Costa Smeralda: Americans Lead Among Yacht Owners in 2026
All summer, The Sardinia Guide’s Instagram account documented some of the world’s largest superyachts cruising and anchoring along the Costa Smeralda in northeastern Sardinia. New 2026 data now show the scale behind those images.
Between June and August, 3,176 unique superyachts over 24 meters were detected in the waters of Gallura, up 9.97% from 2025 and 27.29% from 2024. Among the 291 yachts profiled in detail, the United States ranked first among countries publicly associated with ownership, with 53 yachts, or 18.2% of the sample.
The figures come from a study by the Centro Studi Cipnes Gallura–UniOlbia, based on AIS and MMSI data from the Italian Coast Guard’s Pelagus system. The results were presented at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival. Readers can also explore the interactive 2026 superyacht study.
For travelers discovering the area for the first time, our Costa Smeralda guide explains the geography, Porto Cervo, beaches and summer lifestyle of this part of Sardinia.
Costa Smeralda remains at the center of Sardinia’s superyacht summer
The Costa Smeralda remains one of the main areas for superyacht concentration and anchoring in northeastern Sardinia.
In 2026, 2,581 MMSI codes were recorded in the Costa Smeralda area during the summer monitoring period.
Porto Cervo, Cala di Volpe and Pevero continue to form the core of this yachting landscape.
For anyone who spent time along this coastline — or followed The Sardinia Guide during the summer — the presence of large yachts was hard to miss. The new figures add measurable context to what was visible day after day along the coast.
Travelers interested in exploring the area beyond the yachts can also use our guide to the 28 beaches of Costa Smeralda and our guide to Costa Smeralda beach clubs.
Americans rank first among the yacht owners
The most relevant number for American readers comes from the detailed profile of 291 superyachts.
Among the countries publicly associated with their owners, the United States ranks first.
A total of 53 yachts were associated with American owners, representing 18.2% of the sample.
Italy ranks second with 36 yachts, followed by the United Kingdom with 25 and Germany with 17.
The figures do not refer to yacht flags, registration or tax residence. They refer to the country publicly associated with each owner.
That distinction matters. But so does the ranking: among the superyachts profiled in Sardinia in summer 2026, Americans were the largest national group.
What the data say about Americans and Costa Smeralda
The study does not measure total American tourism to Sardinia, and it does not show that Americans prefer Sardinia to every other Mediterranean destination.
What it does show is more specific.
Americans have a particularly visible presence within the high-end yachting community spending time in northeastern Sardinia, with Costa Smeralda at the center of that summer scene.
The yachts seen throughout the summer were not isolated appearances. They were part of a broader pattern involving thousands of unique vessels moving through Gallura and hundreds of large yachts concentrated in the Costa Smeralda area.
For American travelers, Olbia is also the natural point of reference for this part of the island. Our Olbia Sardinia guide explains its role as the gateway to northeastern Sardinia and Costa Smeralda.
Some of the world’s largest yachts were in Sardinia
Among the 291 yachts profiled, the average length was 61.7 meters.
Thirty-four measured at least 90 meters.
The largest was Blue, at 160 meters.
It was followed by A+, formerly Topaz, at 147 meters; Luminance, at 145 meters, and Yas, at 141 meters.
Several of these yachts also appeared in The Sardinia Guide’s Instagram coverage during summer 2026.
That matters because the images and the data tell the same story from two different angles: one visual, one quantitative.
A fleet worth at least $19.2 billion
The scale is economic as well as visual.
A public valuation was available for 288 of the 291 yachts profiled. Together, they were estimated to be worth at least $19.2 billion.
Fifty-six had an estimated value of at least $100 million.
The numbers help explain why the Costa Smeralda occupies such a distinctive place in Sardinia’s summer landscape.
It is not simply a coastal destination associated with beaches and resorts. During the summer, it also becomes a meeting point for a highly international superyacht community.
And within the 2026 sample, Americans were the leading national group.
Costa Smeralda through an American lens
For American travelers, the 2026 data add another layer to understanding Costa Smeralda.
Throughout the summer, The Sardinia Guide showed the yachts, anchorages and coastline through Instagram. The data now explain the scale behind those images.
Costa Smeralda remains one of northeastern Sardinia’s main superyacht areas, the number of large yachts is growing, and Americans rank first among the countries publicly associated with the owners of the yachts profiled in 2026.
Travelers planning a broader trip can also start with our guide to things to do in Sardinia.
The images showed the summer. The numbers explain what was happening behind it.
FAQ
Is Costa Smeralda popular with superyachts?
Yes. Costa Smeralda remains one of the main areas for superyacht concentration and anchoring in northeastern Sardinia. In 2026, 2,581 unique MMSI codes were recorded in the area.
How many superyachts were recorded in northeastern Sardinia in 2026?
A total of 3,176 unique superyachts over 24 meters were detected between June and August 2026.
Were American yacht owners the largest national group?
Yes. Among the 291 yachts profiled in detail, the United States ranked first among countries publicly associated with ownership, with 53 yachts, or 18.2% of the sample.
What were the largest yachts recorded in Sardinia?
The largest yacht in the profiled sample was Blue at 160 meters, followed by A+ at 147 meters, Luminance at 145 meters, Dragonfly at 142 meters and Yas at 141 meters.
Where do the 2026 superyacht data come from?
The figures come from the Centro Studi Cipnes Gallura–UniOlbia, using AIS and MMSI data from the Italian Coast Guard’s Pelagus system. The results were presented at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival.
How much were the profiled yachts worth?
Public valuations were available for 288 of the 291 yachts profiled. Their combined estimated value was at least $19.2 billion.
