Porto Cervo - Sardinia

Porto Cervo – The Crown Jewel of Mediterranean Yachting

Tucked along the rugged northeastern coast of Sardinia, Italy, Porto Cervo is a name that resonates across the world’s yachting elite. A purpose-built haven for sailors, jet-setters, and sun-seekers alike, it stands as the undisputed capital of the Costa Smeralda – the Emerald Coast – famous for its turquoise waters, unspoiled beaches, and luxurious Mediterranean lifestyle. But at the heart of Porto Cervo’s appeal lies its deep and enduring connection to the sea.

A Village Built for the Sea

Porto Cervo was conceived in the early 1960s by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who fell in love with Sardinia’s wild beauty. Alongside a group of international investors and renowned architects, he envisioned a coastal village that would preserve the island’s character while offering discreet luxury to Europe’s elite. What emerged is one of the most exclusive and tastefully designed resorts in the Mediterranean.

The town itself is compact, with winding alleys, pastel buildings, and manicured piazzas. There’s no high-rise glamour here – instead, Porto Cervo offers understated elegance that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Yet make no mistake: this is a destination where superyachts replace taxis, and designer boutiques outnumber beach bars.

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda – Where Racing Meets Prestige

At the centre of Porto Cervo’s maritime life is the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), founded in 1967 by the Aga Khan. It has since become one of the world’s most prestigious sailing institutions, on par with the Royal Yacht Squadron or the New York Yacht Club. The YCCS is a magnet for both traditional yacht owners and cutting-edge racers, thanks to its impeccable facilities and a racing calendar that reads like a who’s who of international regattas.

Annual events include the Rolex Swan Cup, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, and various 12 Metre and J-Class events. These attract sailing legends, Olympic champions, and billionaire boat owners to compete in one of the most visually stunning backdrops on the planet.

Yachting and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) The heart of the yachting scene is the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), founded in 1967. It’s one of the world’s top yacht clubs, renowned for hosting premier international regattas including:

Rolex Swan Cup

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta

12 Metre Championships

Perini Navi Cup

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda features a state-of-the-art marina and clubhouse with bars, terraces, lounges, and a restaurant offering panoramic views of the marina and Tyrrhenian Sea.

Marina di Porto Cervo

Berths: ~700 (including for megayachts up to 120m) Services: 24/7 security, fuel dock, power & water hookups, waste disposal, Wi-Fi, repairs, provisioning, concierge Facilities: Shipyard services, technical assistance, private tender dock, helipad access nearby

The clubhouse itself is elegant but relaxed – with panoramic terraces, a fine dining restaurant, a members’ bar, and open-air lounges that overlook the harbour. For visiting sailors, the YCCS also offers top-tier berthing and concierge services.

Marina di Porto Cervo – A Superyacht Playground

The Marina di Porto Cervo, adjacent to the yacht club, is divided into the Old Port (Porto Vecchio) and the New Marina. Together, they offer over 700 berths, including spaces for megayachts up to 120 metres. Facilities are world-class, with everything from 24/7 security, electricity and water supply, high-speed Wi-Fi, fuel dock, and black water disposal, to full shipyard services, chandlery, provisioning, and even helicopter access nearby.

It’s no exaggeration to say the marina is one of the most advanced and best-maintained in the world, designed to meet the demands of royalty, celebrities, and serious offshore competitors alike.

Beyond the Dock – Food, Fashion, and Costa Smeralda Living

Once ashore, Porto Cervo offers a lifestyle that is effortlessly luxurious. From Michelin-starred dining at places like Cervo Restaurant or La Pergola, to late nights at Billionaire Club or Ritual, there is no shortage of high-end experiences. For shoppers, the waterfront is lined with flagship stores from Gucci, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and more.

Yet, the true charm of Porto Cervo is the ease with which you can escape it all. A short sail or drive reveals hidden coves, unspoilt beaches, and local trattorias far from the spotlight. Many visiting yachts stay longer than planned – and few leave unimpressed.