VELA Cup Costa Smeralda: route among the marine excellence of Sardinia

A circuit of regattas + a celebration of sailing that brings hundreds of boats and thousands of fans to the water each year (in 2023 there were about 4,000), the VELA Cup returns again in 2024 with a fun circuit of regattas around Italy and the most beautiful seas of the Peninsula.
After last year’s great success, the fourth leg of the 2024 edition returns to the heart of the Costa Smeralda.
In fact, it will be the Marina Cala dei Sardi, between August 21 and 22, that will host the new appointment with the VELA Cup, which brings together many different types of nautical lovers, including thoroughbred skippers and superstar cabin cruisers, all united by being truly passionate cruising sailors.

VELA Cup Costa Smeralda – Why you can’t miss it

Awaiting all entrants is a breathtaking course, with departure from Porto Rotondo, exit from the Gulf of Cugnana, route to the Soffi Islands, circumnavigation of Mortorio and arrival right in front of Cala dei Sardi.
For 10 miles of sailing all to do in a marine paradise that the whole world envies us, between Caribbean water and lots of fun for large maxi-yachts and small dinghies.
In fact, as always, any type of boat from 4 meters and up can participate; no certificate is required.

Register Now for the VELA Cup Costa Smeralda

Of note, the Cala dei Sardi Marina will offer free berths to boats from outside the area for the night of Wednesday, August 21, and Thursday, August 22, subject to availability.
And there will also be the Beneteau & Lagoon Cup, while just two days earlier the 33rd Mario Formenton Trophy in Porto Rafael will be staged instead.

Cala dei Sardi is the most environmentally friendly port in the Mediterranean

A marina very suitable place to moor your boat all year round thanks in part to the new breakwaters, a series of floating modules that allow the harbor to be protected from winds coming from the northeast, Marina Cala dei Sardi has now become a 100 percent safe harbor and is protected in all sea and wind conditions.
In short, it is no longer the usual port but a green-marina where one can swim and sunbathe surrounded by nature in total relaxation.
And to all this is then added that, thanks to its location in the Gulf of Cugnana, from Marina Cala dei Sardi you can easily reach the most beautiful beaches and landscapes of Sardinia, first of all the Maddalena Archipelago.
Although the first beautiful stop in northern Sardinia is the one that leads to the Gulf of Pevero, an inlet full of stunning beaches.

To the north is the La Maddalena archipelago.

From here then with only 8 miles of relaxed sailing you reach Porto Palma, the cove south ofCaprera Island and enter the magnificence of La Maddalena.
Not far from here, another destination not to be missed among the many that the archipelago offers, isSpargi Island: among the many magnificent and wild bays it hosts not to be missed is a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cala Granara for a regenerating swim.
A true sailor’s paradise is then Cala di Marino, a unique anchorage positioned between the three islands of Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli, where it is possible to spend the night anchoring on 5 meters of seabed.

Not far away and equally suggestive is the Passo degli Asinelli, a 30-meter wide stretch of sea that divides the islands of Razzoli and Santa Maria and holds unique sea colors.
Finally ashore you can visit the “capital” village of La Maddalena perhaps by mooring in the Marina of Cala Gavetta: ashore you can stroll around and dine at La Terrazza Restaurant (tel. 0789 735305) reachable in 15 minutes on foot by walking through the town along the pedestrian street.

Route to the south: Tavolara and Porto Rotondo

An alternative route starting from Cala dei Sardi is then to head south to the islands of Tavolara, Molara and Molarotto, Capo Coda Cavallo, and, descending further, the caves of Bue Marino, Cala Luna, Cala Sisine and other coves set in the sheer coastline.
Among the places to visit still along the coast of Sardinia is the mythical Porto Rotondo, one of the nerve centers and mythical centers of the Costa Smeralda.
Which, just this year, is also celebrating its 60th anniversary with a packed calendar of events.

Other places not to be missed in the seaside village include the Church of San Lorenzo, while the cozy Piazza San Marco is perfect for an aperitif.
Those who then love the history of yachting should definitely drop by the Yacht Club (tel. 0789 34010) where you can also dine.
Back at Cala dei Sardi again, one then discovers that the Marina is a safe harbor where one can also leave the boat to visit the beautiful Sardinian hinterland, perhaps after having something to eat at the Sky Frontemare Beach Club (tel. 0789 1876125), which is located right in the landing.

Going then towards the hinterland of the Costa Smeralda, a must-visit place is San Pantaleo: it is located just 5 km from Cala dei Sardi and is famous for its little market and aperitif in the square, the most sought-after in all of Gallura.
Finally, for those who cannot stay away from the sea even for moments of relaxation and gourmand, a destination not to be missed, also very close to Porto Rotondo itself, is the Gulf of Marinella.
Consisting of a long, fine sandy beach surrounded by the magnificent Sardinian wilderness, the very well sheltered cove is also home to theOasi Beach Marana: it is a lounge in front of which you can moor and then disembark for an aperitif (tel. 338 7315499).

To register for the VELA Cup Costa Smeralda all you need to do is enter here and finalize your registration by entering your and the boat’s details!