YCCS founder HH Prince Aga Khan dies at 88
It was back in 1967 when, captivated by the natural beauty of northern Sardinia, he joined forces with a group of like-minded individuals to establish the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS). He also founded the town of Porto Cervo, transforming it into the stylish and luxurious destination it is today—a magnet for the rich and famous. The yacht club quickly earned a legendary reputation, not only because of its prestigious members and the impressive yachts that dock there but also for hosting world-class regattas such as the Maxi Yacht World Championship, the Swan World Cup, and the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta.
In 1981, YCCS made history by putting forward the first-ever Italian challenger for the America’s Cup. The list of its achievements goes on, as the yacht club has firmly established itself as one of the most prestigious in the world and a true hub of sailing culture.
Aga Khan (left) and then FIAT CEO Gianni Agnelli and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo
In addition to sailing yachts, His Highness was also passionate about motor yachts, contributing to the creation of some of the most innovative projects. One notable example is the 50-meter Alamshar, built in 2014 at the Devonport Dockyard in England. It remains the only yacht in the world powered entirely by gas turbines. This unique propulsion system allows the vessel to achieve an extraordinary speed of 45 knots—remarkable for a yacht of its size—while maintaining a range of 700 miles at full load at that speed.
M/Y Alamshar
Long before Alamshar, Aga Khan spearheaded the creation of Destriero—a high-speed gas turbine-powered motor yacht that made history in 1992 by completing the fastest transatlantic crossing. The vessel covered the distance between New York and England in just 58 hours, 34 minutes, and 40 seconds—a record that remains unbeaten to this day. In addition to earning the prestigious Blue Riband, Destriero was also awarded the Columbus Atlantic Trophy by the New York Yacht Club and the Virgin Atlantic Challenge Trophy, established by Richard Branson.
Destriero
Karim al-Husseini, better known as Aga Khan IV, was born on December 13, 1936, in Geneva, Switzerland, to Iranian Prince Aly Khan and Princess Taj-ud-Dawlah Aly Khan (née Joan Yarde-Buller, a British aristocrat). His childhood was steeped in a rich tapestry of culture and traditions, which greatly shaped his worldview. He received an exceptional education, including studies at Harvard University, where he focused on Islamic history. This provided him with a profound understanding of both the religious and secular dimensions of life.
In 1957, at the age of 20, Karim al-Husseini became the 49th Imam of the Ismailis following the death of his grandfather, Aga Khan III. His appointment came as a surprise, as his grandfather had bypassed Karim's father in the line of succession, believing that the young Karim was better equipped to address the challenges of the modern world.
As a spiritual leader, Aga Khan IV has dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for his followers and people around the world. He established a charitable foundation focused on advancing healthcare, education, culture, and agriculture in developing countries, as well as a network of organisations aimed at combating poverty and promoting sustainable development. These initiatives span more than 30 countries, with a particular emphasis on Africa, South Asia, and Central Asia.
