Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

James Evans explores the Aga Khan’s lifelong obsession with speed: the yachts it created, the records it broke and the technical advances it generated - especially in his parallel quest for silence.

Whatever the means of travel, the late Aga Khan – His Highness Karim al-Hussaini – yearned to go fast. Racehorses, sports cars, yachts: he owned and loved them all. A Maserati 5000 GT made for him in the 1950s was, for a time, the fastest road car in the world. It was certainly an appropriate form of transport.

Azzurra, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's new TP52 which is set to compete in the prestigious Audi MedCup circuit, was today officially baptised by godmother Princess Zahra Aga Khan. During the ceremony a second Audi-sponsored vessel, the French-German collaboration All4One, was also present together with special guest, actor Jean Reno. After t the traditional photographs taken, the crew of Audi Azzurra Sailing Team boarded the boat for some sailing on the waters off Cascais.

The ceremonial award of 'Sailing Races' held in Sardinia (Italy) on 19-8-67 was attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret who is seen here in conversation with Mowlana Hazar Imam during the ceremony.

Source: Ismaili Prakash (November 11, 1967)

Sardinia with its open blue skies and deep emerald water front, was the venue of the meeting the Pakistan delegation had with Mowlana Hazar Imam in July 1972.
The delegation was called to Sardinia to submit their recommendations for new appointments for Hazar Imam's gracious consideration, and nomination. The new nominations were to be made for various Social and Welfare Institutions of our Jamat including the Executive Officers, from all over West Pakistan under the jurisdiction of Namdar Federal Council for Pakistan.

June 11, 2006(Sunday)Costa Smeralda: Princess Zahra Aga Khan attends prize giving of Sardinia Rolex Cup & ISAF World Championship