Sailing, Lake Garda hosts Formula 18 class champions

Sailboats of one of the most spectacular classes, the Formula 18, will enliven the days of Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27, in Campione del Garda, site of the national regatta, also open to international crews, organized by Univela Sailing. More than 20 crews will be involved, from Italy, Germany, Finland, Austria, Poland, Switzerland and Denmark.

Among the most anticipated names are those of Marco Gambardella and Felice Cupane (CV Sferracavallo), protagonists at the European Championships with several top 10 placings; Andrea and Matteo Viganò (Centro Vela Dervio), silver medalists at the Italian F18 2025 and 2024 Championships; Giovanni Fantasia and Gabriele Bianchi (CVD), winners of the Anzio Bay Regatta and leading figures on the national scene; Matteo Fiorini and Lorenzo Casamenti (YC Rimini), bronze medalists at the Italian 2025 Championship; Elia Mazzucchi and Jacopo Lisignoli (CVC Domaso), always among the top 5 in Italian regattas.

Important are also the names among the foreign crews: plying the waters of Lake Garda will be, among others, Mikko and Kirsikka Räisänen (Finland), Tom Bøjland and Charlotte Engelsen (Denmark), and Bob and Marc Baier (Germany), who will enrich the technical level of the competition with their expertise and talent.

Formula 18 (F18) is a class of sport catamarans that allows design freedom to shipyards and sailors, but maintains parity among boats through precise rules on weight and size. Champions who have grown up in this class include Ruggero Tita, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the Nacra 17 (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024), and Vittorio Bissaro, Nacra 17 world champion, fifth at the 2016 Rio Olympics and now flight controller of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli for the America’s Cup.