The maxi yachts that will be present in Porto Cervo from September 7 to 13 are approaching the 50-strong registration threshold for the 35th edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, organized by the YCCS, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, in collaboration with Rolex and the International Maxi Association. The 2025 edition marks an important anniversary: forty years ago, in September 1985, the Swiss watchmaker began its historic partnership with maxi yacht regattas, supporting what would become one of the most important sailing competitions on the planet. Initially, it was held every two years, and since 1999, it has become the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's most traditional annual event.
The partnership between the Club founded by Prince Karim Aga Khan and Rolex began in 1984 with the Rolex Swan Cup, whose fortieth anniversary was celebrated last year. The 2025 edition's sporting program begins tomorrow, Monday, September 8th, at 12:00 p.m., following a day dedicated to preparations and welcoming the crews. Subsequent races will continue for another four days, ending September 13th, when the awards ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. On the competitive front, two world titles will be competed for: the Maxi 1 class and the Maxi Grand Prix world championship, which also includes pure racers who formerly belonged to the now defunct Maxi72 class. This class will feature some of the highest-profile owners, including the winner and third-place finisher of the Admiral's Cup, Peter Harrison and Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, respectively, both members of the host yacht club.
In Porto Cervo, they will compete for the world title with their Maxi Grand Prix boats, Jolt and Django 7X. In the Maxi 1 class, Bullitt, the Wally 93 owned by YCCS Commodore Andrea Recordati, could not be missing. She will face other racers such as the ClubSwan 80 My Song and the Wallycentos Galateia and Tilakkhana, the latter owned by Pascale Decaux and with a team of professional sailors led by Dee Caffari. Among the yachts present, Magic Carpet E, the innovative 100-foot yacht owned by YCCS member Sir Lindsay Owen Jones, will make its debut in Porto Cervo. Designed by Guillaume Verdier, it features unique technological solutions and interiors designed by Hermès. Also competing are three Baltic 68 Café racers: Open Season, Ganesha, and Scorpio Hormar, launched this year.
