Some anniversaries seem destined to meet on the same quay. That is exactly what happens at the 2026 edition of Vele d’Epoca di Imperia, where the event’s 40th Anniversary coincides with the 130th Anniversary of Sangermani Shipyards and the 70th Anniversary of Artica II, the historic Italian Navy yawl built by the renowned Ligurian shipyard.
Bringing these milestones together is a shared thread of classic yachting, craftsmanship and maritime culture. Sangermani yachts have taken part in Vele d’Epoca di Imperia since its very first edition in 1986 and, in this landmark year, the shipyard returns with a presence extending across every aspect of the event: four yachts entered, a dedicated exhibition space celebrating the history of the shipyard and, from 2 to 6 September, the presence of Giacomo Sangermani, the fourth generation at the helm of Sangermani Shipyards alongside his brother Filippo.
Sangermani Shipyards: a Ligurian heritage at the heart of classic yachting
The story of Sangermani Shipyards began in Liguria, shaped by the sea and by wood. The shipyard traces its origins back to 1896, when Ettore Sangermano, known as “Dorin”, built a small pleasure boat as a gift for his newborn son. From that first gesture grew a tradition that would be passed down through generations, eventually establishing Sangermani as one of the most recognisable names in Italian yacht building.
The shipyard built its reputation on meticulous craftsmanship, an exceptional knowledge of wood and an ability to evolve with the times. During the 1950s and 1960s, Sangermani strengthened its position on the international yachting scene, thanks in part to collaborations with some of the twentieth century’s most distinguished naval architects and to the construction of yachts for the Italian Navy’s sailing programme.
Throughout this history, racing has always played a central role as a proving ground, testing the performance of the yachts and helping to refine both design and construction solutions. This culture of craftsmanship and sailing also lies at the heart of Sangermani’s relationship with Vele d’Epoca di Imperia, where yachts built by the shipyard have competed since the inaugural edition in 1986.
A dedicated exhibition space and the presence of Giacomo Sangermani
In this anniversary year, visitors to Imperia Sailing Week 2026 will have a special opportunity to discover this heritage up close through a dedicated exhibition space at the event.
Photographs, documents and other materials will take visitors through more than a century of yacht-building tradition, showcasing the value of expertise that continues to evolve while remaining firmly connected to its roots.
From 2 to 6 September, the exhibition space will also welcome Giacomo Sangermani, the fourth generation at the helm of Sangermani Shipyards. His presence will give visitors the opportunity to hear the shipyard’s story first-hand, discover how it has evolved over the decades and learn more about the challenges that he and his brother Filippo are taking forward today, continuing both a family legacy and a remarkable yacht-building tradition.
The significance of Sangermani’s participation is captured in the words of Giacomo Sangermani:
“We are particularly delighted to have received this invitation. Taking part in an event that for forty years has promoted and celebrated the beauty of classic yachting gives us the opportunity to share our experience with owners, enthusiasts and visitors who recognise maritime culture, yacht-building tradition and craftsmanship as a heritage of knowledge, expertise and values that deserves to be preserved and passed on to future generations.”
Four Sangermani Queens of the Sea confirmed so far: Artica II, Lilli II, Sandra and Masa Yume
The true stars, however, are the yachts themselves — the Queens of the Sea that bring the history and heritage of classic yachting to life. Entries received to date confirm four Sangermani-built yachts for Vele d’Epoca 2026: Artica II, Lilli II, Sandra and Masa Yume.
Among them, Artica II holds particular significance. A historic yawl of the Italian Navy, launched by Sangermani Shipyards in 1956, she celebrates her 70th Anniversary in 2026. The yacht is closely associated with the history of the Italian Navy’s sailing programme and with an era in which Sangermani further consolidated its reputation through international yacht racing.
Alongside Artica II, the presence of Lilli II, an elegant Sangermani sloop dating from 1953, Sandra (1972) and Masa Yume (1985) further strengthens the longstanding relationship between the shipyard and Vele d’Epoca di Imperia.
Four different Queens of the Sea, united by the same yacht-building tradition.
