Next Thursday, 23 April, the high-performance one-design RC44s will participate in their second event of the 2026 44Cup at Puntaldia, Sardinia, marking a new venue for the circuit.
In a bid to bring variety to the racing calendar, the 44Cup has incorporated new locations each year. Puntaldia will be the first of two venues for 2026, followed by Cartagena in Spain, which will host the concluding event from 11-15 November.
Located just 20 kilometres southeast of Olbia, the 380-berth Marina di Puntaldia encompasses not only a luxurious marina with its own shipyard, Nautica di Puntaldia, but also features a resort, a nine-hole golf course by the sea, tennis courts, fine dining options, and exclusive shopping outlets.
The area boasts numerous beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, forming part of the Tavolara Marine Park. The striking limestone island of Tavolara, towering over the landscape, will provide a scenic backdrop for the races, scheduled to occur from 23 to 26 April.
Marie-Hélène Polo, CEO of the Marina di Puntaldia, expressed pride in hosting the 44Cup: “We are honoured to host the 44Cup Marina Puntaldia. The 44Cup is one of the most iconic and competitive circuits in international sailing. For the Marina and our new yacht club, this represents a unique opportunity for us to grow and challenges us to deliver an excellent experience both on the water and ashore. We are proud to welcome our guests and sailors in this unique and most spectacular corner of the Mediterranean.”
The marina has previously hosted regattas for various one-design yachts, including the Melges 20, Melges 32 and ClubSwan 36 classes, as well as the 69F foilers. Aleph Racing’s skipper Pietro Loro Piana offers his insights about the locale: “It is a beautiful venue in the Sardinian Sea. Everything, the colours, look shiny – similar to the Caribbean. Puntaldia is one of the most beautiful places we have in Sardinia. And I’m really looking forward to sailing there.”
In 2026, the leaderboard has already seen surprises, with John Bassadone’s Peninsula Racing currently in the lead following their victory at the 44Cup Puerto Calero in Lanzarote in February.
Loro Piana is eager to compete again, noting, “Sailing with these boats and with these guys is something else. You’re always fighting until the last day. It just makes you push and push and push.”
For more information, visit www.44cup.org.
#44Cup #Sailing #Puntaldia #Sardinia #MarinaDiPuntaldia #SailingLife #SailingCommunity
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
