Superyacht regattas are the highlight of the year for many sailing yacht owners, with their sense of fun, camaraderie and sportsmanship. Participating in a large luxury yacht regatta is available to a handful of lucky owners, many of whom become perennial competitors, bringing in world-class sailors from around the world push the yachts’ performance to the maximum.
Long-term adversaries can be seen year after year, jostling for top podium spots and glory, whether they are sister ships built by the same shipyards, or simply highly competitive owners who don’t see losing as an option.
Whether you are participating in a superyacht regatta or simply watching, it’s an experience like no other and can be the highlight of a superyacht charter or owner’s trip.
Of course, many of these regattas take place in stunning locations with perfect weather and fantastic activities to boot. Here’s our round-up of some of the calendar’s unmissable superyacht regattas to set sail for…
THE MILLENIUM CUP
When: January
Location: Bay of Islands, Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand
Nearby highlights and activities: Dubbed as “a superyacht regatta in one of the world’s greatest natural playgrounds”, the Millenium Cup is a firm favourite with many superyachts based in the region, as well visiting vessels. Marlborough Sounds, off the northern shore of the South Island, is known for its marine and wildlife reserves, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Wine enthusiasts can spend days on end at the range of superb local wineries, which produce world-class sauvignon blanc. Be sure to take some time at anchor in the sheltered bays, where you can enjoy fishing and diving with the family on the water, or hiking the many coastal trails.
THE ST BARTHS BUCKET
When: March
Location: St Barths, Leeward Islands, Caribbean
Nearby highlights and activities: St Barths combines total luxury with barefoot, laid-back style, meaning there is something for everyone on this tiny Caribbean island. There are high-end boutiques selling the latest fashions and luxe beach clubs and restaurants with hip music and delicious, freshly caught fare. Nikki Beach is a perennial favourite of the yachting set, as well as L’Espirit Saline. The iconic Eden Rock perched high on a stony outcrop is great for a sundowner or romantic dinner. Surf’s up at Lorient Beach and Anse des Cayes Beach, where visitors and locals hit the great breaks. The recently revamped Gustavia Yacht Club is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and meet other yacht owners and guests in an upscale but relaxed environment.
LORO PIANA SUPERYACHT REGATTA
When: May
Location: Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy
Nearby highlights and activities: One of the most beautiful and well-appointed luxury yacht marinas in the world, the Yacht Club Costa Smerelda (YCCS) hosts this regatta at the start of the Mediterranean season. Owned by HH Aga Khan, it is the epicentre of events over the week’s racing, in the quaint town known as the “Billionaire’s Playground”. Away from the sailing action, you will find beautiful beaches and chic luxury boutiques, buzzing nightclubs and quaint meandering streets of colourful houses. As a great base from which to explore the town, the YCCS is home to one of the only two Acqua di Parma spas, and offers the perfect vantage point for a stunning sunset at the Club’s Aqua Lounge cocktail bar terrace.
SUPERYACHT CUP
When: June
Location: Palma de Mallorca, Balearics, Spain
Nearby highlights and activities: A temperate climate and outstanding natural beauty make it easy to see why many superyachts choose to base themselves in Mallorca year-round. Palma itself is a charming town with a dramatic Gothic cathedral perched above the coastline. A walk through the town’s charming Old Town is a must, while the restaurants and luxury boutiques of La Lonja will no doubt provide ample rewards. The island offers plenty of beautiful cruising grounds away from Palma, too. Head west to Porto Adriano to enjoy Philippe Starck’s take on modern marina living, with a range of restaurants and shops touched by the designer’s trademark quirky style. The north side of the island is more remote and peaceful for a relaxing yacht charter or owner’s cruise, with pretty towns such as Deia, Valdemossa and Soller waiting to be discovered.
For more charter inspiration, click here.
