S.R.: Gemini LPG 2026 73° Giraglia - Conclusion: FINAL REPORT / LORO PIANA GIRAGLIA 2026
SR: Gemini: FINAL REPORT / LORO PIANA GIRAGLIA 2026
The verdict of the stopwatch in Genoa: Arkas Blue Moon claims the IRC throne, while ARCA SGR outsmarts Magic Carpet E in the Ligurian night.
The lights officially fade on the 73rd edition of the Loro Piana Giraglia, with the fleet gathered along the docks of the Yacht Club Italiano in Genova. It was a complex edition, dominated by light airs, total calms, and continuous wind shifts in the Ligurian basin that severely tested the nerves and strategy of the crews engaged along the 207 miles of the official offshore route. The overall average speed of the fleet stood at a value reflecting the true difficulties of the race course: just 5.21 knots.
Dawn was rising over Liguria, with a waning silver moon still suspended in the pale sky, as the car—loaded with everything necessary and that particular restlessness that precedes every departure—moved away from Lake Lecco. Left behind was the memory of the grilled meat shared in Lierna and the certainty that this was the right threshold from which to begin a journey destined to turn into a regatta.
That stretch of water, guarded by the Grigna and the Resegone like two silent sentinels, has seen much pass over the centuries: fishermen, poets, and champions, raised between the wind that descends from the mountains and water that never betrays.
Then came Saint-Tropez: the regatta, the long one, and the arrival in Genova.
Finally, the return—slow, in stages, almost ceremonial. The ice cream in front of V, which marked the end of the race and the beginning of the journey home. Then Cannes with best friend, the beach below Eden Rock, with a light that still held the last warmth of the afternoon. And finally Cagnes-sur-Mer, where I stopped to help a colleague with his exhibition a the dinner with a beautiful piece of meat, as usual—even though we sat down well after sunset, as one does on the coast. Later, stepping outside, a new moon, also silver, hung low over the hills.
And to conclude, the night drive, the Orobic dawn closing the circle, and yet another highway closure in Genoa—we are at +6 cursed years.
In between, a regatta.
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| BARUNA of 1938 GBR-222X and Leopard 3 MON-100 at the gate Day 1. - copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri |
The official verdicts of the IRC corrected times award the prestigious Loro Piana Challenge Trophy to the Turkish TP52 Arkas Blue Moon of Bernard Arkas, author of an impeccable strategic execution. The Line Honours in elapsed time belongs instead to the Maxi 100 ARCA SGR of Furio Benussi, which crossed the finish line in Genova stopping the clock at 1 day, 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 56 seconds. A victory built upon a decisive tactical move during the night, along the northbound leg between the Giraglia rock and Genova: Magic Carpet E of Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, which had accumulated a solid lead, became trapped in a deep nocturnal wind hole. This allowed ARCA SGR to launch its attack, overtaking its rival in the dark and securing the lead into Genova, leaving Magic Carpet E with the second spot in real time by a mere 5 minutes and 11 seconds. In the ORC class, the absolute triumph in corrected time belongs to Crabx-Aquarama-Fraber of Roberto Bosio.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND THE IRC RATING SHORT CIRCUIT
The 207 miles of the offshore race proved to be a pure war of tactical attrition. Following a departure from Saint-Tropez characterized by a fragile easterly breeze of about 8 knots, the fleet had to confront massive phases of total calm and drops in pressure. Strategic choices saw the boats sail significantly north of the direct route (rumbline) in an attempt to catch any useful puff of wind, making helming and sensitivity during the night hours far more decisive than the theoretical pure speed of the hull.
From a purely statistical standpoint, mathematical models attribute an exceptional theoretical over-performance index to Magic Carpet E, calculating a deviation of -28.3% in corrected times compared to the historical benchmarks of the database. However, this numerical analysis collides head-on with the intrinsic limits of the IRC rating system and the actual experience lived on the water by the sailors.
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| INVICTUS USA-1050 Day 2. - copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri |
The discrepancies between coefficient theory and hull physics emerge clearly: in conditions of near-absent wind and ultra-light airs, ARCA SGR expresses a superior efficiency and ease of pace compared to the waterlines of Magic Carpet E, which requires a decisively higher pressure to power up its imposing displacement. When the wind drops below a certain threshold, the IRC system struggles to quantify these dynamic structural variations, proving that the perception of the navigators on deck and the molecular knowledge of the vessel remain human variables that no standardized algorithm can predict.
