then there are decisions to be made about where to cruise this summer…

MONACO GRAND PRIX
Whether watched from the deck of your yacht in Monaco harbour, a balcony or top grandstand seat at Racasse corner, the F1 Monaco Grand Prix is the ultimate racing event. The twisting 77-lap circuit is just 3.34 kilometres long – the world’s shortest grand prix distance – and arguably the most exciting in the world, winding around the narrow streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine. And with its accompanying parties, balls and fashion shows, it has to be one of the highlights of the European social scene.

Supercars and superyachts at the Monaco Grand Prix | Picture Alliance/Photoshot.com

Tips for securing your yacht that prize berth for the Monaco Grand Prix next year

LORO PIANA SUPERYACHT REGATTA (4-9 June)
After Monaco, there’s barely a fortnight to recover before it’s time to head to Sardinia for the first regatta of the Mediterranean season: the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta.

With close to 30 of the world’s finest sailing superyachts battling for bragging rights in the emerald waters off Porto Cervo, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is truly one of the greatest sailing events today. On top of this, the race area is spectacular and the host yacht club, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, is the perfect venue for owners and their guests.

Watch the racing at the 2011 regatta

MONACO SUPERYACHT RENDEZVOUS (21-24 June)
Then it’s back to Monaco for the Rendezvous, the one-of-a-kind celebration of yachting life, attracting superyacht owners from all over the world.

Monaco Superyacht Rendezvous

Four days of fun start with a Champagne reception, the activities include yacht hops, tender racing, watersports, a 007-style water-borne poker run and the much anticipated Midnight Cruise in Company. There are also luncheons on private beaches (reached by tender) and sumptuous black-tie dinners, culminating in the Diamonds and White Rendezvous Party at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club.

SHOWBOATS DESIGN AWARDS
Stay on in Monaco for the European debut of the superyacht design awards event of the year. After years in Miami, The ShowBoats Design Awards is moving to Europe, and the gala evening takes place on 22 June in the Monaco Opera House.

Monaco Opera House

And then as June gives way to July it’s time to set course for some summer cruising. Will it be the glitz and glamour of the Cote d’ Azur, the rugged beauty of Corsica or the secret anchorages of Croatia. Take your pick from the best the Med has to offer…

And make sure your itinerary takes in one of these spots, shared by those in the know…

Superyacht owners’ favourite Italian anchorages Italy's exquisite coastline and islands have many beauty spots, but these in particular have been singled out as favourites by experienced superyacht owners who never tire of visiting them

Owners’ favourite Cote d’Azur restaurants Fine restaurants abound on the Cote d’Azur but superyacht owners do have their favourites. These are a few deemed to have that ‘je ne sais quoi’

Favourite superyacht anchorages in Croatia A long, intricate coastline and 1,000-plus islands mean Croatia is not short of anchorages, but these in particular come recommended by owners and captains in the know