A one-of-a-kind event followed by sailing enthusiasts and beyond, where young and determined crews battled it out to the last mile. In the end, the English crew came out on top, but everyone will remember a healthy and thrilling competition. We are talking about the Innovative Sailing World Championship in Porto Rotondo, an event promoted by the Department of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Commerce of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, which took place last weekend and featured teams from all over the world, competing in a team race format.
The Innovative Sailing World Championship highlights often overlooked but now essential topics, such as the continuous search for cutting-edge solutions that align with sustainability principles. The Porto Rotondo Yacht Club, always a forerunner of social, sports, and cultural initiatives based on innovation and environmental respect, meticulously planned every detail, aiming to do something different with the team race format, similar to the match race we’re watching these days with the America’s Cup, but instead of one-on-one, it was two-on-two. In addition to the sport competition, there were many interesting side events, including the Blue Village, which served as a platform for discussion among key players and leaders in technological research, including universities and startups.
Results of the Innovative Sailing World Championship
On the racecourse in front of the Porto Rotondo Marina, England claimed the title of the Innovative Sailing World Championship, fighting the final race against Poland, which had fiercely and effectively managed all phases leading up to the final. The young English crew showed their combative spirit from the outset, demonstrating a high level of experience in this type of competition, consistently managing to turn the team strategy in their favor.
The final standings of the Innovative Sailing World Championship saw Ireland in third place and Brazil in fourth. The Italian crew did not make it to the podium but still achieved an impressive result: the helmsmen on both boats were the youngest in the fleet, yet despite this, they showed they could compete with their older and more experienced counterparts. The young sailors, Giorgio Nocella (12 years old) and Riccardo Gessa (13 years old), displayed great sportsmanship and the tenacity essential for racing. They received a prestigious award from Olympic champion Marta Maggetti.
Nocella and Gessa can be considered sailing prodigies, both boasting an impressive sailing résumé despite their age. Moreover, Giorgio Nocella had already been awarded as the youngest sailor on the crew that won the RS21 Under-23 World Championship, indicating bright prospects for the Sardinian team, Nox Oceani.
A confirmation for the Porto Rotondo Yacht Club
The organization of the Porto Rotondo Yacht Club proved to be excellent for the Innovative Sailing World Championship, handling all the logistical and technical aspects. The club also served as a central hub for crews, federal technicians, and the many staff members involved in the sea and land operations that such an event requires.
The awards ceremony for the Innovative Sailing World Championship took place in the square in front of the Yacht Club, with notable attendees such as the Sardinian Regional Tourism Minister Franco Cuccureddu, the president of the FIV Third Zone Corrado Fara, and Count Luigi Donà dalle Rose, the founder of Porto Rotondo. The Yacht Club’s leadership expressed satisfaction with the successful organization and committed to repeating the event in 2025.