FINANCE, BIG CAPITAL, AND THE ROLE OF SPONSORS
Behind the gaps measured in seconds hides the gotha of international finance and industry. The Giraglia 2026 saw significant personal wealth and industrial assets take to the water. Dominating the Maxi A class was V, the vessel of Czech tycoon Karel Komarek. Founder of the KKCG group, with a net worth estimated by Forbes at over 10.3 billion dollars and deeply involved in major sports investments (including supporting the American syndicate NYYC American Magic in the America's Cup), Komarek represents the new wave of investors in high-level yachting.
Echoing him on the industrial side was the absolute IRC winner Bernard Arkas, vice president of the shipping and logistics multinational Arkas Holding, who transformed his TP52 Arkas Blue Moon into an offshore efficiency laboratory, characterized by the unmistakable blue dragon painted on the hull and sails. No less relevant is the old guard: Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, the historical helmsman of L'Oréal's global growth, continues to push the boundaries of naval architecture with constant investments in his offshore jewel Magic Carpet E.
Pier Luigi Loro Piana's My Song confirms itself as a concentrate of cutting-edge technology but with complex handling sensations, so much so that it required a major modification this year with a change in rudder shapes to optimize control. The Giraglia thus confirms itself as the perfect synthesis between high tailoring and the extensive budgets of hydrodynamic research.
THE SPONSORSHIP ECONOMY: THE SCENARIO BETWEEN ROLEX AND LORO PIANA
The financial architecture of the Giraglia also reflects the shifts taking place in the macro-world of major sports sponsorships. The exit of Rolex from this historic offshore classic coincides chronologically with a broader reshuffling within global circuits—where the LVMH group has succeeded the Swiss brand in top-tier arenas such as Formula 1 and the America's Cup. In this scenario, the strong presence of the Loro Piana brand is embedded, historically linked to the regatta and guided by the immense and genuine passion for sailing of its patron, who as a passionate owner has always viewed this event as an irreplaceable reference point for the entire maritime community.
The brand presents the event by focusing on a high-end image and purely lifestyle positioning, celebrating its historic nautical DNA through the concept of "quiet luxury," perfectly identified in the white-soled footwear designed not to mark teak decks and in light outerwear. The objective—supported also by statements from the maison's CEO Frédéric Arnault—is to embrace the entire dockside through a shared experience: from the grand owners of the Maxi class to the wide array of sailors racing on production boats, all united by the same lifestyle and the same respect for yachting traditions. A formal framework bound by a common passion, which transforms the docks of the Yacht Club Italiano in Genova and the piers of Saint-Tropez into an ideal environment for networking and top-level public relations.
VIP GOSSIP AND DOCKSIDE CHRONICLES
Not only big capital, but also noteworthy dynamics animated the docks from Saint-Tropez to Genoa. The most followed partnership saw Hollywood actor Jeremy Strong (known for his role as Kendall Roy in the TV series Succession) and Pierre Casiraghi join forces aboard the same hull, bringing international media attention to the bow lines.
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| Tommaso Chieffi on ELO II. - copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri |
The atmosphere remained vibrant right from Saint-Tropez, where the Race Village chronicles record the excellent success of the exclusive parties reserved for the crews. On the technical-sporting front, the spotlight remained fixed on Paul Cayard, an authentic legend of the America's Cup, engaged as tactician on My Song. On Capricorno, attention was captured by the Olympic dynasty of the Grael family: the legendary Torben raced side-by-side with his daughter Martine, uniting on deck an extraordinary family saga spanning from historic successes in the Star class to the ultra-high-speed challenges of SailGP, collecting a combined total of 7 Olympic medals on board.
The true shake-ups in the standings came from the choices of the great Italian professionals. In the offshore triumph of the Maxi class, aboard Guido Paolo Gamucci's Mylius 60 Cippa Lippa X, was the signature excellence of Gabriele Bruni. The Olympian and federal coach of the foiling classes managed to tame the thin airs of the Ligurian Sea, confirming the soundness of his tactical reads. At the same time, the fleet saw the experience of Tommaso Chieffi step aboard ELO II, the training vessel of the Yacht Club Italiano. Chieffi placed his monumental preparation at the disposal of the young athletes of the Young line, transforming the boat into a high-level tactical laboratory among the light breezes of Genova.
Finally, an institutional note should be highlighted: the owner Karel Komarek, unable to attend the official prize-giving ceremony due to sudden personal organizational commitments, made sure to formalize his compliments by sending a formal letter of appreciation and regret addressed to the management of the Yacht Club Italiano. On the front of maritime tradition, the spirit of the historic YCI President Carlo Cameli was recalled, famous for having previously preferred to finish outside the time limit during a calm rather than resort to using the engine a few hundred meters from the finish line, safeguarding the sporting spirit of the competition.
