Ermenegildo Zegna Spring Regatta warms up

Glamour event in Portofino to take place mid-May

The 25th Ermenegildo Zegna-Spring regatta, the traditional sailing event for large yachts , will be take place in Portofino from 12 to 14 May 2006. A large number of participants are expected and a full programme of events on land has been organised to celebrate an unforgettable occasion.

The event, organised in collaboration with the Italian Yacht Club, is open to boats in the Classes IMS ORC Club and Wally Yachts, over 55 feet in length. Also taking part in the regatta will be the Classes One Design, Nautor’s Swan 45 and Transpac 52.

The first Ermenegildo Zegna Trophy took place in 1982 and over the years it has become the most exclusive and best vantage point to observe the development of international yachting. Besides the races at sea, there have frequently been meetings and debates with important designers, skippers and boat owners who have played a significant role in contemporary yacht racing.

This year the prestigious 'A Life for Sailing' award will be presented to a world famous yachtsman. The biennial award was introduced in 1983 at the express wish of Aldo Zegna and Beppe Croce to celebrate those who have dedicated their life and career to yacht racing, helping promote it throughout the world. The award committee includes Paolo Zegna CEO of the Ermenegildo Zegna Group, Giovanni Petrucci, Chairman of CONI, Sergio Gaibisso, Chairman of the Italian Yacht Federations, and Carlo Croce, President of the Italian Yacht Club.

There will be plenty of events on land this year too. In Portofino’s Art Gallery there will be a unique photo exhibition telling the story of the 25 years of the Ermenegildo Zegna Trophy-Spring Regattas. A trip down memory lane, with all the leading players in international yachting from the last quarter of a century. The Regattas will also be the perfect backdrop for the presentation of the new Oceana project: Protecting Mediterranean Corals. The latest – but only chronologically – commitment from the Ermenegildo Zegna Foundation to protect and safeguard the environment. And on Saturday there will be the traditional dinner in honour of yacht owners and friends at Castello Brown.