His Highness the Aga Khan, IMA Honorary Member, dies peacefully in Lisbon

It is with great sorrow that we learn of the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV. His Highness was the founder of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in 1967 and had been its President ever since. He was also an Honorary Member of the International Maxi Association. 

As well as becoming the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Shia Muslims, His Highness the Aga Khan impacted the sailing world through his far-sighted development of the Costa Smeralda. This began in the early 1960s, including Porto Cervo and his establishment of the YCCS within its harbour in 1967, its majestic clubhouse formally opening in 1975. 

The YCCS rapidly became associated with yacht racing, with competitors able to enjoy the waters surrounding the picturesque La Maddalena archipelago, its protected waters and usually excellent breeze. The club would go on to host countless prestigious regattas and became a renowned destination for sailors of all disciplines, including maxi yachts. In 1980 the YCCS hosted its first International Class A Yacht Association World Championship, rapidly becoming known in sailing circles as the ‘Maxi Worlds’, subsequently evolving into today’s Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the pinnacle event within international maxi yachting.

Through the YCCS, the Aga Khan founded the Azzurra team, which via the club challenged for the America’s Cup in 1983. It repeated this in 1987, when the YCCS was ‘Challenger of Record’. 

Although better known in sporting circles for his involvement with horse racing, His Highness the Aga Khan was also a passionate yachtsman. He was also fascinated by speed on the water and to this end in 1992 he backed, again via the YCCS, the successful attempt by the motor boat Destriero on the Blue Ribbon transatlantic record between New York and the UK. 

The IMA President, the Secretary General, the Board and the team extend their deepest condolences to His Highness' family.