The crystal-clear waters of the Costa Smeralda once again transformed into the stage for Grand Soleil’s signature nautical culture. From May 21 to 23, Porto Cervo was back at the center of international sailing with the 24th edition of the Grand Soleil Cup, which returned to the official racing calendar of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. The event brought together owners, crews, and enthusiasts from several countries. The 2026 Grand Soleil Cup confirmed its well-established formula, which masterfully blends competition, camaraderie, and shared experiences, while keeping Cantiere del Pardo’s brand identity and the sense of belonging of its international community at the forefront.
The Diverse Fleet of the 2026 Grand Soleil Cup
The event saw the participation of 21 yachts ranging from 37 to 80 feet, representing the different souls of the Grand Soleil universe. Alongside the more performance-oriented models, the fleet included numerous Long Cruise versions, highlighting the brand’s evolution toward a sailing concept that integrates comfort, autonomy, and a sporting vocation.
Particularly significant was the presence of the Plus line, dedicated to yachts over 60 feet, with seven units racing among 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 scheduled for the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.
International Crews and a Spirit of Belonging
The international scale of the event was clearly reflected in the origin of the crews. Among the most notable entries, the GS Plus 65 LC arriving from Australia and the GS 52 LC from Canada represented the longest voyages to reach Porto Cervo.
Alongside the latest models, a 2000 Grand Soleil 37 J&J added a historical element to the event, becoming a symbol of the shipyard’s design continuity and the longevity of its yachts. The simultaneous presence of yachts from different generations provided a complete picture of Grand Soleil’s evolution, keeping the common thread that links design, build quality, and sailing identity clearly visible.
The Winners of the 2026 Grand Soleil Cup
The races took place in the natural setting of the Costa Smeralda, with courses designed around islands and channels that offered technical conditions highly appreciated by the crews. The fleet was divided into two groups based on the yachts’ technical characteristics, and starts took place in the waters just off Porto Cervo. Owner-helmsmen and professional sailors competed side-by-side on the water, helping to make the regattas competitive yet fully aligned with the convivial spirit of the event.
In the final overall standings, the GS Plus 72 Performance Pantarei took the absolute victory, ahead of the GS Plus 80 Long Cruise Bianca II and the GS Plus 65 LC Meligunis. The same podium was mirrored in the Grand Soleil Plus category. In the Grand Soleil class, first place went to the GS 40 Yankee R, followed by the GS 43 Raffica 3 and the GS 42 LC Tobalù del Mar.
Sailing, Lifestyle, and Networking
Beyond the racing, the program alternated between sporting action and social events, confirming the lifestyle nature of the Grand Soleil Cup. Welcome cocktails, gala dinners, ceremonies, and parties enlivened the venues of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, creating opportunities for owners, crews, and the shipyard’s partners to connect.
In parallel, Cantiere del Pardo Week also took place, gathering Pardo Yachts and VanDutch Yachts owners for a week dedicated to cruising and shared experiences. The program included sea trials, exclusive events, and an “on the road” experience organized in collaboration with Ducati Mercato Italia, strengthening the dialogue between the worlds of sailing and powerboats.
A Circuit Looking Beyond the Mediterranean
The 2026 Grand Soleil Cup is part of the initiative’s international expansion. Last February, Sydney hosted the Grand Soleil Cup Australia, with 87 participating boats from yacht clubs across the country. The Grand Soleil fleet swept the top three positions with the GS 40s, with Andiamo taking the final victory. Additionally, May saw the addition of the Grand Soleil Cup Puerto Rico, held in the waters of Culebra as part of the multi-class La Vuelta regatta. The event involved over 30 boats, including a dedicated Grand Soleil class with six registered yachts.
The project’s goal is to consolidate an international circuit capable of keeping the sailing culture, design quality, and sense of community that define the brand at its core.
Also on the calendar is the Grand Soleil Vintage Cup in Portopiccolo-Sistiana, now in its fourth edition and scheduled for June 13 and 14. The event is reserved for models designed before 2000 and represents a particularly meaningful moment for the brand’s community, with about 40 boats expected. The event celebrates the shipyard’s heritage and bears witness to the lasting bond between owners and their yachts, confirming the design longevity that characterizes Grand Soleil.
Conclusion
The 2026 Grand Soleil Cup confirmed Porto Cervo’s central role as a benchmark for international sailing and the brand’s community. The balance between competition, lifestyle, and networking continues to be one of the event’s defining elements, while the expansion into Australia and the Caribbean highlights the brand’s commitment to building a global network of owners united by the same nautical culture.
Furthermore, the growth of the international circuit and the success of initiatives dedicated to historic yachts demonstrate Grand Soleil’s ability to simultaneously value both innovation and tradition, consolidating a recognizable identity in the contemporary sailing landscape.
Grand Soleil Cup 2026 – FAQ
When did the 2026 Grand Soleil Cup take place?
The event was held in Porto Cervo from May 21 to 23, 2026.
How many boats participated in the event?
The fleet consisted of 21 yachts ranging from 37 to 80 feet.
Which boat won the overall standings?
The GS Plus 72 Performance Pantarei took first place overall.
What was one of the main highlights of the 2026 edition?
The exclusive preview of the new GS Plus 80 Long Cruise, which is also highly anticipated at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.
