The regatta, promoted by Anna Licia Balzan—Honorary Consul of the Principality of Monaco in Venice—will be held under the sporting direction of Mirko Sguario, founder and president of the Yacht Club Venezia, and with the patronage of A.I.V.E. (Italian Vintage Sailing Association). This year, the event takes on a broader significance: in addition to celebrating classic yachting and maritime history as always, it will combine a passion for the sport with raising awareness about marine conservation and sustainability, thanks to the participation of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (Italy branch), CNR ISMAR, the Venice Sustainability Foundation, and Corila.

Among this year’s new features is the arrival of a small fleet of "Passatore" boats from Cervia. These iconic 8.55-meter wooden vessels were built in a series of 136 units during the 1970s and 1980s by the Sartini Shipyard in Cervia. The delegation from Romagna will be led by Giovanni Sartini himself—son of Emilio, the owner of the shipyard that built the Passatore. The fleet will include *Passatore 01* (1971), the first of this celebrated series of sailboats designed by the renowned French naval architect Jean-Marie Finot, alongside *Liggera*, *Tobia*, *Cocca*, and *Makò*. Today, these boats are united under an association known as "La Congrega del Passatore." Boats representing numerous Adriatic sailing clubs will also be present in Venice, including the 90-year-old, multi-award-winning *Serenity* (1936) from the Circolo Velico Conegliano; Ivan Gardini’s *Naïf*; *Strale* and *Blu Show* from the Circolo Velico Ravennate; and *Return* (1960), belonging to "I Venturieri"—an association founded in Chioggia in 1988 to promote the sailing lifestyle. *Nembo II* (1964) and *Menion* (1991) will arrive from the Yacht Club Adriaco in Trieste, while *Gilla* (1950) will set sail from Fano—covering 100 nautical miles, just as in the past, to ensure it does not miss the Venice gathering, marking its twelfth participation in the event.

The Italian Navy will field *Sorella* at the starting line; she is the only gaff cutter in the Armed Forces' fleet and one of the oldest, most historic racing yachts in the world. Based at the "Francesco Morosini" Naval Military School in Venice, the vessel was originally launched in England in 1858.

The waters off the Lido di Venezia will host the two regattas scheduled for Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, with the starting signal set for 1:00 PM. On Sunday morning at 11:00 AM, the public can watch the traditional parade of sails, which will make its way along the waterfront of the St. Mark’s Basin prior to the final race.

All set for the 13th Principality of Monaco – Venice Trophy: June 27–28, 2026.

On the evening of Saturday, June 27, boat owners and crews will have the opportunity to learn about the environmental commitment of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation-Italy through a presentation by its president, Marco Colasanti. Joining him will be Dr. Alessandro Costa of the Venice Sustainability Foundation and engineer Pierpaolo Campostrini of Corila. The event will be held at the Palazzina Canonica (Riva Sette Martiri)—home to the Biodiversity Gateway and CNR ISMAR—while the awards ceremony will take place at the CNR ISMAR headquarters at the Venice Arsenale, a venue made available by Director Mario Sprovieri.
The awards reflect the spirit of the event: the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority in Italy is offering an exclusive experience at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, combined with a luxury stay at the Principality’s most exclusive hotels. The "Overall" award, crafted by the Lunardelli Venezia atelier, is a handmade creation in engraved oak that interprets the sea as a space for connection.

Paolo Romor, Councilor for Cultural Policies and Culture, stated: "I would like to thank the Consulate of the Principality of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Yacht Club Venezia, and CNR ISMAR for organizing this prestigious—and now traditional—regatta. It is an event that combines a passion for vintage sailing vessels with a strong message raising awareness about sustainability and environmental respect. The City of Venice is proud to collaborate with you and grateful for your friendship."

"The *Vele d’Epoca in Laguna* (Vintage Sails in the Lagoon) event reminds us that sustainability is not merely about technological innovation, but also about care and responsibility," says Fabrizio D’Oria, General Manager of Vela S.p.A. "Every vessel parading through the San Marco Basin stands as concrete proof that protecting the sea also means preserving our heritage. This is the same principle guiding the Venice Boat Show: fostering a dialogue between tradition and the future, safeguarding maritime history, and simultaneously charting new courses toward a more conscious blue economy."

All set for the 13th Principality of Monaco – Venice Trophy: June 27–28, 2026.
All set for the 13th Principality of Monaco – Venice Trophy: June 27–28, 2026.
All set for the 13th Principality of Monaco – Venice Trophy: June 27–28, 2026.
All set for the 13th Principality of Monaco – Venice Trophy: June 27–28, 2026.
All set for the 13th Principality of Monaco – Venice Trophy: June 27–28, 2026.

The 2026 Principality of Monaco Trophy is supported by main sponsor Aon—which lends its name to the Special Award—and Banca Generali, with the collaboration of Vela Spa and the Venice Boat Show. Also partnering with the event are Mood, Canella, Il Palato Italiano, Zur KaiserKron, and Batzen. Mure a Dritta has created the event's apparel using fabric made from recycled plastic, while Villa Sandi will present winners with its "Asolo Biodiversity Friend" wine, and Bios Line’s "Nature’s" brand will provide products featuring natural ingredients and 100% vegan formulas.