From Sardinia to Tuscany by windsurfing (200 miles). The feat of Matteo Iachino

Almost 200 miles all in one breath aboard his foil-equipped windsurfer. Yet another long-distance feat for world champion Matteo Iachino, who on Oct. 8 completed the crossing from Sardinia to Tuscany in 9 hours and 45 minutes.

A long non-stop glide to cross the entire Tyrrhenian Sea aboard a foil-equipped windsurfer. High adrenaline and lots of emotions for Matteo Iachino as he closed this epic feat on Wednesday, October 18.

Leaving at 8 a.m. from Cala Spada, north of Golfo Aranci in Sardinia, the Yacht Club Italiano windsurfer sailed about 200 miles and arrived in Livorno after 9 hours and 45 minutes. Driven by a determined Sirocco on a formed sea with waves up to 2 meters Matteo Iachino held an average speed of 20 knots with peaks of almost 35 knots. In short, a long ride for the Ligurian athlete, very hard on the physical level and full of unknowns, which once again confirms the talent and preparation of this champion of the sailing board.

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Here’s how he managed to “fly” over the Tyrrhenian Sea

During the Tyrrhenian crossing Matteo was escorted by an assistance vehicle with the shore team and spare sails on board, but he did not need them. To keep himself hydrated at all times he wore a backpack with 6 liters of water and minerals, while to feed himself he resorted to a few energy bars he kept in his wetsuit. As soon as he left Sardinia, the windsurfer immediately managed to hook the sustained Sirocco that accompanied him through the Straits of Bonifacio, on the ascent of Corsica and then to the island of Elba. Just in front of the Tuscan island, escaped to the north, however, Matteo’s glide suffered a minor setback due to the cone of shadow created by those shores.

After about half an hour, however, as soon as he gained offshore, the Ligurian athlete was able to make the final jump to Livorno at a speed of more than 20 knots. Lots of fatigue upon arrival in Livorno, but great satisfaction from overcoming a real challenge.

A champion with a passion for endurance.

The Tyrrhenian crossing is not the first offshore record Iachino has brought home. Back in the summer of 2022, Matteo completed a windsurfing crossing from Liguria to Corsica on an 85-nautical-mile route, a never-before-achieved challenge that earned him the record. And that of endurance and long-distance sailing is becoming a real specialty for this athlete who won the World Cup in windsurfing in 2021. Now we all wait for his next venture. Bravo Matteo!

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