The Loro Piana Giraglia is one of the oldest and most prestigious offshore regattas in the Mediterranean. Founded in 1953 in a Parisian café by three sailing enthusiasts—René Levainville, Franco Gavagnin, and Beppe Croce—as an Italian-French prestige challenge, it brings together nearly 140 sailboats from around the world each June in Saint-Tropez. The offshore course has become legendary: Saint-Tropez → Giraglia Rock north of Cap Corse → Genoa, a 241-nautical-mile non-stop race at the mercy of the mistral and Ligurian currents.
In 2024, Loro Piana became the title sponsor of the event, confirming the Giraglia’s position at the pinnacle of prestigious Mediterranean yachting. The 2026 format follows the proven formula of recent years: four days of coastal racing in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, a grand celebration at the village, followed by the start of the offshore race.
From June 12 to 17, 2026, the port of Saint-Tropez transforms. The motor superyachts that typically occupy it give way to a spectacular fleet of sailboats—from 100-foot Maxis to 9-meter IRC monotypes, all united by the same spirit: passion, excellence, and camaraderie. Chartering a superyacht during the Giraglia means experiencing this event from the inside, from the best vantage point in the Gulf.
International Yachts Charter and Brokerage has been supporting its clients during the Loro Piana Giraglia for several editions.
The Loro Piana Giraglia 2026 begins on Friday, June 12, with the opening of the village and the arrival of boats.
Friday, June 12 — Opening of the Loro Piana Giraglia Village at the port of Saint-Tropez. Arrival of crews, sailboat registration. Opening of the Loro Piana Lounge. The unique atmosphere of the transformed port begins.
Saturday, June 13 to Tuesday, June 16 — Four days of coastal racing in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Courses of 25 to 35 miles in the bay, starts from 11:00 AM. Each evening: daily prize ceremonies at the Village, DJ sets, drinks for all participants.
Wednesday, June 17 — Start of the offshore race from Saint-Tropez — Saint-Tropez → Giraglia Rock (north of Cap Corse) → Genoa. 241 nautical miles of offshore racing. This is the pinnacle of the event.
Thursday, June 18 – Saturday, June 19 — Arrivals in Genoa. Official prize-giving ceremony at Yacht Club Italiano.
The Giraglia was born from a simple yet ambitious idea: to create a post-war sporting challenge between France and Italy on the sea they share. The first edition in 1953 gathered 22 sailboats. By 1974, the race had reached 132 boats. Today, with Loro Piana as partner, the Giraglia attracts a fleet of 130 to 160 sailboats representing all nautical nations of Europe and beyond.
What distinguishes the Giraglia from all other Mediterranean regattas is its unique format—four days of coastal racing in one of the most beautiful gulfs in the Mediterranean, followed by a 241-mile offshore race to Genoa. A complete event that combines high-level competition, the spirit of camaraderie found at major nautical events, and the prestige of the Loro Piana partnership.
The four days of coastal racing in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez—from June 13 to 16—are the ideal time for a superyacht charter. The sailboats navigate courses of 25 to 35 miles in the bay, within sight from a superyacht anchored in the Gulf. Your captain positions the vessel at the best observation points according to wind direction and the day’s courses. Your tender allows you to approach the racing sailboats in authorized areas.
The June light in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez—sea at 22-23°C, rare mistral at the beginning of the month, waters still uncrowded before the summer peak—makes these racing days particularly striking from the deck of a superyacht.
The offshore race start on Wednesday, June 17, is one of the most spectacular nautical displays in the Mediterranean. 130 to 160 sailboats start simultaneously from Saint-Tropez—from 100-foot Maxis to 9-meter IRCs—heading toward Cap Corse. The port empties within hours, and silence returns to the Gulf after the fleet passes. A moment of pure sailing, accessible only from a yacht positioned in the bay.
Each evening during the coastal races, the Loro Piana Giraglia Village animates the port of Saint-Tropez along the outer breakwater to the Portalet Tower. Daily prize ceremonies, DJ sets, drinks—a festive and elegant atmosphere that brings together racing crews from around the world with port visitors and residents. A setting you reach by tender from your anchorage in the Gulf.
The Giraglia attracts a clientele distinct from other Riviera events. These are serious sailing enthusiasts—often sailboat owners or skippers, investors in the nautical industry, members of prestigious yacht clubs (Yacht Club Italiano, Yacht Club de France, Yacht Club de Monaco). HNWI profiles who value expertise, discretion, and quality of service—exactly what a charter with International Yachts Charter and Brokerage provides.
Ideal format for sailing enthusiasts wishing to follow the coastal races closely. Shallow draft for anchorages in the Gulf, onboard tender for approaching racing sailboats, aft cockpit for observation from water level.
AMELIA (20 m LOA, 10 guests, crew of 2) and PURE (27 m LOA, 6 guests, crew of 3)—available in June, from €37,500/week excluding APA.
For groups wishing to combine race following with premium comfort and service. Panoramic flybridge with views of the courses, main deck for lunches at sea between races, 4 to 5 en-suite cabins for overnight stays.
EOL B (34 m LOA, 9 guests), TINY WAVE (34 m LOA, 10 guests, crew of 6), SILVER WAVE (45 m LOA, 12 guests, zero-speed stabilizers, crew of 8)—available in June subject to availability.
The Giraglia takes place at the beginning of high season—June is a high-rate period but significantly less crowded than July-August. Availability in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is still comfortable in early June—the Gulf is not yet saturated by summer traffic.
| Category | LOA | Indicative Rate (Giraglia week) |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Yacht | 20-30 m | €25,000 – €65,000 |
| Superyacht | 30-40 m | €60,000 – €160,000 |
| Premium Superyacht | 40-45 m | €130,000 – €280,000 |
| Mega Yacht | 45 m+ | €250,000 – €650,000+ |
These rates are exclusive of APA (25% to 35% of the base rate). Standard MYBA contract. For a complete view of Saint-Tropez rates by season, consult our Saint-Tropez yacht charter prices page.
June is the densest month of the year on the French Riviera in terms of nautical and premium lifestyle events:
For clients wishing to combine the Monaco Grand Prix (June 4-7) and the Giraglia (June 12-17), a connecting cruise Monaco → Saint-Tropez (4h30) between the two events is perfectly feasible on the same vessel—with a stopover at the Lérins Islands and Cannes in between. Our team manages the complete logistics.
June 12-17, 2026. The Giraglia is a niche event that attracts highly qualified clientele—the best vessels are reserved in March-April for the June week.
Contact International Yachts Charter and Brokerage to receive a selection of suitable vessels and a personalized APA quote within 48 hours.
