Several large sailboats with dark and light sails race across a blue ocean under a bright sky.

06 - 12 SEPTEMBER 2026 | Porto Cervo, Sardinia

MAXI YACHT ROLEX CUP

Every September the largest of the Grand Prix sailing yachts gather at Porto Cervo and race each other around the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago. These are maxis: vessels over seventy feet or 21 metres, sailed by the best crews in the world, crossing the line seconds apart after thirty miles at sea. This is the pinnacle of the sport. If you’ve got what it takes, you can put yourself in it.

With Y.CO Charter Expert Eleanor Bloodworth

09 Jul 2026

A large, sleek sailing yacht cutting through the deep blue waters of the ocean, with passengers on board enjoying the ride against a backdrop of clear skies and distant mountains.

Take Your Place on the Start Line

Race it

A maxi is the biggest of the Grand Prix sailing yachts. The boats built to win are usually sailed by their owners during this week.

"There are very few performance sailing yachts available to charter," says our charter specialist Eleanor Bloodworth. "Seeking one out and building your dream race experience is where Y.CO’s expertise comes in.”

Once you’ve found the right boat, you'll want the right crew and the right sails. We'll guide you through the process and be honest about every part of it.

A Front-Row Seat to the Action

Or watch it!

Prefer the view from the water? The racing happens miles offshore across the archipelago, so the smart move is to anchor your yacht and follow by tender, picking the moments worth chasing. As Eleanor puts it: "You don't have to catch all of it, but it's incredibly dramatic to watch." One thing to plan for in Sardinia: berths in Porto Cervo go to the race fleet that week, so a charter built around the regatta accounts for that from the start. Our charter team will know how to make it work.

A team of sailors leans over the dark hull of a racing yacht as it cuts through the choppy blue ocean.

Your Racing Journey Starts Here

Make it happen

This is an event for experienced sailors with the ocean in their veins. Newer to racing and keen to take the wheel in a more relaxed set up? Ask us about super yacht regattas like the St Barths Bucket, the Palma Super Yacht or Ibiza Joy Regatta, where you and your guests sail alongside the pros and still come ashore smiling. We've raced ourselves and we run racing programmes for owners, so we know exactly what this takes. Tell us what you're after, and we'll make it real.

Speak to the Y.CO charter team today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charter a yacht to participate in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup?

Yes, although opportunities are limited. The regatta is aimed at experienced sailors, and sourcing a suitable performance yacht, racing crew and race programme requires considerable advance planning.

Do I need previous racing experience to take part?

This regatta is considered one of the highest levels of competitive yacht racing. Guests looking to race should have prior sailing experience or be prepared to join a professionally managed programme designed around their abilities.

Is it possible to experience the regatta without racing?

Absolutely. Many guests choose to attend as spectators, enjoying the racing from the comfort of a yacht while following the fleet around the La Maddalena archipelago.

Where does the racing take place?

The races are held in the waters surrounding Porto Cervo and the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, an area renowned for its sailing conditions, scenery and challenging race courses.

What makes the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup so prestigious?

The event attracts some of the world's most advanced racing yachts and experienced crews. For many owners and sailors, it represents one of the most important fixtures on the international sailing calendar.

Can I follow the racing from my yacht?

Yes. As the racing takes place offshore, a yacht provides an excellent platform from which to watch the action, with tenders often used to move closer to key moments during the races.

Do I need a berth in Porto Cervo to attend the event?

Not necessarily. During regatta week, priority is given to competing yachts, making berths particularly limited. A charter itinerary can be structured around alternative arrangements where required.

How many days should I allow for the regatta?

Many guests choose to attend for several days or the full event week to experience both the racing and the atmosphere ashore in Porto Cervo.

Is this event suitable for someone new to yacht racing?

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup is best suited to experienced sailors and racing enthusiasts. Guests seeking a more relaxed introduction to competitive sailing may prefer one of the superyacht regattas held elsewhere in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

What is the best way to experience the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup?

That depends on your goals. For experienced sailors, joining a racing programme offers an unforgettable opportunity to compete at the highest level, while spectators can enjoy a front-row seat to some of the most exciting sailing in the world from their own charter yacht.

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