The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has paid tribute to their founder, His Highness The Aga Khan.
It was the forward-looking vision of His Highness that led him to found the Club in Porto Cervo in 1967.
Since then, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV served as the Club’s President. He has guided it to achievements that have shaped the history of Italian sailing. He helped establish the YCCS as an international benchmark in the yachting world.
The idea of founding the club came from His Highness the Aga Khan. He wanted to create a non-profit sporting association bringing together lovers of the sea and nautical sports to celebrate excellence.
Since its inception, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has combined sailing tradition with an innovative spirit. They have organised world-class regattas and competitions. These continue to attract leading names in global sailing.
His Highness the Aga Khan, died on 4th February, in Portugal surrounded by his family.
The exceptional location, the facilities created, and the unique natural landscape have made the YCCS sporting calendar a point of reference for professional sailors and enthusiasts alike. This success is testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness. He saw the potential of a wonderful area of Sardinia and contributed to the creation of what is now a centre of excellence.
His Highness the Aga Khan’s deep passion for the sea and sailing drove him to support historic endeavours in the yachting world. Starting with the first Italian challenge for the America’s Cup launched in 1981 for the Newport ‘83 edition.
Azzurra became a symbol of determination and passion, an icon of Italian sailing that inspired generations of sailors. The team’s participation marked a fundamental turning point, elevating the Italian sailing scene on the international stage.
Symbol of determination
Another milestone was achieved in 1992 when Destriero, a water-jet powered vessel set an unbeaten transatlantic record. Destriero covered the distance between New York and England in a record time of 58 hours, 34 minutes and 40 seconds. It was a feat that remains unmatched to this day. But it did not win him the Blue Ribband.
In 2020, the club launched the Young Azzurra Sporting programme. It is dedicated to young Italian sailors, with a focus on equal opportunities.
The YCCS also took part in the Volvo Ocean Race 2001-2002 with a two-boat Nautor Challenge campaign. One of which had an all-female crew. In addition to his sporting achievements, His Highness the Aga Khan demonstrated a strong sense of respect for the environment and the sea. Driven by this ethos, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of the club’s foundation, with the launching of the One Ocean sustainability initiative. It saw the first forum held in Italy dedicated to the preservation of the marine environment.