Founder of Porto Cervo’s Yacht Club Costa Smeralda honoured at World Superyacht Awards 2019

By Katia Damborsky 23 May 2019

His Highness the Aga Khan saw the potential of Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda as a yachting hub in the 1950’s, and the Costa Smeralda Yacht Club was established as a result of his vision.

Businessman, spiritual leader and philanthropist His Highness the Aga Khan was presented with the Legacy Award at the World Superyacht Awards 2019 in London on May 18.

He was honoured for his discovery and development of the Costa Smeralda region, near Porto Cervo, on the north east portion of Sardinia in the sixties.

By introducing the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, he is largely responsible for turning this part of Sardinia into the superyacht magnet it is today.

He wanted the area to become an exclusive destination for elite travellers, while still maintaining its natural beauty and heritage.

His Highness the Aga Khan, founder of Yacht Club Costa Smeralda

Aerial view of Porto Cervo marina in Sardinia, with Yacht Club Costa Smeralda visible

Secluded beach on the Italian island of Sardinia

Together with Andrè Ardoin, Giuseppe Kerry Mentasti and Luigi Vietti, the Aga Khan established the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on 1967 as a sporting centre for fellow sailing enthusiasts looking for a slice of Italian paradise.

Since its inception, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has organised a number of international regattas which it went on to host in later years, making the Aga Khan a worthy winner of this prestigious accolade.

The Aga Khan is also noted for his role in the establishment of the Costa Smeralda Consortium in 1962.

He wanted the area to become an exclusive destination for elite travellers, while still maintaining its natural beauty and heritage.

Costa Smeralda's Regatta Circuit

This year, the hotly-anticipated Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta 2019 will be back at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda on June 3, marking an important date in the calendar for the Mediterranean yacht charter season.

Over five days, thrilling races will take place around La Maddalena archipelago, which sits just a few kilometres from Sardinia. This scattering of islands creates around 50 fast-paced racing circuits, each of which are complemented by excellent sailing conditions and stunning scenery.

Aerial view of sailing yachts on the water at Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta

Sailors racing in Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta

Secluded cove in the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, with sailing yachts in background

Aerial view of yachts racing around La Maddalena archipelago in Sardinia

Visiting the Emerald Coast

Those on a superyacht vacation in Italy shouldn’t miss the chance to explore Sardinia, and discover everything this idyllic island has to offer.

On the north eastern tip, Porto Cervo has earned a reputation for its sailing, superyachts and luxury living. It regularly pulls in luxury charter yachts with its countless designer fashion houses, upscale restaurants and chic beach clubs.

Further along the coast lies the Costa Smeralda. With a name which translates to ‘Emerald Coast’, this stretch of shoreline is lapped by the Tyrrhenian sea and promises clear, turquoise water, ivory, sun-baked beaches and plenty of calm, secluded anchorages for charter yachts looking for some peace and quiet.

It’s all too easy to understand why his Highness the Aga Khan fell in love with this Sardinian stretch of coastline all those years ago, and why his legacy will live on as Costa Smeralda continues to delight those exploring on a West Mediterranean private yacht charter.