The Grandi Regate Internazionali CIM CLASSIC YACHT TROPHY 2026 , the big event dedicated to vintage and classic sailing boats, will return to Sanremo from 21 to 23 May 2026, organized in collaboration with the Circolo Velico Capo Verde , the FIV , Italian Sailing Federation, CIM the AIVE, Italian Vintage Sails Association.
Three regattas are planned , with the fleet divided into several groups, including BIG BOAT, VINTAGE BOATS, CLASSIC YACHTS, CLASSIC IOR, OPEN (WITH VALID ORC CERTIFICATE) and – SANGERMANI. The participation of historic sailing vessels of the Italian Navy is expected, consistent with normal training activities.
” After the success of the first edition ,” comments our president Beppe Zaoli, ” we will once again welcome a fleet of historic vessels that will evoke the charm of the great 20th-century sailing regattas held along our coasts. And that’s not all. In 2026, on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the founding of the Sangermani shipyard in Lavagna , we will host a reunion of these vessels to honor an example of Ligurian shipbuilding excellence .”
The Sangermani shipyard in Lavagna, one of the symbols of Italian wooden construction, was founded in 1896 by Ettore ‘Dorin’ Sangermano in Mulinetti, Recco. It later moved to Riva Trigoso, Rapallo, and has been in Lavagna since 1946, where it has built 230 of the more than 300 vessels it has built over more than a century. All are recognizable by the distinctive symbol of three hollow , tapering dots (the letter ‘S’ of Morse code), located on the quarterdeck and the same color as the beauty line.
In Lavagna, Cesare Sangermani Sr. and his brother Piero launched dozens of sailing yachts, including Gitana IV for Baron Rothschild and Samurai , both from 1962, Julie Mother (1978), Rorolima (1984), and Barbarossa (1990). Hulls such as Guia 2000 and Rolly Go for Giorgio Falck were born. Sangermani also built motor yachts such as Scilla (1966), Cala Junco (1975), the Offshore Flash (1984), and Secondo Pensiero (1988). The Italian Navy equipped three Sangermani yachts: Artica II (1956), Stella Polare (1965), and Chaplin (1974).
During the Grand International Regattas, on Friday, May 22nd, we’ll be bringing back the VELA&SAPORI culinary challenge to the dockside. This gastronomic event, now in its fourteenth year, will see crews compete in the preparation of a themed dish. The dishes will be judged by a panel of judges chaired by Claudio Porchia , president of the Associazione Ristoranti della Tavolozza di Sanremo, and composed of food and wine journalists, experts, and food bloggers. This will be followed by a Show Cooking event organized in collaboration with Sanremo restaurants.
Points earned in the culinary competition will be added to those earned during the regattas and will contribute to a move up the overall rankings. The 2025 winner was Oliria , the 1976 Sangermani owned by Ermanno Sciaulino.
The Grand International Regattas will conclude on Saturday evening, May 23, after the last day of racing, awards ceremony, and crew dinner with live music and the inevitable fireworks display at our yacht club.
SAVE THE DATE, and in the meantime, relive the magic of the 2025 edition!