The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2026 is set to bring some of the world’s most powerful and sophisticated sailing yachts back to the waters of Porto Cervo, Sardinia, from 6–12 September.
Organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in conjunction with the International Maxi Association (IMA) and sponsored by Rolex, the prestigious regatta forms part of the IMA Mediterranean Maxi Inshore Challenge 2026.
The event combines high-level competition with the spectacular sailing conditions of the Costa Smeralda, attracting Maxi yachts across multiple classes. Racing is scheduled to begin on 7 September, with further races on 8, 9, 11 and 12 September, while 10 September is scheduled as a lay day or resail day depending on conditions.
A week of elite Maxi yacht racing
The programme begins with measurements, inspections and registration, followed by the Skippers’ Briefing and Welcome Cocktail at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on 6 September.
Racing starts at 12:00 from Monday 7 September, with the fleet returning to the water throughout the week for a combination of racing formats. The Notice of Race provides for coastal and windward/leeward racing, with the final format depending on the individual classes and championship status.
Beyond the racing, the social programme remains an important part of the event, including the IMA Members’ Dinner, the Rolex Gala Dinner and the traditional Crew Party at the Regatta Village. The final prize giving is scheduled for Saturday 12 September at 17:30.
Prestigious trophies
The competition culminates with trophies for the leading yachts in each class, alongside a number of prestigious awards. These include the His Highness the Aga Khan IV Perpetual Trophy, the Commodore Alberini Perpetual Trophy, the Paolo Massarini ORC Challenge Trophy, the IMA Trophy and the YCCS Trophy. The event also awards the overall Monohull (Maxi 1) Line Honours Prize for coastal races.
With the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup once again bringing together elite crews, advanced yacht technology and some of the world’s most experienced owners and sailors, Porto Cervo will become a focal point of international Maxi yacht racing for one of the Mediterranean’s most anticipated sailing weeks.
Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2026
📍 Porto Cervo, Sardinia
📅 6–12 September 2026
Organised by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda & International Maxi Association
Sponsored by Rolex
Official Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2026 — Yacht Club Costa Smeralda
