The Superyacht Regattas You’ll Want on Your Radar for 2026
Every year, the world’s most spectacular sailing destinations come alive as superyachts gather for a season of competitive racing, spirited camaraderie, and unforgettable shoreside celebrations. Whether owners are chasing silverware or the social scene, the 2026 regatta circuit offers a blend of iconic favorites and rising stars: from the Caribbean’s turquoise waters to the Mediterranean’s most storied coastlines.
Here is your guide to the superyacht regattas worth marking on next year’s calendar.
Superyacht Challenge Antigua
3-8 March 2026 • Antigua
Set in the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, this four-day event features daily pursuit races plus an optional lap around Antigua, with start and finish lines positioned just off English Harbour. Yachts compete in three classes: Buccaneers, Corsairs, and Privateers, all raced under the ORC Superyacht Rule.
In 2025, the 37-metre Action clinched overall victory, with the 34-metre Kawil and 45-metre Catalina rounding out the podium. Catalina also claimed the Gosnell Trophy for embodying the “Spirit of the Regatta” on and off the water.
Expect lively evenings ashore, from dockside parties to the prize-giving at Admiral’s Inn, set against Antigua’s timeless maritime backdrop.
St Barths Bucket Regatta
12-15 March 2026 • St Barths
The Bucket remains one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious invitation-only regattas, annually attracting an enviable fleet of 30-metre-plus superyachts. Early entries for 2026 include Nautor Swan’s 39-metre BeCool, Royal Huisman’s 65.2-metre Aquarius, and the 59-metre Maximus by Vitters.
This year will feature an optional fourth day of racing and the continuation of the new 100-foot racing class. As in recent editions, non-racing social entrants are welcome.
Away from the racecourse, owners enjoy an elegant program of soirées: including the famed Tamarin party and the awards celebration at Eden Rock, one of the Caribbean’s most glamorous stages.
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta
26-30 May 2026 • Sardinia
Hosted by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, this chic Sardinian regatta enters its fourth year under Giorgio Armani’s banner. Fourteen yachts competed last year, with highlights including the Armani Mare boutique pop-up in Piazza Azzurra, a black-tie gala, and the beloved Southern Wind Rendezvous and Trophy.
New for 2026 is the Corinthian Spirit division, designed for more cruising-oriented yachts requiring fewer professional crew.
Cyclades Cup
10-13 June 2026 • Antiparos, Greece
Returning for its third edition, the Cyclades Cup has quickly become a standout of the Eastern Mediterranean racing season. Organized by the Yacht Club of Greece in collaboration with Ilia Rigas, owner of the 50-metre Almyra II and World Superyacht Awards judge, the event welcomes sailing yachts over 30 metres as well as 90-foot and 100-foot racing classes.
The racing is complemented by quintessential Greek hospitality: sunset cocktails, relaxed dinners, and curated island excursions around idyllic Antiparos.
Superyacht Cup Palma
24-27 June 2026 • Palma de Mallorca
Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. The atmosphere is relaxed yet unmistakably exclusive, centred around a private, fenced-in race village at Moll Vell.
Racing unfolds across the Bay of Palma in three classes: J, A, and B. In 2025, the 24-metre Wally Rose claimed her third overall victory, reinforcing her status as a Palma favourite.
Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup
6-12 September 2026 • Sardinia
A crown jewel of the racing calendar, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup draws everything from legendary J Class yachts to cutting-edge maxi racers. Staged off Costa Smeralda’s dramatic granite coastline, the regatta has been hosted by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in partnership with Rolex since the 1980s.
Despite demanding conditions in 2025, Galateia ultimately prevailed to become the new Rolex IMA Maxi champion.
Swan Med Regatta – Tuscany Challenge
16-20 September 2026 • Marina di Scarlino, Italy
The Tuscany Challenge returns for its sixth edition, celebrating the Nautor Swan community against the postcard-perfect Tuscan archipelago. Hosted by the Yacht Club Isole di Toscana, the three-day competition crowns world champions in the ClubSwan 50, ClubSwan 42, and ClubSwan 36 classes.
Expect refined Italian hospitality paired with high-level one-design racing.
Ibiza JoySail
17-20 September 2026 • Ibiza & Mallorca
One of the newest yet most talked-about Med regattas, Ibiza JoySail mixes coastal and offshore racing with the signature energy of the White Isle. The event welcomes maxis and superyachts and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and lively social calendar.
The 2025 edition saw the 35.2-metre Swan Moat claim her fifth consecutive win in the Performance Class: a record that cements her JoySail legacy.
Entry remains invitation-only, preserving the regatta’s exclusive appeal.
Oyster Palma Regatta
October 2026 • Mallorca
Returning to Port Adriano, the 19th Oyster Regatta promises six days of competition and celebration for the global Oyster fleet. The 2025 event welcomed 20 yachts, with results contributing to the overall Oyster Cup standings. Dates for 2026 will be announced soon.
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
26 September - 4 October 2026 • Saint-Tropez
The Mediterranean racing season reaches its grand finale at Les Voiles, the world’s largest gathering of Maxi yachts. Known for its electric atmosphere, this beloved event brings owners, crew, and enthusiasts together for a week of thrilling racing and effortlessly chic French Riviera nights.
The 2025 edition set a new record with 41 Maxis on the starting line: and 2026 is poised to be even bigger.
