GIORGIO ARMANI SUPER YACHT REGATTA
The Giorgio Armani Superyacht regatta, Sardinia, played host to the classics in early June. Set on the glorious Costa Smeralda coast, four days of racing launched the superyacht regatta season in the Med. The Herresho schooner Mariette of 1915, Shenandoah of Sark and the modern Spirit 111 Geist were in town. After taking part in 2019, it is a firm favourite for Mariette. Organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the race committee was headed by seasoned pro Peter Craig. After a delayed opening start, light to medium breeze saw Mariette in the lead. The fleet headed upwind to the first mark, the Mortoriotto rock, before reaching to the Passo delle Bisce strait and entering the Saline Gulf, at which stage the breeze was up to 13 knots. After rounding the Secca di Tre Monti, the fleet had a quick beam reach to the Monaci islet before finishing the 24-mile course in front of Porto Cervo. The breeze increased to the mid-teens for the second outing. Negotiating a 30-mile course around the islands of Caprera and La Maddalena, Mariette won day two’s race in spectacular style, beating her eight diverse opponents. Representing Spirit Yachts, Geist, the largest single-masted wooden yacht to be built in the UK since Shamrock V, was in the running. Current member of the British America’s Cup team Paul Campbell-James added to the talent pool, calling tactics on the Spirit 111. Shenandoah of Sark (1902) and Mariette enjoyed a friendly sail before the regatta start. Although not competing, Shenandoah then shadowed her fellow schooner on the opening day of racing. With the stunning coastline, varied courses set around La Maddalena archipelago and good wind range, the emerald coast is one of the great Mediterranean venues for racing. The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta is encouraging participation from classic divisions for next season’s edition.