REGATE DI PRIMAVERA PORTOFINO 2026 - DAY 1
Ideal conditions in the Gulf of Tigullio for the opening day. Mistral Gagnant leads the IRC fleet, ARCA SGR dominates the Open class. Racing resumes tomorrow.
Portofino, 1 May 2026
Ideal weather conditions marked the opening day of the Regate di Primavera Portofino 2026 in the Gulf of Tigullio. A south-westerly breeze of around 10 knots, building steadily throughout the day, combined with calm seas and clear skies, provided the fleet with a perfect setting for the start of the event.
The course saw the 21 competing yachts tackle a coastal race of approximately 8 miles, later extended by the Race Committee as the wind increased, allowing crews to make the most of the conditions and enjoy a superb day on the water.
At 12:00, a clean start was given, with a single start for both classes, IRC and Open, immediately leading into an opening upwind leg with tacking under the slopes of Monte di Portofino.
In the IRC class, after corrected time, MISTRAL GAGNANT, the Solaris 50 owned by Marco Ferrero, claimed victory, followed by TWIN SOUL B, the Mylius 80 of Luciano Gandini, and NICE, the IRC Maxi 79 of Marco Malgara.
In the Open class, racing in real time, the day’s win went to ARCA SGR, the 100-footer owned by Furio Benussi, ahead of MOONSHINE, a Frers yacht owned by Stefano Brunello, and ITACENTODUE, the Felci 61 of Adriano Calvini.
“It was a fantastic day in the Gulf of Tigullio, with ideal conditions to open these Regate di Primavera Portofino in the best possible way. These are waters I know very well, having started sailing here from a young age, and it is always special to return on occasions like this, in a unique setting such as Portofino. We couldn’t have imagined a better start. We are also proud to be able to offer this level of racing conditions to crews coming from far afield,” said Carlo Cameli, President of the Yacht Club Italiano.
“Portofino is delighted to once again host the Regate di Primavera Portofino, an event that perfectly represents the deep connection between our territory and the sea. Events like this help promote the Gulf of Tigullio internationally, combining sport, tradition and outstanding hospitality. The collaboration between institutions and prestigious organizations such as the Yacht Club Italiano is essential to promote our area and strengthen its appeal,” said Matteo Viacava, Mayor of the Municipality of Portofino.
Upon returning to the harbour, crews were welcomed with a gelato delivery service offered by the historic Gelateria San Giorgio in Portofino. This evening, the Crew Party for all participants will take place at Villa Durazzo in Santa Margherita Ligure, while tomorrow’s first start is scheduled for 11:00.
Organization
The Regate di Primavera Portofino are organized by Yacht Club Italiano and FIV, in collaboration with the Municipalities of Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo, together with Portofino Yacht Marina, Progetto Santa Margherita Ligure and Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, under the patronage of Regione Liguria.
Main Partners of the Regate di Primavera Portofino are Splendido Mare, A Belmond Hotel, and Banca Passadore, once again highlighting their strong connection with the village and the world of sailing.
Technical Partners B&G and North Sails will provide technical support to competitors, GT Motor will offer a courtesy car service with Lexus, and Portofino Dry Gin returns as the “Official Gin Supplier”.
