Giro d’Italia a Vela 2026 Sets Sail from Venice as Guardia di Finanza Claims Victory in Cattolica

The Giro d’Italia a Vela 2026 has officially begun, immediately delivering excitement and spectacular racing. The fleet of ten Bénéteau Figaro 3 yachts departed from Venice, providing a breathtaking spectacle in the channel in front of St. Mark's Square. The official start, originally scheduled for 1:00 PM, was slightly delayed to ensure maximum safety for all crews due to the heavy ferry and vessel traffic in the Venetian lagoon.

The Race: From Flat Calm to 18-Knot Gusts

The opening phase of the race was marked by a light south-easterly breeze, making the fleet’s exit from the Gulf of Venice particularly slow. Once offshore, however, the long southbound leg towards Cattolica began.

Weather conditions tested the sailors’ tactical skills throughout the race. After a near-complete lull, the wind steadily built up, reaching gusts of 18 knots. During this demanding upwind battle, several Italian crews exchanged the lead, making the most of every shift and pressure line.

The Cattolica Podium

The fleet reached the Romagna seaside town during the early evening, with arrivals spread between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

1st Place – Victory in the opening offshore stage went to the Guardia di Finanza Figaro 3, sailed by experienced helmsman and tactician Paolo Cian together with Fabio Montefusco.

2nd Place – Finishing just behind was the British team representing the Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee (VSaW).

3rd Place – Completing the podium was the Italian entry of the Italian Navy, sailed by Andrea Pendibene and Benedetta Di Salle.

It was an outstanding performance from the entire fleet. The stage concluded without any boat-to-boat contact or protests, highlighting the crews’ professionalism and focus. Race management and safety operations were also flawlessly handled by the XII Zone committee at the start and the race committee at the finish.

All Eyes on Tomorrow’s Inshore Racing

The action continues tomorrow as the Gulf of Cattolica becomes the stage for high-adrenaline Inshore races. Alongside the Figaro 3 fleet, spectators will also enjoy the spectacular performances of the fast-flying Waszp dinghies and dynamic WingFoil riders.

An exciting day of racing awaits both competitors and spectators alike.