The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda sits at the head of the Porto Cervo marina and is the visible expression of what the resort was built to be. Membership is by invitation and the clubhouse is private, but the club's regattas open the harbour to a parade of the most expensive sailing yachts in the world. The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in early September is the headline event — a week of racing for boats over 60 feet, with the fleet returning to Porto Cervo each evening.
In summer the club's pontoons hold a rotating cast of J Class boats, sleek modern racers and a sprinkling of restored classics. Walking the marina perimeter outside the club is free and a fine way to see the boats up close. The clubhouse buildings, by Luigi Vietti, are part of the original Costa Smeralda architectural project and are worth a look from the seafront promenade.