Regate di Primavera Portofino back with a significant new name Splendido Mare Cup

Regate di Primavera Portofino © Carlo Borlenghi

The big yachts are back in Portofino, with the 'Pearl of Mediterranean' again ready to act as the backstage, the cradle of sailors, fishermen, and great sailors, ready to host events destined to leave a mark in the hearts of participants.

The Regate di Primavera - Portofino is back with a significant new name: Splendido Mare Cup, an explicit link to the Splendido Mare, a Belmond Hotel, Portofino, a new hotel from the luxury hospitality group Belmond. The iconic structure overlooking the Portofino piazzetta has been completely renovated over the past two years. This will be a unique and special occasion to celebrate the renaissance of the town and the life of the people who make Portofino such a unique and legendary destination.

'In May 1980 in Portofino, the first edition of the IOR spring races - Trofeo Zegna took place in collaboration with the municipality of Portofino. 60 IOR yachts and nine J24' took part'. With these few but emblematic lines, the yearbook of the Yacht Club Italiano remembers the start of a Trophy that over time became the not to be missed start of the Mediterranean sailing season.

"For too long great sailing has been missing in Portofino" says the town's mayor Matteo Viacava, "particularly for a town like ours so closely linked to the sea. I come from a family of master carpenters and boats are a fundamental element of my life; a job, a family tradition, and a passion. For me, as for all the inhabitants, it will be a real joy to see again the town and its sea, privileged guests and protagonists of the Regate di Primavera."

Portofino, Italy - photo © Francesco Ferri / Sea&See

So in 2021, the sailing-Portofino connection is back, thanks to the collaboration between the Yacht Club Italiano, the Municipality of Portofino, the International Maxi Association, and Belmond as title partner; flanked by the world's main superyacht yards such as Wally, Southern Wind Shipyard, Nautor's Swan and Mylius Yachts, together to bring to life four days of splendid races on the sea and celebrating the ancient ties between the town and the sport of sailing.

"Racing again at Portofino," says Yacht Club Italiano president Gerolamo Bianchi, "with which we are united by an ancient bond, is of very great satisfaction. Here for 23 years we have organised the Bombola d'Oro Trophy for Dinghy 12s, for many years we have had the 'Zegna', the Pirelli races, the Portofino Rolex Trophy, and other high-ranking regattas, but the first engagements from the then Regio YCI go right back to 1890 and since 1965 the Plant has its summer headquarters on the Molo Umberto I. Portofino is also a perfect natural environment for hosting sporting events, and in unpredictable and very technical racing area, especially at this time of year. So heartfelt thanks to the willingness and effective participation of all those involved for managing to organise such an important event, despite the complexity of the historical period we are living through."

For more information visit www.yachtclubitaliano.it