Sporting events in the Mediterranean

A superyacht presents myriad opportunities, from sampling the latest watersports to dropping anchor in hidden bays. It’s also the ideal platform on which to enjoy some of the Mediterranean’s sporting highlights, with burning F1 rubber, galloping jockeys, golfing action and tennis in full swing, all within easy reach of some of the world’s best superyacht marinas.

Monaco – Port Hercule

The Mediterranean sporting calendar kicks off in Monaco, the jewel of the crown. Drop anchor in the Principality’s historic Port Hercule and find yourself in the heart of the action. In the world of motorsports, two events reign supreme in this corner of the world, beginning with the Historic Rallye Monte-Carlo in late January.

Entrants from across Europe make their way from three separate starting points to the same finish line – picturesque Monte-Carlo itself – with the winning crew typically arriving in the early hours at Port Hercule.

With the onset of spring comes the most hotly anticipated event on the motorsport calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix. Arguably the world’s greatest yacht charter event, here is where the coveted trackside berths afford enviable frontline views, from the tight Tabac corner, across the starting grid and through to the first swimming pool chicane. Monaco is home to many of the drivers including Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Antonio Giovanazzi and Daniel Ricciardo.

If you favour clay over tarmac, then time your arrival for the previous month of April to coincide with the fashionable Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters – the first of tennis’ three ATP Masters 1000 clay tournaments. Each year, 56 players sweat it out at the prestigious Monte-Carlo Country Club located in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, a commune that borders on Monaco. It’s the ideal opportunity to get eyes on global champions of tennis, including Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

But don’t surrender your hotly contested yacht berth until after September, once the Monaco Yacht Show has been to town. Every year, yachting’s elite gather to celebrate the biggest new launches, the latest reveals and party into the early hours. It’s the place to see, and be seen.

Switzerland – Venice Grand Canal

High up in the Swiss Alps, in the luxury resort of St Moritz, the rarest of events occurs. The St Moritz Polo World Cup is the first and only high goal polo tournament played on snow. Cradled in a gorgeous natural setting, the January affair exudes a unique atmosphere on and alongside the playing field.

Just a short hop by helicopter from the glamorous city of Venice and its famed Grand Canal, there’s no better way to kick off an Italian Riviera cruising itinerary than with an alpine equestrian day trip.

France – Port of Cannes

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Gassin and the southern Var, yet just ten minutes from the centre of Saint-Tropez, the Saint-Tropez Polo Club plays host to a variety of events, including its own Polo Masters.

Moor the yacht in the glitzy Port de Cannes to be within easy reach of a cluster of attractions just steps from the city’s exquisite La Croisette shopping avenue. A highlight is the Longines Global Champions tour in June, which brings together the world’s top show jumpers and is held under the glittering evening lights.

In September, two behemoths of yachting come together to create a month of celebration. At the beginning of the month, the arrival of the Cannes Yachting Festival signals a collection of the finest superyachts in residence.

It’s the ideal opportunity to charter a classic sailing yacht and join the host of racers and regatta enthusiasts who hail from the corners of the globe to do battle in Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez just a few weeks later.

Those who are keen to remain anchored in Cannes even after the summer season has ended will be rewarded with the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, which are coming to Courchevel in February 2023. After the Olympic Games, it’s the most important skiing event in the world, taking place every two years. The endurance event has only been held in France on three on occasions to date, which makes a hop from Cannes via private jet or helicopter to Courchevel Altiport an absolute must.

Balearics – Port of Palma

The Superyacht Cup Palma is the longest running superyacht regatta in Europe. Hosted at the Real Club Náutico de Palma at the end of June, the three-day sailing event is the ideal opportunity to feast your eyes on beautiful J Class yachts doing what they do best – racing. Renowned for its sailing season, Palma is spoilt for choice when it comes to superyacht marinas, though the Port of Palma has the best location.

Berth the yacht here to be in easy reach of the city’s famed tapas bars, cathedral and Port Adriano, which plays host to ever-popular Mallorca Classic Week in mid-October.

Italy – Porto Cervo

For five days in June, the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta brings fast-paced action to the waters of the Costa Smeralda, followed in September by the Rolex Swan Cup. Both events are hosted by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, perfectly positioned in chic Porto Cervo, making it as easy to follow the racing at sea as it is to shop Sardinia’s elegant boutiques.

But sailing isn’t the only sporting event in full swing on the Italian Riviera. In 2023, the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club will become Italy’s first ever Ryder Cup venue. Located just 17km from the heart of the Italian capital Rome, it’s ideally placed for a day trip by helicopter from Porto Cervo. Alternatively, make Rome’s historic port of Civitavecchia the next leg on your Italian charter itinerary for a convenient pairing. 

Turkey

The Bodrum Cup is one of the rare regattas in the world in which yachts can race with guests on board. Besides the excitement-filled races, participants come together in various fun events on both the water and land. Drop anchor at Turkey’s majestic Yalikavak Marina Bodrum, aptly placed for those who wish to attend the Cup before a week spent sailing Turkey’s romantic coastline.

As if the Mediterranean didn't have enough reasons to visit, there's also top-class sport throughout the year. Talk to a Burgess charter expert and get front-row seats and these events as well as a holiday you'll never forget. 

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.