THE PEOPLE OF THE GRAGLIA
- Paul Cayard (on MY SONG): Defined by Pier Luigi Loro Piana simply as "the best."
- Torben Grael (on CAPRICORNO): On board alongside his daughter Martine—a true living encyclopedia of the wind, capable of combining the tactical wisdom of the Star class with the extreme handling of SailGP's flying catamarans.
- Ian Walker (on MAGIC CARPET E): Two Olympic silver medals (470 and Star), winner of the Volvo Ocean Race commanding Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, and former Performance Director of the British team. He recounted with absolute technical fair play how the final delta depended on the absence of one last useful puff before the finish line.
- Furio Benussi (on ARCA SGR): Faithful to his developmental path, he brought five young students from the Nautical Institute of Trieste on board.
- Karel Komarek (owner of V): The Czech tycoon with 10.3 billion dollars who looks at racing through the eyes of a major investor.
- Pier Luigi Loro Piana: "The Giraglia is a traditional regatta, very important in the Mediterranean. Every sailor wants to be here, but you always start with a little emotion because you never know what will happen. For Loro Piana, sailing is a way to interpret nature: the sea, the wind, the beauty of the world."
GENERAL STANDINGS & OFFICIAL RESULTS
Offshore Race (Altura):
- Absolute Winner IRC (Loro Piana Challenge Trophy): ARKAS BLUE MOON (TP52 - Turkey)
- Absolute Winner ORC: CRABX - AQUARAMA - FRABER (Roberto Bosio)
- Line Honours Winner (Elapsed Time): ARCA SGR — Elapsed time: 1d 01h 04m 56s
- Absolute IRC Podium: 1. Arkas Blue Moon, 2. Rocketnikka, 3. Django WR
- Absolute ORC Podium: 1. Crabx - Aquarama - Fraber, 2. QQ7, 3. Scricca (double-handed crew of Leonardo Servi and Franco Manzoli)
- Offshore IRC Maxi Winner: CIPPA LIPPA X (Guido Paolo Gamucci), followed by Atalanta II and Fincantieri - Doers on Board
Inshore Races Final Standings (Saint-Tropez):
- Maxi A Class: V (Karel Komarek) — 16 points (scores: 3,5,1,1,6)
- Maxi B Class: ATALANTA II (Carlo Puri Negri) — 5 points (clean sweep with 5 victories out of 5 races)
- IRC 1 Class: DJANGO WR (Giovanni Lombardi Stronati) — 6 points
- IRC 2 Class: FLYING DOLPHIN (Willem Ellemeet) — 7 points
- ORC 1 Class: THETIS (Luca Locatelli) — 8 points
- ORC 2 Class: FREMITO D'ARJA (Marcello De Gaspari) — 9 points (winner on tie-break over Chestress)
Combined Standings and Special Trophies:
- Fast Maxi Combined Champion: PROTEUS
- Small Maxi Combined Champion: ATALANTA II
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Mediterranean Maxi Offshore Challenge 2025-26:
- ATALANTA II (198 points)
- TILAKKHANA II (160 points)
- BALTHASAR (145 points)
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS AND NUMERICAL FLEET COMPARISON
The data confirms the structural complexity of the 142 entries (representing 23 nations, with Italy leading with 48 hulls, followed by France with 34 and Great Britain with 19). J/Boats (Fremito d'Arja, Chestress, Salvora) ruled their respective classes.
Rating and Hull Characteristics
- Maximum IRC Rating among offshore participants: MAGIC CARPET E (1.944). Statistical note: the absolute highest value in the database belongs to FLYINGNIKKA (3.338), which did not participate in the long offshore race.
- Minimum IRC Rating: NUAGE II (0.975)
- Maximum ORC Rating: VIVA MALTA (1.4906) | Minimum: PILSI (1.0125)
- Maximum Length Overall (LOA): ARCA SGR (30.48 m) | Minimum: BAGATELLE (9.0 m)
- Maximum Beam: ARCA SGR (7.2 m) | Minimum: BAGATELLE (3.0 m)
- Maximum Draft: MAGIC CARPET E (4.20 m in arrival configuration at Genoa) | Minimum: RUTHIE (1.702 m)
Averages and Reference Type Vessels
- Average Length Overall: 14.82 m (Ref: MONTRACHET 14.8 m) | Median: 13.85 m
- Average Beam: 4.27 m (Ref: ANDANTE IV 4.2 m) | Median: 4.0 m
- Average Draft: 2.73 m (Ref: FAVORIT, THETIS, CHANGE TRANSPARENT) | Median: 2.50 m
- Average IRC Rating: 1.212 (Ref: ANDIAMO 1.211) | Median: 1.138
- Average ORC Rating: 1.198 (Ref: AQUARANTA 1.1981) | Median: 1.2041
- Average Critical Displacement Speed: 9.04 knots (Ref: MISS K CHECKMATE)
- Average Critical Planing Speed: 17.39 knots (Ref: GINGER)
COMPLETE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS: THE CORRECTED TIME VERDICTS
Analysis Legend: The percentage deviation indicates how much the calculated corrected time departs from the historical database expectation. Negative values indicate an over-performance (the boat sailed better than its rating), while positive values indicate an under-performance due to rating severity or prolonged holds in calm zones.
