One of the most important events on the international yachting calendar, the annual Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is synonymous with excellence.
The regatta and its organizer, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), have been partnered by Rolex since the mid-1980s. A partnership of such longevity is rare in sport and lies at the heart of the event’s continuing evolution and ability to maintain the highest of ‘standards’.
Rolex Testimonee Paul Cayard, the legendary yachtsman from the United States and a past competitor at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, explains how the close partnership between the Swiss watchmaker and the YCCS is fundamental to the continued success of the event:
“For four decades, Rolex and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda have forged a privileged relationship. These two partners stand for the highest quality and excellence in everything they do, and as a result, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup offers the ideal platform for owners and their crews to enjoy elite competition in a striking and demanding location.”
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YCCS Commodore Michael Illbruck agrees with Cayard that the historic partnership is at the heart of the event’s continued appeal:
“The YCCS and Rolex have always worked together to evolve an event created with a very clear vision: to become one of the world’s most important and spectacular sailing events, one which entices the best sailors to compete and inspires maxi yacht owners and designers to continue to drive the sport forward.”
The regatta is renowned for its professional organization, excellent sailing conditions and a first-class schedule of events off the water. In 2023, the 33rd edition commences on Sunday, 3 September and concludes with the final prize-giving on Saturday, 9 September.
The event typically attracts about 50 yachts measuring from 18.29 metres (60 feet) in length to more than 40m (131ft). Divided into classes based on size and performance, and crewed by the world’s leading sailors, the yachts are a sublime combination of power, speed and elegance when racing. Thanks to the YCCS race management team, supported by the International Maxi Association, a recognized leader in its field, the week of competition is impeccably conducted.
Cayard confirms why sailors are perennially drawn to the event:
“The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is the very essence of superlative yacht racing – the most impressive yachts, sailed by the best sailors in the most perfect sailing environment. Victory at this regatta is one of the most coveted successes in the sport. The winners have overcome determined and skilful opponents across a demanding week of racing.”
Since its foundation, the event has been a showcase for both the potential and the evolution of yacht design and technology. It is considered the foremost proving ground for new launches and a place where designers, owners and sailors can meet to discuss innovations, developments and future projects. Success at the regatta confirms that passion and commitment have been well directed.
Completing the attractive package is one of the world’s most impressive sailing environments. The emerald waters, rocky outcrops and islets of north-east Sardinia’s Maddalena Archipelago offer an exceptional arena for yacht racing, with varied conditions and testing courses.
Across five days of intense competition off Porto Cervo, crews tackle a programme of windward/leeward and inshore racing through and around the archipelago. Consistency in performance is critical, teamwork essential. For the top performers, recognition comes in the form of class victories and the associated trophies.
Rolex Testimonee and four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie, another past competitor, highlights the event’s distinct spirit:
“The setting inspires excellence. From a sporting perspective, precision is critical to successful performance in sailing. This is never more so than at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, which has long showcased the world’s elite sailors using their skill and expertise to get the very best out of powerful, technically complex yachts.”
For close to 40 years, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup has provided the perfect platform for the world’s most powerful monohull yachts to perform to their full potential. And, thanks to the close and careful partnership of the YCCS and Rolex, it appears set fair to continue delivering for many years to come.
