Porto Cervo hosted the 24th Grand Soleil Cup, featuring a 21-yacht international fleet and showcasing the new GS Plus 80.
From 21 to 23 May, Porto Cervo hosted the 24th edition of the Grand Soleil Cup, returning to the official sporting calendar of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda after its 2024 appearance. Over four days, the waters off Porto Cervo became a natural meeting point for the Grand Soleil community, bringing together owners and crews from around the world in an event that went well beyond racing alone, blending competition, sailing culture and social exchange.
The 21-yacht fleet offered a broad snapshot of the Grand Soleil universe, with models ranging from 37 to 80 feet. It was a lineup that reflected the brand’s evolution across different interpretations of sailing, from bluewater cruising to high-performance configurations. Seven yachts belonged to the Plus line, dedicated to yachts over 60 feet, including the GS Plus 65, GS Plus 72 and the new GS Plus 80 Long Cruise, which was previewed in Porto Cervo ahead of its official debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2026.
The international scope of the event was also evident in the crews’ stories. The GS Plus 65 LC arrived from Australia, while the GS 52 LC came from Canada, marking the longest journeys among the participants. Adding a sense of heritage to the fleet, the Grand Soleil 37 J&J, launched in 2000, underlined the continuity and longevity of the brand, still actively racing more than two decades on.
Racing unfolded against the unmistakable backdrop of the Costa Smeralda, where island-dotted courses and shifting channels created a technically demanding and visually striking race area. The competitors were split into two groups based on their technical characteristics, with starts on both race days taking place in the waters off Porto Cervo. The fleet brought together a wide range of experience levels, with owner-drivers competing alongside professional sailors on the same courses, adding depth and intensity to the competition.
In the overall standings, the GS Plus 72 Performance Pantarei secured first place, confirming its leading performance throughout the event. It was followed by the GS Plus 80 Long Cruise BiancaII in second position, while the GS Plus 65 LC Meligunis completed the podium in third place. The same order was reflected in the Grand Soleil Plus category. In the Grand Soleil class, the GS 40 Yankee R claimed first place, followed by the GS 43 Raffica 3 in second position and the GS 42 LC Tobalù del Mar in third, rounding out the class podium.
Beyond the racing, the Grand Soleil Cup 2026 once again balanced sport with a full social program that has become part of its identity. From daily briefings and post-race gatherings to the welcome cocktail, gala dinner, prize-giving and farewell party hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the event offered constant opportunities for owners and crews to connect both on and off the water.
Alongside the Cup, Porto Cervo also welcomed Pardo Yachts owners as part of Cantiere del Pardo Week, a format bringing together the Group’s brands through shared cruising activities, on-water experiences and social moments ashore. Guests had the opportunity to explore the latest Pardo Yachts and VanDutch Yachts models, follow race starts from the water, and take part in a curated agenda of events hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, including an “on the road” experience developed with Ducati Italia. The initiative was designed to encourage dialogue between sailing and motor yachting while reinforcing the sense of community that has long defined Cantiere del Pardo owners.
A format expanding beyond the Mediterranean
The 2026 edition also reflects the continued international expansion of the Grand Soleil Cup circuit. In February, Sydney hosted the Grand Soleil Cup Australia, bringing together 87 yachts from clubs across the country. The Grand Soleil fleet dominated the results, with three GS 40s taking the top three positions and Andiamo securing the overall victory. More recently, the circuit expanded into the Caribbean with the Grand Soleil Cup Puerto Rico, held on 23–24 May in the waters of Culebra as part of the multiclass La Vuelta regatta. The event attracted more than 30 yachts overall, including a dedicated Grand Soleil class of six boats: GS 42 LC, GS 46 LC, GS 52 LC and three GS 52 Performance models. Following stops in Sydney, Puerto Rico and Porto Cervo, the project continues to grow with the aim of building a truly international circuit that connects owners across different regions while preserving the core values of the Grand Soleil world: a passion for sailing, design excellence and a strong sense of community.
Grand Soleil Vintage Cup
Alongside the main circuit, the shipyard calendar also includes the established Grand Soleil Vintage Cup in Portopiccolo–Sistiana, which returns for its fourth edition with around 40 yachts already entered. Scheduled for 13–14 June, the event is reserved for Grand Soleil models designed before 2000. It has become a genuine gathering of long-standing owners, celebrating both the brand’s heritage and the continued loyalty of those who still cruise and race their Grand Soleil yachts decades later. It stands as a clear testament not only to the durability and quality of the yachts, but also to the enduring relationship between the brand and its community.
