Riccardo Simoneschi: “Nice to bring sailing to the squares of Italy.”

The Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour, a prestigious event with many regattas and which aims to spread the values of sailing throughout the territory, is back. Here is what this fifth edition holds in the words of Riccardo Simoneschi, president of Sailing Series International.

We are now only a few months away from the start of the “Pink Ribbon Tour 2025,” which will take place on June 1 with the start of the “Giro d’Italia a Vela” within the Venice Boat Show. There is great anticipation for this prestigious racing circuit organized by Difesa Servizi and Sailing Series International in cooperation with Enit – National Tourism Agency. One of the most beautiful and challenging sailing events in the Mediterranean.

The circuit, now in its fifth year, is even richer this year and always animated by a healthy spirit of sharing around sailing competitions of the highest level in which athletes from all over the world participate. The big news in this 2025 is the opportunity for all readers of the Sailing Newspaper to board the fleet and take part in the “Academy” project with training weeks and participation in coastal regattas alongside international mentors. Riccardo Simoneschi, president of Sailing Series International and the creator of this splendid format, which since the first edition has been greatly appreciated by the public and participants, tells us.

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• Riccardo, restarts the Nastro Rosa Tour picking up the baton from a true icon of Italy and sailing: the Amerigo Vespucci. Is that so?

“Yes, the fifth edition of the Nastro Rosa Tour began last March 2 in Trieste with the official presentation of the event and the reception by our fleet of the school ship “Amerigo Vespucci” returning from its two-year world tour. That of the Vespucci was an unprecedented experience with stopovers in the most prestigious cities on the planet and tens of thousands of visitors on board who were able to appreciate the excellence of Made in Italy. An incredible success and return of image for Italy. For us at Difesa Servizi it is a cycle that closes as we were present in Genoa in 2023 at the departure of this long voyage of the sailing ship. By the way, in the days between May 4 and 7 in Reggio Calabria we will present to the public and the media all the stages of the Tour of Italy 2025 right on board the Vespucci that is currently engaged in the tour of the Mediterranean.”

• The highlight event of the Pink Ribbon Tour is the Giro d’Italia, which will be “upwind” this year, right?

“That’s right, unlike previous editions, the circumnavigation of Italy will be clockwise with departure on June 8 from Venice and arrival on July 13 in Genoa. The route will go through the following stages: Venice, San Marino, Vieste, Brindisi, Catanzaro, Syracuse, Trapani, Cagliari, La Maddalena and Genoa. At each stop, as always, Sailing Villages will be set up where the public can watch challenges on the water and get closer to the world of sailing through initiatives and experiences open to all. Younger people will be able to take advantage of the Open Days organized by the Italian Sailing Federation. Finally, as for the Giro d’Italia 2025 Awards Gala, this will take place in Genoa.”

• Is the three-class formula confirmed again this year?

“Absolutely. For offshore racing there are the very fast Bénéteau Figaro Class 3s equipped with foils. They are 10.85-meter monotypes designed by Van Peteghem, Lauriot, Prevost (VPLP), incredible boats that represent the state of the art in sailing technological evolution. Then for the “Inshore” races there are the Waszp acrobatic dinghies, also equipped with foils that sail on the surface of the water at extraordinary speeds. And finally for the “Board” category, i.e., sailboards, there are the WingFoils, beloved by young people and beyond.”

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• Are the “waiting lists” for crews already open?

“Yes of course. Even more so this year at the Giro d’Italia a Vela there will be international crews representing so many nations. We currently have a crazy set of ‘waiting lists’ with a turn over of over 160 athletes from all over the world. On the Waszp there are people from New Caledonia, Hawaii, even an Indian team, and then in the other classes athletes from all over Europe. After all, this has always been the goal of our event, which is to involve more and more athletes, from so many countries and of the highest level. In this sense it is absolutely strategic and effective our partnership with the Rorc who do a fantastic job.”

• Tell us about the new “Academy” project. What does it consist of?

“One of this year’s novelties will be the organization during the various stages of the course of a series of sailing training moments, called precisely “Academy,” which will be aimed at both medium-experienced and high-level sailors with national and international tutors. These training weeks will take place aboard Bénéteau Figaro Class 3 cabin cruisers, will be paid for (at an affordable price) and will be open to all readers of the Sailing Newspaper who request them. (In the coming days the magazine’s editorial staff will communicate all the details for participating in this unique experience, nda). The courses, like the whole Pink Ribbon Tour, are also carried out in cooperation with the Royal Ocean Racing Club (Rorc), our great partner, and the Navy of course.

• What are the other events of the Pink Ribbon Tour 2025?

“Having concluded the Giro d’Italia, the Nastro Rosa Tour 2025 will continue always in Genoa within the next edition of the International Boat Show with the “European Mixed Doubles Offshore Championship,” an offshore regatta reserved for double and mixed crews held under the auspices of the Offshore Racing Council. Again, regatta enthusiasts will be able, again upon request, to board our cabin cruisers with ad hoc outings organized during the days of the show and especially to race with us at the historic Millevele.

• What is the last scheduled event of the Pink Ribbon Tour 2025?

“The program concludes in November with the Navy Pink Ribbon Veloce, another feather in the cap of our circuit of which we are extremely proud. It is in fact one of the longest and toughest offshore regattas in the Mediterranean on a non-stop doubles course of nearly 1,500 miles. This competition, just like the Giro d’Italia, will be even more challenging for the crews this year because it will be run on the reverse course, all upwind, starting in Genoa, finishing in Trieste and parading the fleet in front of St. Mark’s Square in Venice.”

• Richard, in these somewhat dismal times the Pink Ribbon Tour seems like a breath of fresh air. Credit to sailing?

“That of the Pink Ribbon Tour has always been an extremely positive message. We bring to the squares of Italy sailing, the culture of the sea and its extraordinary values, starting with respect for our coasts. But also a vision of our country made of healthy pride in our talents, our territorial, industrial and tourism resources. We want to represent a model of doing and sharing experiences in which everyone can recognize themselves and nurture new energies. All with great respect for the serious issues that dictate the political, social and economic agenda on the Italian and international scene.”

In short, the Pink Ribbon Tour 2025 is an unmissable opportunity to share lots of racing, fun and passion for the sea. Crew selections have already begun and you, the readers of the Sailing Newspaper, can also live this incredible experience from the inside. Don’t miss your chance to get on board!

NAVY PINK RIBBON TOUR 2025 AT A GLANCE

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour 2025 is to promote offshore sailing in Italy and coastal tourism, as well as the presence of women in offshore racing and the new culture of environmental sustainability.

ORGANIZERS: The Navy Pink Ribbon Tour 2025 is organized by Defense Services S.p.A. in collaboration with Sailing Series International Sports & Events, and with the key support of ENIT – National Tourism Agency and the Italian Sailing Federation.