Superyachts flock to various destinations yearly to participate in the superyacht regatta circuit. Whether eyes are on a trophy or a packed social calendar, owners can enjoy the race settings from Palma to St Barth's. With a mix of well-established classics, long-running favourites, and exciting new entries, BOAT takes a closer look at the regattas to add to your 2025 schedule, beginning in the southern hemisphere…
New Zealand Millennium Cup, Auckland
February 1-4, 2025
To kick off the year a selection of sailing yachts will be put through their paces at the Millennium Cup 2025, which will take place in Auckland for the second year. The City of Sails hosted the event for the first time in 2024, easing logistics for international owners, with Perseus^3 clinching the Millennium Cup title. An impressive lineup already awaits for the world’s most southerly superyacht regatta, including Sea Eagle, Sharlou, and Kawil, to name a few. Sponsoring the event is Royal Huisman, returning as gold sponsor and Orams Marine as platinum.
Superyacht Challenge, Antigua
March 5-9, 2025
Held annually in Nelson's Dockyard, the four-day race comprises daily pursuit races and an optional race around Antigua, with the start and finish lines just off English Harbour. Entrants are divided into three classes - buccaneers, corsairs and privateers - all competing under the ORC Superyacht Rule. Various prizes are up for grabs, including suitably filled barrels of rum. In 2024, the Gosnell Trophy, given to the crew that has "competed in the Spirit of the Regatta", both on the water and ashore, was awarded to Adela. Plenty of social events await, from beach parties to the prize giving ceremony at Admiral's Inn.
St Barths Bucket Regatta
March 13-16, 2025
A highlight on the Caribbean racing calendar, this invitation-only event welcomes around 40 superyachts (usually upwards of 30 metres in length) to St Barth's. For the 2025 edition, there are various changes to be excited about. The organisers have claimed various new builds are planning their bucket debut alongside additional 'special classes', including a new 100-foot racing class. As it stands, the 56-metre Perini Navi, Rosehearty and Burrasca are the largest entries for 2025, with other exciting contenders returning to St Barth's, including veteran racers Wisp and Gitana. As per the last two years, social, non-racing entrants will also be welcome. Off the water, owners have their choice of countless invitations, from private gatherings to the Bucket-affiliated soiree at Tamarin and the final awards ceremony party traditionally held at the five-star Eden Rock hotel.
Read More/Why St Barths is the spiritual home of regatta racingGiorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, Sardinia
May 27-31, 2025
Organised by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the Sardinian superyacht regatta is back for a third year with Giorgio Armani as its title sponsor for a third year. This 2025 edition sees new eligibility requirements, opening up to yachts with a minimum length of 24 metres, aligning with the superyacht racing circuit. Highlights include a Giorgio Armani Mare pop-up boutique in Piazza Azzurra, a gala dinner at the yacht club, and the return of the Southern Wind Rendezvous and Trophy. A new Corinthian Spirit division will debut in next year for yachts with a cruising setup, reducing the need for professional racers onboard.
Cyclades Cup, Antiparos
June 12-15, 2025
Following its successful debut this June, the Cyclades Cup will return in 2025. Organised by the Yacht Club of Greece in collaboration with Ilia Rigas - World Superyacht Awards judge and owner of the 50-metre Almyra II - who placed second behind Seabiscuit. Held on the idyllic island of Anitparos, Greece, this second edition will welcome sailing yachts over 30 metres as well as 90 foot and 100 foot racing classes. A full social programme, including sunset cocktails, dinners, and sightseeing excursions, complements the regatta activities.
Read more/All the highlights of the inaugural Cyclades Superyacht Cup 2024Superyacht Cup, Palma
June 25-28, 2025
A laidback southern Mediterranean vibe prevails at the Superyacht Cup in Palma, Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta. Uniquely, this regatta is contained within a fenced-in event village, proving that relaxed and informal can also mean ultra-exclusive. The race committee sets courses in the Bay of Palma to suit the fleet and the three classes: J, A, and B. The 24-metre Wally Rose made the headlines in 2024 after successfully defending her title, becoming the first yacht to retain the overall winner position since 2002.
Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Sardinia
September, 2025
From iconic J Class to the newest high-performing yachts, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is a highlight of many. Staged off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda - known for its rocky scenery and turquoise waters – it continues to attract dedicated owners, highly skilled crews and exceptional yachts. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda organisers have partnered with Rolex since the 1980s, and while next year’s exact dates haven’t been dialled in yet, the long-standing event is typically held in September. Despite some challenging weather conditions for the 2024 edition, the race was a huge success, with Leopard 3 crowned the Rolex IMA Maxi 1 world champion.
Swan Med Regatta-Tuscany Challenge, Marina di Scarlino, Italy
September 16-20, 2025
A recent newcomer to the Mediterranean regatta calendar, the Tuscany Challenge brings Swan owners together for a unique end-of-season event set against the stunning backdrop of the Tuscan archipelago. The Nautor Swan Experience celebrates the entire Swan community over a three-day competition. Hosted by the Yacht Club Isole di Toscana, the challenge crowns the world champions in the ClubSan 50, ClubSwan 42, and ClubSwan 36 classes.
Ibiza JoySail, Balearic Islands
September 18-21, 2025
One of the newer regattas on the Mediterranean circuit, the Ibiza JoySail regatta is returning to the Balearic Islands for its fifth edition. This laidback event welcomes maxis and superyachts for offshore and coastal racing. This year, the race featured 18 participants, with the largest competitor so far, the 59-metre Vitters Maximus. A particular highlight of the 2024 edition was the 35.2-metre Swan Moat dominating her class by securing four consecutive class wins at the Ibiza JoySail events. Registration is again invitation-only.
Read more/Ibiza JoySail regatta announces dates for 2025Oyster Palma Regatta, Palma
October 1-5, 2025
The 18th edition of the Oyster Regatta, held on the island of Mallorca, returns to Port Adriano. The 2024 event celebrated 50 years of the British boatbuilder, with 17 yachts on the racing roster. The regatta spans six days, with plenty of social events and four days of racing. The results contribute to the overall series and Oyster Cup.
Les Voiles de St Tropez
September 27 – 5 October, 2025
The Mediterranean big-boat racing season culminates with Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the world's largest gathering of Maxi yachts. This event is far from a small soirée, as yacht owners and crew converge to celebrate the end of summer with a week of exhilarating racing and camaraderie under the last of the summer sun.
Read More/Dates for your diary: Key superyacht events and boat shows in 2025