Festival of Sailing to Celebrate 40th Anniversary in 2007
January 30, 2007 0 comments
Celebrating a milestone in 2007, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) will mark the 40th anniversary of its founding with rallies, regattas and exclusive social events that will bring together the sailors, boats and organizers that have shaped the hi
Celebrating a milestone in 2007, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) will mark the 40th anniversary of its founding with rallies, regattas and exclusive social events that will bring together the sailors, boats and organizers that have shaped the history of this jewel in the crown of Porto Cervo.
“We are delighted to have reached this important milestone and to have achieved such an impressive track record at such a ‘young’ age,” said YCCS Commodore Gianfranco Alberini. “Our accomplishments are credited to a great deal of hard work and determination and to the professionalism and expertise of the people who have collaborated with us over these past 40 years. The events we have planned for 2007 will give us the chance to thank them and to celebrate together with the new generation of sailors whose drive and vision will take us through the next 40 years.”
The festivities will commence with a formal dinner on May 12, 2007, 40 years to the day that His Highness the Aga Khan, along with Andrè Ardoin, Giuseppe Kerry Mentasti and Luigi Vietti, founded the not-for-profit association with the aim of uniting sailing enthusiasts and promoting the sport. The Club has remained true to those ideals, not only establishing a string of internationally renowned regattas but also achieving sporting history. Since the very first regatta organized by the Club – the Settimana delle Bocche in 1972 – YCCS has hosted World and European Championships for numerous one-design classes including the Optimist, Star, International 12-Metre, J/24, and Farr 40, while creating signature events such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex Swan Cup and Sardinia Rolex Cup, all of which have demonstrated the Club’s commitment to excellence in race management combined with its unparalleled level of hospitality. YCCS can also lay claim to a special place in Italian and international sailing history achieved with the launch of Azzurra – flagship of the first-ever Italian America’s Cup Challenge in 1983 – and the subsequent invitation to act as the 1987 Challenger of Record in Fremantle, Australia. In 1992 the YCCS motor yacht Destriero brought the Blue Riband Award to Italy for the fastest transatlantic crossing record. The forward thinking sailors, designers, engineers and organizers who contributed to all of these historic achievements will participate in the festivities throughout 2007.
While further anniversary celebrations will take place for Yacht Club Members during August, September holds the real treat for sailing enthusiasts as Porto Cervo welcomes a “Festival of Sailing” in the form of the YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta. Strategically scheduled between the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (September 2-8) and the Rolex Veteran Boat Rally (September 12-15), the YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta will take place on September 10 and will play host not only to some of the largest sailing yachts in the world from the Maxis and the stunning fleet of Veteran boats, but also to historic America’s Cup International 12 Metres alongside high-tech racers from the current America’s Cup challenge. The regatta will consist of one coastal race with the fleet – 70-80 boats are anticipated – divided into divisions. Continuing a favorite, long-standing YCCS tradition, the day’s sailing will be capped by an impressive Crew Party to be held in the evening on the Piazza Azzurra overlooking Porto Cervo Marina.
The YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta will be open to all sailing yachts and interested parties are encouraged to contact the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for further details.
