It's a wrap for the Grand Soleil Cup 2025 Leg 2
by Grand Soleil Yachts 17 Jun 13:32 PDT
13-15 June 2025
The second leg of the 23rd Grand Soleil Cup, organized by Cantiere del Pardo, concluded in the stunning setting of the Adriatic Sea. From June 13th to 15th, Portopiccolo came alive with a weekend of sailing, passion, and conviviality.
Organized in collaboration with Diporto Nautico Sistiana and Yacht Club Portopiccolo, this leg marked a historic milestone: 43 yachts registered, an all-time record for an Adriatic stage of the Grand Soleil Cup, bringing the 2025 fleet total to 83 boats between the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas.
The winner of the regatta was ATHYRIS, a Grand Soleil 48 Race skippered by Sergio Taccheo, who dominated both race days and also secured first place in real time. Taking second place was FOREVER, a Grand Soleil 58 by Claudio Bernoni, followed by VOLARE, a Grand Soleil 44 Race owned by Raoul Gambillare—a model that continues to shine after recently being crowned "Boat of the Year."
On Saturday, the fleet sailed under beam reach conditions with the last gusts of the "Borin" wind, followed by a thermal breeze reaching up to 12 knots on the first upwind leg. As the wind gradually dropped, the race finished early at the third mark. The following day offered another coastal race with light but steady wind, ending between mark 2 and mark 3, followed by a dockside celebration and prize-giving ceremony.
Among the most anticipated moments was the debut of the new Grand Soleil 52 models: BLACK PEKOE III, the Race version by Ernesto Folli, freshly launched in 2025, and ALBATROSS, the Performance version by Alberto Cocchi.
The onshore program also left a lasting impression: a Friday evening dance party on the DNS Sistiana terrace, and on Saturday night, a grand celebration at Duchis Maris in the heart of Portopiccolo, filled with music, good vibes, and the unmistakable Grand Soleil spirit.
Rankings and special awards
OVERALL Ranking - ALL SAILS Category
1. Grand Soleil 48 Race ATHYRIS - Sergio Taccheo
2. Grand Soleil 58 FOREVER - Claudio Bernoni
3. Grand Soleil 44 Race VOLARE - Raoul Gambillare
OVERALL Ranking - WHITE SAILS Category
1. Grand Soleil 37 PAPAGENA - Fabio Codognotto (J&J, 1991)
2. Grand Soleil 34 MOZART - Roberto Ragogna (Finot, 1974) - also oldest boat award
3. Grand Soleil 39 ALTAIR - Tommaso Mioni (Jezequel, 1986)
Best Real Time:
Grand Soleil 48 Race ATHYRIS - Sergio Taccheo
Vintage Trophy (for yachts designed before 2000):
Grand Soleil 50 ELKA di Carlo Naibo (progetto Peterson)
Full rankings are here
During the closing ceremony, the traditional special awards were also presented to celebrate the spirit and diversity of the Grand Soleil fleet:
Trofeo Alba, for the youngest boat in the water, was awarded to the Grand Soleil 52 Race BLACK PEKOE III by Ernesto Folli, launched in 2025.
Trofeo Latitudine, for the yacht that came from the furthest away, went to the Grand Soleil 52 Performance ALBATROSS by Alberto Cocchi.
Trofeo Rosa dei Venti, for the crew with the highest number of women on board, was awarded to the Grand Soleil 39 ELISIR by Maddalena Quaggiotti.
Trofeo Arsenale, celebrating the oldest boat in the race, was awarded to the Grand Soleil 34 MOZART by Roberto Ragogna, a Finot design from 1974.
Cantiere del Pardo sincerely thanks all the owners and crews who took part, making this Adriatic leg of the 2025 Grand Soleil Cup yet another extraordinary event for the international Grand Soleil community.
A heartfelt thank you to Diporto Nautico Sistiana, Yacht Club Portopiccolo, Marina di Portopiccolo, and our dealer BS Nautic, for their invaluable organizational support - and finally, to our sponsors:
Main sponsor: Quick Group, Volvo Penta
Official partners: B&G, Falconeri
Thanks to: Harken, Bamar, Podere Guardia Grande, Banco BPM
See you in 2026 for the 24th edition!