The Yacht Club hashtagcostasmeralda (@yccs_portocervo) officially launched its challenge to conquer the Blue Riband. The Destriero will attempt the record-breaking Atlantic crossing in 1991, but even as early as this year, both French and Australian teams are set to make their own bids for the trophy.
The die is cast. On Tuesday, May 15, in the Hall of Honour at the Italian National Olympic Committee (@conisocial) headquarters at the Foro Italico, His Highness the Aga Khan presented the challenge program on behalf of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for the Hales Trophy — the prestigious prize established in 1935 to recognize the ship that completes the fastest Atlantic crossing, earning the symbolic and historic Blue Riband.
The hashtagvessel chosen to lead this ambitious mission will bear the name @pontiledestriero — a name rooted in medieval symbolism, representing power, courage, and endurance — values long associated with honor and chivalry.
The record attempt, granted High Patronage of the Presidency of the Italian Republic, is scheduled for the summer of 1991 and will be carried out in accordance with the updated Hales Trophy regulations.
The original founders of this prestigious trophy could not have foreseen a time when vessels other than large ocean liners would challenge the record. But in recent years, with new types of craft entering the race, the board of trustees had to modernize the rules — all while preserving the founding principles:
“…to serve as an incentive for improving a vessel’s performance and advancing its mechanical engineering…”
Destriero II – Design Concept by MASK architects 2025
