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il più antico club velico del Mediterraneo

il più antico club velico del Mediterraneo History

History

In May 1980, the first edition of the IOR Regate di Primavera - Trofeo Zegna - takes place in collaboration with the Municipality of Portofino. 60 yachts of the IOR classes and 9 of the J24 ’class took part: a few lines in the Yearbook of the Yacht Club Italiano recall the birth of a Trophy that over the years has become the unmissable appointment at the beginning of the sailing season in the Mediterranean. In 2006 the Trofeo Zegna celebrates its twenty-fifth consecutive edition, even if in reality 27 years have passed since Beppe Croce and Aldo Zegna, presidents of the Yacht Club Italiano and the Ermenegildo Zegna Group respectively, decided to realize their love for sailing and for Portofino in a series of regattas.

The interruption, in 1981, is due to the initial idea of not racing in the years of the Admiral’s Cup, in practice the IOR world championship which had had a tragic Fastnet in ’79. But since 1982 the Zegna has never had interruptions until 2006, the year in which, in conjunction with its twenty-fifth edition and perhaps at the height of its success, the adventure involving the Yacht Club Italiano, the Zegna family, ends.

The Portofino Regattas have always been up to date, thanks to the successful mix of ingredients and the fusion of corporate values in the sporting event such as quality, innovation, creativity, and respect and protection of the environment. In short, despite having changed the formula and type of boats several times, there has always been the best of international yachting at sea, in a combination of sport and worldliness, fun and technical value, conferences, round tables, and the homage to the greats who have done and make our sport a reason for living.

Since 2007 the regattas have continued in a relay that sees the Pirelli Regattas - Carlo Negri Cup based in Santa Margherita Ligure while Portofino remains the scene of the maxi challenges, with the Aurora Trophy held in early May for the following two years up to that the modern maxis give way to the Ladies of the sea who meet in the waters of the village for the Portofino Rolex Trophy, an event reserved for elegant vintage and classic boats that will last until 2015, bringing some of the most ancient and beautiful sailing boats in the world.

2010 also marks the first edition of the Nespresso Cup dedicated to Wally class.

The Regate di Primavera Portofino - Splendido Mare Cup is organized by the Yacht Club Italiano, the Municipality of Portofino, and the International Maxi Association under the auspices of the Italian Sailing Federation. The Belmond Group is the Title Partner, Rolex is Official Timepiece while Loro Piana and Veuve Clicquot will partecipate as  Technical Partners; complete the group of supporters of the Banca Passadore.