Regatta

The word Regatta comes from the Venetian "regata", meaning “a contest.”

The earliest known sail races were held in Venice as early as the 13th century - festive processions of galleys and gondolas that over time evolved into the refined sport of yacht racing.

From the elegant cutters of 19th-century England to today’s high-tech carbon catamarans, regattas have always celebrated precision, teamwork, and the thrill of harnessing the wind.  Modern regattas take many forms — from friendly club races to legendary international events such as:

  • The America’s Cup – the oldest trophy in international sport, first contested in 1851.
  • Cowes Week – Britain’s iconic summer regatta, welcoming over 800 boats each year.
  • The Fastnet Race – a demanding offshore challenge across the North Atlantic.
  • The Volvo Ocean Race – a grueling circumnavigation uniting endurance and technology.
  • The Golden Globe Race – a solo, non-stop round-the-world race where sailors may only use 1960s–1970s technology, no GPS, no modern navigation - pure seamanship and courage.  

Each race, from grand prix yachts to wooden classics, honors centuries of maritime skill and the eternal bond between sailor and sea.

Sailor’s note: One of the most charming regattas ever founded had just two rules: “The race shall start at noon, and the course shall be decided after lunch.” Because sometimes, the truest victory is simply enjoying the wind and the moment.