Cattolica stage concludes successfully as the fleet heads for Vieste

The Cattolica stage of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour 2026 has successfully concluded, opening this year’s Giro d’Italia a Vela with a highly technical Offshore race for the Bénéteau Figaro 3 fleet.
Competitors faced challenging and constantly changing weather conditions, starting with very light winds, followed by a complex overnight transition and a significant increase in breeze accompanied by the short, steep seas typical of the Adriatic. Taking victory was the Guardia di Finanza team, with Paolo Cian and Fabio Montefusco delivering an outstanding tactical performance that allowed them to seize the lead during the night and secure the stage win.
The German team Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee (VSaW) finished second, while the Marina Militare crew of Andrea Pendibene and Benedetta Di Salle completed the podium in third place.
The InShore races for the Waszp and WingFoil classes were heavily affected by the lack of wind. Only two Waszp races were completed on June 6, both won by Francesco Carrieri, while subsequent days saw racing postponed due to insufficient breeze.
Onshore, the Sailing Village attracted strong public participation, with the Progetto Giovani programme offering educational activities focused on maritime culture, safety, and innovation. Visitors also enjoyed the presence of the Aeronautica Militare Balloon Cup hot-air balloon, which brought colour and excitement to Cattolica’s waterfront.
With the opening stage now complete, the Figaro 3 fleet has already set course for Vieste. The second Offshore leg will take competitors south along the Adriatic coast towards the Gargano peninsula, where strategy, endurance, and weather-reading skills will once again prove decisive.