Overperformers (IRC)
- MAGIC CARPET E – Corrected time: 46,607 s – Deviation: -28.3%
- MY SONG – Corrected time: 57,785 s – Deviation: -11.1%
- CAPRICORNO – Corrected time: 59,540 s – Deviation: -8.4%
- PROTEUS – Corrected time: 61,103 s – Deviation: -6.0%
- ARCA SGR – Corrected time: 64,200 s – Deviation: -1.2%
Underperformers (IRC)
- ARKAS BLUE MOON – Corrected time: 68,500 s – Deviation: +5.4%
- DJANGO WR – Corrected time: 76,075 s – Deviation: +17.0%
- ROCKETNIKKA – Corrected time: 76,371 s – Deviation: +17.5%
- DAGUET 5 – Corrected time: 76,566 s – Deviation: +17.7%
- CIPPA LIPPA X – Corrected time: 76,740 s – Deviation: +18.0%
- SPIRIT OF LORINA – Corrected time: 77,437 s – Deviation: +19.1%
- ATALANTA II – Corrected time: 81,455 s – Deviation: +25.2%
- AROBAS 2 – Corrected time: 81,660 s – Deviation: +25.5%
- TEAM GUENIFEY - ALIZEE – Corrected time: 83,668 s – Deviation: +28.6%
- CARBONITA – Corrected time: 84,694 s – Deviation: +30.1%
- LISA R – Corrected time: 91,322 s – Deviation: +40.3%
- WALLYNO – Corrected time: 93,855 s – Deviation: +44.2%
- SUD – Corrected time: 97,734 s – Deviation: +50.2%
- BIANCA II – Corrected time: 99,205 s – Deviation: +52.4%
- MOONSHINE – Corrected time: 100,930 s – Deviation: +55.0%
- AEGIR – Corrected time: 102,000 s – Deviation: +56.0%
- GLEN ELLEN – Corrected time: 127,488 s – Deviation: +95.8%
- MONTRACHET – Corrected time: 127,987 s – Deviation: +96.5%
- MILLENIUM CONDOR – Corrected time: 133,380 s – Deviation: +104.8%
- JACANDA 3 – Corrected time: 134,000 s – Deviation: +106.0%
- BONNE NOUVELLE – Corrected time: 145,698 s – Deviation: +123.7%
- PAPPES – Corrected time: 147,500 s – Deviation: +126.0%
- DAJENU – Corrected time: 147,621 s – Deviation: +126.7%
- NAUGHTY CORNER – Corrected time: 147,826 s – Deviation: +127.0%
- ROSSKO RACER – Corrected time: 148,961 s – Deviation: +128.8%
- ALEXA A – Corrected time: 150,948 s – Deviation: +131.8%
- NUAGE II – Corrected time: 151,000 s – Deviation: +132.0%
- FIRECREST TEAM ULTRAMAN – Corrected time: 152,093 s – Deviation: +133.4%
- JEDI / ULTRAVOX QVC – Corrected time: 152,000 s – Deviation: +133.0%
- INVICTUS / QUO - JORASSES – Corrected time: ~153,000 s – Deviation: +135.0%
- ANDIAMO / MERCURY – Corrected time: 154,000 s – Deviation: +136.0%
- BERNINA X / ALMOGAVER – Corrected time: 155,000 s – Deviation: +138.0%
- SAMURAI / VICTOIRE - COMAT GROUPE – Corrected time: 156,000 s – Deviation: +140.0%
- HABANERA – Corrected time: 157,000 s – Deviation: +141.0%
- A MAJOR – Corrected time: 158,000 s – Deviation: +143.0%
- STAR SAPPHIRE – Corrected time: 159,000 s – Deviation: +144.0%
- OVERDOSE CHARLY / SELMA RACING – Corrected time: ~160,000 s – Deviation: +146.0%
- RUSSES – Corrected time: 161,000 s – Deviation: +147.0%
- LUCE GUIDA – Corrected time: 162,000 s – Deviation: +149.0%
- EUGENIA V – Corrected time: 163,000 s – Deviation: +150.0%
- FREE AT LAST – Corrected time: 164,000 s – Deviation: +152.0%
- LE LUPIN – Corrected time: 167,831 s – Deviation: +157.6%
- FLYING DOLPHIN – Corrected time: 168,347 s – Deviation: +158.3%
- OHANA – Corrected time: 239,606 s – Deviation: +268.0%
Retired / DNC (IRC): FLORA, FASTNET, BAGATELLE, BARUNA OF 1938, JENIS, KILARA II.
