Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta: 6 reasons to race in Porto Cervo

Regatta season is almost upon us and one of the key highlights, as always, will be the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta (May 30-June 3). Run by Boat International Media and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, this event is a real must-attend for all serious sailing aficionados. We round up the six key reasons why you simply have to be there.

First of all, the sailing conditions in Sardinia in early summer couldn’t be more conducive to superyacht racing. Reliably sunny weather and strong Mediterranean breezes make this one of the best places in the world to show off what your sailing yacht can really do.

The stunning setting of Porto Cervo is key to the appeal of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta. The pristine waters and dramatic coastline are truly breath taking, while the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops will make you want to drop anchor and go exploring. This spectacular island is best seen by helicopter to properly take it all in. As Boat International editor Stewart Campbell puts it: “Once you’ve been, you’ll understand”.

With more than 30 yachts registered in 2016, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is a great way to start your Mediterranean racing season. The standard of racing is high and the competition is fierce. For example, at last year’s regatta four different yachts claimed first place in the Superyacht Class A, meaning that there was everything to play for going into the final race. In the end, fourth place was enough for Saudade (pictured above) to clinch the overall victory. “It was a dream before we came here to sail this fantastic regatta — now it is a reality,” her owner said. “It’s a great feeling to win again."

The Wally Class yachts will be guests of honour once again at the 2017 Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, as these Luca Bassani-designed yachts go head to head. For the second year in a row, the Wally fleet will be racing as part of their pan-European tour, and these dramatic races will ensure plenty of close quarters sailing and on-water action. “It’s the most enjoyable time of the year," the owner of Open Season said. "There is a lot of enjoyment if you like competition. There is nothing better than to sail at this regatta.”

The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta consistently attracts the great and the good from the world of sailing, meaning attendees have the chance to mingle with some of the biggest names in the industry. Last year’s event was attended by sailing superyacht owners Marco Vögele, Kim Schindelhauer, Paola and Salvatore Trifiro, and Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, but the owner of Firebird put it best when he said, "If you are looking for a good event in the Med, you should not miss it, not only for the racing but for the company as well."

As well as the dramatic on-water action, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta is also famed for its packed social calendar. This year’s programme includes a welcome cocktail at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Clubhouse on May 30, followed by the Loro Piana Owners’ Dinner on May 31 and the unmissable Sunset Party at Phi Beach on June 2 (pictured above).