Elite Performance, Enduring Elegance, Living History
The Loro Piana Giraglia is organised by Yacht Club Italiano in collaboration with Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, under the guidance of the Federazione Italiana Vela and the Fédération Française de Voile. First held in 1953, the 73rd edition will feature over 130 yachts from around the world for four days of inshore racing in Saint-Tropez (12-16 June) followed by the 241nm offshore race starting on 17 June. The offshore course starts from Saint-Tropez, rounds the Giraglia Rock off Corsica, and finishes in Genoa.
This event brings together many qualities that have made the race compelling for over 70 years. Framed by the glamour of Saint Tropez and the maritime heritage of Genoa, the Giraglia captures fierce rivalry, timeless elegance, and deep family tradition. From a maxi battle at the front of the fleet to a classic yacht of rare distinction, this year’s entry list offers stories that reach well beyond the results sheet.
Four Maxis Battle for Line Honours
One of the standout contests will be the line honours battle between four powerful Maxis: Magic Carpet E, Leopard 3, V, and Arca SGR. In 2025, Magic Carpet E was just two minutes and 43 seconds short of Line Honours behind Skallywag 100. Arca SGR, skippered by Furio Benussi, was less than two hours behind Magic Carpet E last year and has a strong track record, including victories in the Barcolana and the 151 Miglia.
Magic Carpet E started racing last year and will face established competitors like Leopard 3 and V in this year’s event. Leopard 3 enters the race as a proven contender, having won the RORC Transatlantic Race, Rolex Middle Sea Race, and the Maxi World Championship.
Chris Sherlock, Leopard’s Programme Manager, says their goal is to adapt to the varied Mediterranean conditions, focusing on improving performance in lighter winds. This early exchange could shape one of the defining rivalries of the Loro Piana Giraglia 2026.
Kuka 4: Modern Speed, Proven Partnership
Swiss sailor Franco Niggeler’s MAT 1220 Kuka 4 represents a mid-sized racer/cruiser participating in the Giraglia. The Mark Mills design is new for the 2026 season and will race in The 2026 Sardinia Cup prior to the Giraglia. Team Kuka includes double Olympic medallist and Maxi winning skipper Mitch Booth, who has a long history with Niggeler. Booth states that Kuka 4 is ideally suited for the Giraglia, focusing on offshore performance while using inshore racing for preparation and crew training.
Classic Focus: Baruna of 1938
Among this year’s fleet is the impressive Baruna of 1938, designed by Olin Stephens and launched in 1938. Baruna won the Newport Bermuda Race in her launch year, with Stephens navigating. Owner Tara Getty led a meticulous seven-and-a-half-year restoration to return the yacht to her original character. Baruna embodies the spirit of the Giraglia, combining performance with elegance, reminding modern sailors of the artistry of traditional yacht design.
A Family Legacy: Capricorno
Alessandro Del Bono’s JV82 Capricorno will once again compete, representing a blend of family legacy and Italian sailing history. After finishing second overall in 2025, Capricorno returns with a strong recent form. The Del Bono family has a storied history in offshore racing, with notable achievements including winning the Admiral’s Cup in 1995. Del Bono aims to preserve the yacht’s tradition while continuously developing her performance.
Magic Carpet E, Leopard 3, V, Arca SGR, Kuka 4, Baruna, and Capricorno exemplify the qualities of the Loro Piana Giraglia: elite performance, enduring elegance, and living history. Each yacht brings not only speed but a unique story to this prestigious event.
Organisation
The Loro Piana Giraglia is organised by the Yacht Club Italiano, in cooperation with the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, under the patronage of the Yacht Club de France, Yacht Club Sanremo, and Yacht Club de Monaco, and with the support of the Union Nationale pour la Course au Large (UNCL) and the International Maxi Association (IMA).
All information available on the event website: loropianagiraglia.com
@yachtclubitaliano #LoroPianaGiraglia #MaxiYachts #OffshoreRacing
Interested in seeing more Racing News? Click here
