Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta

This annual regatta is hosted in early June by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on northeastern Sardinia, surrounded by the stunning La Maddalena archipelago. There are two classes: one for monohulled superyachts, and another for multihulls.

The wind is reliable and the pink granite bays that are this sailing ground's signature are so beautiful that crew might wish they could stop racing and drop anchor for lunch. But no, though the mood ashore is very companionable the racing is very competitive.