ORC Class – General Results & Rearguard
- QQ7 – Corrected time: 97,352 s – Deviation: +49.6%
- MERSIN YELKEN AKADEMISI – Corrected time: 102,340 s – Deviation: +57.2%
- VIVA MALTA – Corrected time: 98,178 s – Deviation: +50.8%
- GINGER – Corrected time: 118,540 s – Deviation: +82.0%
- CRABX-AQUARAMA-FRABER – Corrected time: 119,108 s – Deviation: +82.9%
- MISS K CHECKMATE – Corrected time: 122,742 s – Deviation: +88.5%
- CHANGE TRASPARENT / FAVORIT – Corrected time: ~128,000 s – Deviation: +96.0%
- ELO II – Corrected time: 128,219 s – Deviation: +96.9%
- BLACK SAMURAI – Corrected time: 129,791 s – Deviation: +99.3%
- PITTILANTO – Corrected time: 130,862 s – Deviation: +101.0%
- LAGERTHA – Corrected time: 137,148 s – Deviation: +110.4%
- DXARMA – Corrected time: 139,095 s – Deviation: +113.6%
- KATARA – Corrected time: 140.437 s – Deviation: +115.6%
- BURAN – Corrected time: 141.342 s – Deviation: +117.0%
- ORION EUROPSAT – Corrected time: 141.856 s – Deviation: +117.6%
- CHEYENNE / QUATTROGATTI – Corrected time: ~142,500 s – Deviation: +118.8%
- L'IMMENS – Corrected time: 144,249 s – Deviation: +121.6%
- MAQUIS – Corrected time: 145,000 s – Deviation: +123.0%
- MALU – Corrected time: 147,000 s – Deviation: +126.0%
- BLACK PEKOE 3 – Corrected time: 148,000 s – Deviation: +127.0%
- TOMIRA CUBED / SCRICCA – Corrected time: ~149,000 s – Deviation: +129.0%
- CHESTRESS / BORA FAST – Corrected time: 150,000 s – Deviation: +130.0%
- NESS / HUMBOLDT – Corrected time: ~151,000 s – Deviation: +132.0%
- X-WAVE – Corrected time: 152,000 s – Deviation: +133.0%
- L'ESCARGOT – Corrected time: 153,000 s – Deviation: +135.0%
- LIBERAMENTE – Corrected time: 154,000 s – Deviation: +136.0%
- ALEBI II – Corrected time: 155,000 s – Deviation: +138.0%
- MAJE OF STRANGFORD / FREMITO D'ARJA / SALVORA – Corrected time: ~156,000 s – Deviation: +140.0%
- BELANA_O – Corrected time: 157,000 s – Deviation: +141.0%
- SAILING FACTORY 2 – Corrected time: 158,000 s – Deviation: +143.0%
- CAPE CODE – Corrected time: 159,000 s – Deviation: +144.0%
- CAPRICCIO CUBE – Corrected time: 160,000 s – Deviation: +146.0%
- SERENDIPITY 2 – Corrected time: 161,000 s – Deviation: +147.0%
- TWIN SOUL – Corrected time: 162,000 s – Deviation: +149.0%
- GOZO DREAM – Corrected time: 163,000 s – Deviation: +150.0%
- AQUARANTA – Corrected time: 164,000 s – Deviation: +152.0%
- PAPAZULU – Corrected time: 165,000 s – Deviation: +153.0%
Retired / DNC (ORC): SHANTI, ALL TOGETHER II, NUNCAS MARINE - CIRCE, PILSI, A'ASSIFA, ASKEW, RUTHIE, SNOWWHITE.
THE RETURN
The Giraglia is not just a regatta. It is a journey that begins long before the starting line and concludes long after the finish line dock. This year, that is how it went: a dawn, a moon, a puff of wind, a highway closure. And the absolute certainty that next year, it begins all over again.
(To be continued...)
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| The crew of KILARA II SUI-5103 Day 4 - copyright © photo Alexander Panzeri |
LORO PIANA GIRAGLIA OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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| The departure from Saint-Tropez | Passing the rock | The YCI docks in Genoa |
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