Entry criteria announced for Sardinia Cup 2026
by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 17 Sep 16:36 BST
31 May - 7 June 2026
Sardinia Cup © Yacht Club Costa Smeralda
The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) is pleased to announce that the next edition of the Sardinia Cup, taking place from 31 May to 7 June 2026, will adopt the IRC Rating Bands applied by the Royal Ocean Racing Club for the Admiral's Cup.
Established in 1978 and strongly promoted by then-Commodore Gianfranco Alberini, the Sardinia Cup is set to return to the international calendar next year, following its last edition in 2012. The regatta helped to make the Club a benchmark in international yachting, earning a reputation over the decades for attracting top-level boats and sailors, thanks to its spectacular Mediterranean race course, competitive spirit, and strong sense of belonging. The Sardinia Cup was designed to alternate in even-numbered years with the Admiral's Cup, the prestigious British competition that made its own return to the racing schedule this year.
In accordance with the rules for the Sardinia Cup 2026, teams of two boats - meeting the rating band requirements listed below - will compete on behalf of their yacht club. Nationality will be determined by the location of the yacht club represented. Each crew must also field at least one female athlete and one youth sailor under 27 years of age.
The programme for the regatta will include an overnight offshore race, alongside three days of competition alternating between coastal and windward-leeward courses.
YCCS Commodore Andrea Recordati commented: "The success of the Admiral's Cup this year reminded us how much we have missed sailing events of this calibre, where team spirit, national pride, and the honour of representing one's yacht club, are driving forces. The return of the Sardinia Cup in 2026 will no doubt channel this same enthusiasm, and our collaboration with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, through the adoption of the same rating bands to be used for the next edition of the Admiral's Cup, offers owners continuity and a strong incentive to take part."
The Notice of Race for the Sardinia Cup is currently being finalised and will be published by the end of October. In the meantime, the YCCS invites owners and crews to register their interest in order to receive updates and relevant useful information by contacting the YCCS Race Office: .
Rating Bands - Sardinia Cup 2026:
| Class | Min TCC | Max TCC | Min LH (m) | Max LH (m) | Max Draft (m) |
|---|
| SC 1 | 1.295 | 1.440 | 13.41 | 17.10 | 3.9 |
| SC 2 | 1.125 | 1.282 | 11.50 | 13.40 | 3.4 |