Sardinia is the venue for the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/31/sport/sardinia-sailing/index.html">Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup</a>, a prestigious showpiece for some of the world's best sailors and wealthy owners in yachts ranging from 60 feet to more than 140 feet long.
Sardinia is the venue for the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, a prestigious showpiece for some of the world's best sailors and wealthy owners in yachts ranging from 60 feet to more than 140 feet long.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The 42-strong 2018 fleet is split into five classes with racing in the stunning blue waters of the Costa Smeralda off Porto Cervo and around the Maddalena archipelago on the northeast coast of Sardinia.
The 42-strong 2018 fleet is split into five classes with racing in the stunning blue waters of the Costa Smeralda off Porto Cervo and around the Maddalena archipelago on the northeast coast of Sardinia.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Porto Cervo is a millionaire's playground and yachties' haven, founded by Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 1960s as a luxury resort for the rich and famous. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), with its rooftop swimming pool, sits at its heart.
Porto Cervo is a millionaire's playground and yachties' haven, founded by Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 1960s as a luxury resort for the rich and famous. The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), with its rooftop swimming pool, sits at its heart.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Top yachting photographer <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2016/10/04/sport/gallery/carlo-borlenghi-best-sailing-photos/index.html">Carlo Borlenghi</a> uses some nifty tricks to capture stunning images of the boats and the racing.
Top yachting photographer Carlo Borlenghi uses some nifty tricks to capture stunning images of the boats and the racing.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The 140-foot Topaz is one of three elegant J-Class yachts competing at the 29th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
The 140-foot Topaz is one of three elegant J-Class yachts competing at the 29th Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The 100-foot Wallycento Magic Carpet Cubed, owned by British businessman Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, the ex-head of L'Oreal, came second to Topaz in its class.
The 100-foot Wallycento Magic Carpet Cubed, owned by British businessman Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, the ex-head of L'Oreal, came second to Topaz in its class.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The Maxi 72 class holds its world championship during the week, with crews of big-name sailors and affluent owners helming their stripped-out rocketships in perfect conditions.
The Maxi 72 class holds its world championship during the week, with crews of big-name sailors and affluent owners helming their stripped-out rocketships in perfect conditions.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The historic 130-foot J Class yacht Velsheda was launched in 1933, named after commissioning owner W. L. Stephenson's three daughters -- Velma, Sheila and Daphne. It's now owned by Dutch businessman Ronald de Waal.
The historic 130-foot J Class yacht Velsheda was launched in 1933, named after commissioning owner W. L. Stephenson's three daughters -- Velma, Sheila and Daphne. It's now owned by Dutch businessman Ronald de Waal.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The Maxi 72 Jethou, owned by British businessman <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/31/sport/sardinia-sailing/index.html">Sir Peter Ogden</a>, makes a striking sight against the rocky Sardinia coast. Jethou was named after the English Channel Island owned by Ogden.
The Maxi 72 Jethou, owned by British businessman Sir Peter Ogden, makes a striking sight against the rocky Sardinia coast. Jethou was named after the English Channel Island owned by Ogden.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The 143-foot J Class Svea, entered by US billionaire Tom Siebel, in action during the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
The 143-foot J Class Svea, entered by US billionaire Tom Siebel, in action during the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time America's Cup winner Jocehn Schumann, the tactician on Magic Carpet Cubed, says: "The Sardinian waters are beautiful to sail on. From the colours to the coastline, they are the most scenic one can imagine. At this time of the year the temperature is also great, we sail in shorts and shirts, and it all happens with 10 and 25 knots of wind. So, beautiful sailing days in the best possible conditions."
Three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time America's Cup winner Jocehn Schumann, the tactician on Magic Carpet Cubed, says: "The Sardinian waters are beautiful to sail on. From the colours to the coastline, they are the most scenic one can imagine. At this time of the year the temperature is also great, we sail in shorts and shirts, and it all happens with 10 and 25 knots of wind. So, beautiful sailing days in the best possible conditions."
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
The J Class Velsheda, racing in the Supermaxi category, leads the more modern Topaz, helmed by former Olympic silver medalist Peter Holmberg of the US Virgin Islands.
The J Class Velsheda, racing in the Supermaxi category, leads the more modern Topaz, helmed by former Olympic silver medalist Peter Holmberg of the US Virgin Islands.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Cannonball, entered by Italian businessman Dario Ferrari, competes in the Maxi 72 class.
Cannonball, entered by Italian businessman Dario Ferrari, competes in the Maxi 72 class.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
American yacht Proteus, owned by Greek magnate George Sakellaris, leads her Maxi 72 rivals through a tight passage in the Maddalena islands.
American yacht Proteus, owned by Greek magnate George Sakellaris, leads her Maxi 72 rivals through a tight passage in the Maddalena islands.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Downwind flying as the Wally 94 Inti 3 leads rival Vera, which has veteran Volvo Ocean Race skipper Bouwe Bekking in the afterguard.
Downwind flying as the Wally 94 Inti 3 leads rival Vera, which has veteran Volvo Ocean Race skipper Bouwe Bekking in the afterguard.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Maxi 72 Momo, owned by Germany's Dieter Schon, successfully defended its title from Cannonball and Proteus.
Maxi 72 Momo, owned by Germany's Dieter Schon, successfully defended its title from Cannonball and Proteus.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
American businessman David Leuschen's 100-foot Wallycento Galateia lost her 2017 title to Lyra, owned by Chinese Canadian Terry Hui.
American businessman David Leuschen's 100-foot Wallycento Galateia lost her 2017 title to Lyra, owned by Chinese Canadian Terry Hui.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi
Racing is close and ultra competitive with some of the world's best pro sailors in action.
Racing is close and ultra competitive with some of the world's best pro sailors in action.
Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi