Eight Teams Ready for the Epic 1,492-Mile Regatta from Genoa to Venice

On Sunday, November 2nd, the qualifying rounds of the Nastro Rosa Veloce came to an end — the 1,492-mile regatta that sails around Italy from Genoa to Venice.

The original fleet of 20 boats was divided into two groups that each competed in two races, determining the top six teamsqualified for the main event. The qualifiers concluded with a final repechage race, where two additional crews earned their place, completing the lineup together with the teams representing the Italian Air Force and the Italian Navy.

The first day of racing literally began with a bang: the start of Group “A” was marked by a collision between the Yacht Club Italiano Team, which suffered damage to three stanchions, and Entente Cordiale, which was sailing on starboard tack. Despite the incident, the Italian team Gin Tonic took the win, followed by Baccarat (Finland) and Norbit (United Kingdom).

In Group “B”, unstable wind conditions created significant challenges. Half of the fleet failed to finish within the time limit, while the other half saw another Italian success with Le Cape Toste! taking victory, ahead of Team FE (France)and Gli Isolani (Italy).

The second day once again featured light and shifting winds. In Group “A”, Yacht Club Italiano made a strong comeback, finishing first ahead of 2HD Offshore Racing (Germany) and Norbit (United Kingdom). In Group “B”, Team FE (France) claimed the win, followed by the Italian teams Le Cape Toste! and Gli Isolani completing the podium.

At the end of the qualification series, the teams qualified for the Nastro Rosa Veloce are:
Team FE (France), Le Cape Toste! (Italy), Gli Isolani (Italy), 2HD Offshore Racing (Germany), Norbit (United Kingdom), and Gin Tonic (Italy).

The repechage race will feature the top ten remaining crews, who will have one final opportunity to secure a place in the main event.