The Giraglia Rolex Cup is undoubtedly one of yachting’s finest traditions. Since the first event in 1953, it has evolved into a true celebration of the sport, a clear standard-bearer for yachting’s most admired traits. The 64th edition of the event will be held from 10 – 18 June 2016. Centred on the glamorous French port of Saint-Tropez, it holds true to its origins: a collaborative venture between Italy and France, bringing nations together in fair-spirited competition. Organized by the Yacht Club Italiano and the Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez, the Yacht Club Sanremo and the Cercle Nautique et Touristique du Lacydon, this year’s anticipated fleet of over 200 yachts will be drawn from all corners of the globe.
The organizers of the Giraglia Rolex Cup have been courageous in their development of an event that began as a 243-nautical-mile offshore race between Cannes and Sanremo, via the eponymous Giraglia rock. This year’s contest will get underway on Friday 10 June with overnight races from Marseilles and Sanremo to Saint-Tropez. A three-day inshore series follows from Sunday 12 to Tuesday 14 June. The main event, the offshore race, starts on Wednesday 15 June from the French port, with the grand finale – the prize giving – held at the Yacht Club Italiano’s clubhouse in the finishing port of Genoa on Saturday 18 June.