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The yachtsmen and women, boats and classes that have shaped the history of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda will gather together in Porto Cervo throughout 2007 in events celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Club's foundation. The festivities commenced with a formal ceremony on 12 May 2007, 40 years to the day that His Highness the Aga KHAN, President of the YCCS to this day, along with Andrè ARDOIN, Giuseppe Kerry MENTASTI and Luigi VIETTI founded the not-for-profit association with the aim of uniting sailing enthusiasts and promoting the sport.

Memorable Year

In response to an opening speech by His Highness the Aga KHAN, host of the ceremony, the ISAF President congratulated the YCCS on 40 fantastic years, '2007 is a memorable and unique year for both the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the International Sailing Federation - as we both celebrate significant birthdays.'

'For ISAF, 100 years has passed since our creation in Paris in 1907. Whilst the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has enjoyed 40 years of hosting the world's renowned sailors and yachts on its racing waters.'

Commodore Gianfranco ALBERINI of the YCCS commented, 'We are delighted to have reached this important milestone and to have achieved such an impressive track record at such a 'young' age.

'Our accomplishments are down to a great deal of hard work and determination and to the professionalism and expertise of the people who have collaborated with us over these past 40 years. The events we have planned for 2007 will give us the chance to thank them and to celebrate together with the new generation of sailors whose drive and vision will take us through the next 40 years.'

Internationally Renowned

In its 40 years, the YCCS has given birth to a string of internationally renowned regattas and pioneering sporting achievements. From the very first regatta organized by the Club - the Settimana delle Bocche in 1972 - to World and European Championships numerous one-design classes including the Star, 12 Metre, J/24, Optimist and Farr 40, while creating signature events such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex Swan Cup and Sardinia Cup, all of which have demonstrated the Club's commitment to excellence in race management combined with its unparalleled level of hospitality.

The YCCS can also lay claim to a special place in the history of Italian and international sailing thanks to the launch of the first ever Italian America's Cup Challenge with Azzurra in 1983 and the subsequent invitation to act as the 1987 Challenger of Record in Fremantle.

Then IYRU President Beppe CROCE (ITA) was one of the high profile figures involved in the 1983 challenge as the ISAF President recalled in his speech, 'Just as Beppe CROCE led and inspired the International Yacht Racing Union, His Highness the Aga KHAN has led and driven the success of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. From its inauguration 40 years ago as a club created 'as a non-profit making sporting association for fellow sailing enthusiasts' you have achieved outstanding and globally renowned success.'

40th Anniversary Regatta

While further anniversary celebrations will take place for Yacht Club Members during August, September holds the real treat for sailing enthusiasts as Porto Cervo welcomes a 'Festival of Sailing' in the form of the YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta. Strategically scheduled between the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Veteran Boat Rally, the YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta will take place on 10 September and will play host, not only to the some of the largest sailing yachts in the world from the Maxis and the stunning fleet of Veteran boats, but also to the historic America's Cup 12 Metre class alongside high-tech racers from the current America's Cup challenge. As is traditional with YCCS events, the day's sailing will be complemented by an impressive Crew Party to be held in the evening on the Piazza Azzurra overlooking Porto Cervo Marina.

The YCCS 40th Anniversary Regatta will be open to all sailing yachts and any interested parties are encouraged to contact the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for further details. For additional information, please visit www.yccs.it.

ISAF Centenary

Formed in 1907, ISAF will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary throughout 2007.

Amongst the highlights of ISAF Centenary celebrations will the 2007 ISAF Sailing World Championships and the Sail the World weekend from 1-2 September. ISAF will also be publishing a 100 Years of Sailing commemorative book and launching the ISAF Sailing Hall of Fame.

Every ISAF event throughout 2007 will be an integral part of the Centenary celebrations. Whether a local regatta, or a World Championship event, everyone counts. ISAF would like your event to remember what a special year it is, so welcomes everyone to use the specially commissioned Centenary logo.

Find out more on about the calendar of Centennial Celebrations, relive our Highlights from 100 Years of Sailing and keep up to date with the latest news on the Centenary Celebrations at www.sailing.org/centenary.