YCCS kicks off sporting season with Round 1 of Cape 31 Med Circuit
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s sporting season gets underway with a noteworthy debut, as it welcomes the Cape 31 to the waters off Porto Cervo. Designed by Mark Mills in collaboration with YCCS member Lord Irvine Laidlaw, the one-design class is attracting growing interest from experienced owners and their crews, comprising both amateur and professional sailors.
The Porto Cervo event also opens the 2026 Mediterranean circuit for the Cape 31 Class, with Round 1 organised in collaboration with the YCCS. Fourteen boats are entered, bringing together familiar names and newcomers. Among the seasoned competitors are Alessandro Rombelli’s Stig, 2025 European and circuit winner, Lennard van Oeveren’s Motions, reigning Corinthian champions, and Michael Wilson’s Shotgunn, last season’s champion. Joining them for the season opener in Porto Cervo are new entry Team Chocolate, skippered by François Bopp, and Django, skippered by Vittorio Lombardi Stronati and flying the YCCS colours.
The first starting signal is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday 24 April at 12 noon. Today, 23 April, competitors took part in the practice race ahead of the skippers’ briefing and a welcome cocktail on the YCCS terrace. A maximum of nine windward-leeward races are planned across the weekend, with up to four races taking place per day. After each day on the water, sailors will gather in Piazza Azzurra for the traditional post-race refreshments. On Saturday 25 April, all competitors are invited to the Team Party at the YCCS, before racing concludes on Sunday 26 April with the prize-giving ceremony in Piazza Azzurra.
Giorgio Benussi, YCCS Secretary General and Sports Director, commented: “We are particularly pleased to open the sporting season by welcoming the Cape 31 class for the first time. This rapidly growing circuit fully embodies the truest essence of sailing: fierce competition on the water, a strong fighting spirit and, at the same time, a deep respect for the values of camaraderie and solidarity among crews. We look forward to watching the 14 teams do battle on the regatta course off Porto Cervo, in what are sure to be highly technical races.”
The weather forecast indicates light winds for the entire regatta weekend.
