Grimaldi Trophy 2026
The Grimaldi Trophy returns from 23 to 25 October 2026 for a three-day coastal regatta linking Sanremo, Ventimiglia and Monaco. Established in 2011, this end-of-season meeting combines offshore navigation, tactical racing and the shared maritime traditions of the Yacht Club de Monaco, Yacht Club Sanremo and Yacht Club Cala del Forte.
Unlike a one-design contest, the Trophy welcomes a deliberately varied fleet. Performance yachts, cruiser-racers, cruising boats and traditional sailing vessels take part across a broad range of sizes. The mix places a premium on preparation, seamanship and each crew’s ability to interpret the coastal conditions rather than on outright speed alone.
Three stages along the Riviera
The competition is organised around three legs and three host ports. Crews first gather in Sanremo for registration, technical checks and the skippers’ briefing. The opening leg then heads west along the Ligurian coast to Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia, where the fleet spends the night before continuing towards Monaco.
The second leg brings the boats into Monegasque waters and Port Hercule. After the Monaco stop, the final coastal passage leads the fleet east to Sanremo, where the awards ceremony recognises the leading crews in each class and the overall winner. Throughout the route, navigation, changing conditions, boat set-up and tactical judgement all contribute to the result.
Racing and Riviera sailing culture
The Grimaldi Trophy is conceived as both a sporting challenge and a meeting between the sailing communities of Monaco and the Italian Riviera. Daytime competition is complemented by gatherings ashore, including the traditional welcome in Monaco and the closing ceremony in Sanremo. This rhythm reflects the event’s emphasis on team spirit, hospitality and respect for the shared waters connecting the three ports.
No public start time is currently stated for the 2026 edition, and the official page indicates that registration details and the notice of race are still forthcoming. Participants and visitors should therefore consult the organiser’s event page for the latest programme and operational information.
About the venue
The Yacht Club de Monaco is based on Quai Louis II beside Port Hercule. Founded in 1953, it is one of the Principality’s principal sailing institutions and regularly welcomes international regattas, maritime initiatives and yachting events.
