The Mistral gives us a phenomenal VELA Cup Cala dei Sardi. Here is the story of the regatta

The Gulf of Cugnana never betrays, but this year it really wanted to put crews and enthusiasm to the test: the VELA Cup Cala dei Sardi 2025 was raced in more than 25 knots of Mistral, giving the 40 registered crews an intense, spectacular and emotion-filled regatta, in perfect harmony with the “sailing party” philosophy dear to the VELA Cup circuit, the busiest in Italy.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS OF THE REGATTA HERE

The start, given by the committee boat at 11:30 a.m. in front of Porto Rotondo, was an incredible sight. The taut wind allowed all boats to take on gritty sailing right from the start, outlining a regatta that was as technical as it was fun. Experienced and novice crews, classic and sporty, cruisers and “pros,” battled each other on equal terms along the course designed between Soffi, Mortorio and Mortoriotto – a true classic among the most beautiful sailing scenarios in the Mediterranean.

There was also a thrill during the start stages: amidst gusts of Mistral and the August “traffic” of the Costa Smeralda, a tense moment involved the smallest boat in the fleet, Tommaso Buzzi’s D-One (only 4.23 meters long), which came into contact with Giacomo Nicchitta’s Mini 650 Eva Luna, which is preparing to participate in Minitransat 2027.

Winds + little wave = “Champagne Sail”

Throughout the regatta the wind was quite strong, gusting up to 25-27 knots throughout the course, including during the return leg after rounding the islands of Soffi, Mortorio and Mortoriotto. Despite the breeze, however, the wave did not exceed one meter, meter and a half in height, thus providing ideal conditions for having fun at sea. Because it’s all well and good when it’s becalmed and breezy, but it’s when there’s real wind that the boats (and crews as a result) really enjoy themselves. It’s not necessary to overdo it: just go along with the boat and don’t be afraid to have full fun.

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Last week to register for the Procida VELA Cup! See you on September 27

Crossing the finish line first, after a perfect upwind and calibrated edges on the Mistral, was Mira, Fortunato Unali’s Grand Soleil 52 LC, which was able to harness all the power of its sails and the organization of its crew. Right behind came Suspiria The Revenge, Antonino Venneri’s Swan 42, followed by Desate.Lu, Davide Foce’s Dufour 560 GL. A real time podium of the highest level, built with precise maneuvers and a lot of energy, but also with the ability – common to all participants – to enjoy every minute of the day, without ever losing sight of the authentic spirit of the VELA Cup. We will soon publish the complete rankings – in compensated time and divided by category – of the VELA Cup Cala dei Sardi.

Antonino Venneri himself, owner of the Swan 42 “Suspiria the Revenge” that participated in the regatta confided to us just before the award ceremony “The VELA Cup Cala dei Sardi was great fun but also very tiring. A regatta like this, with winds up to 30 knots but in safe conditions, gives you the opportunity to test yourself against what your real capabilities and possibilities are. So when you are cruising you feel comfortable and much more confident, when you may happen to be in challenging conditions, to deal with any difficult situations “.

The best is yet to come

As always, the real magic was seen not only on the water but especially on land: once the regatta was over, the Marina Cala dei Sardi was transformed into a large sailing village, where crews, friends and onlookers gathered in the greenery overlooking the sea for the big party. Among toasts, music, official prize-giving, raffle prizes and the tales of an adrenaline-filled day, sailing was once again confirmed as a passion to be lived and shared with a smile on one’s lips (and lip balm, given today’s wind…), in one of the most beautiful corners of the Costa Smeralda.

Photos of the winners and all crews will soon be online on our website

The other unmissable stages of the VELA Cup 2025

(click on the stage name for all the info and to sign up)

VELA Cup Procida

Friday, September 26 / Sunday, September 28 (regatta: Saturday, September 27)
Island of Procida, Marina di Procida

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Two weeks to the last VELA Cup of the year: see you in Sicily on October 4!

VELA Cup Sicily

Friday, October 3 / Sunday, October 5 (regatta: Saturday, October 4)
Capo d’Orlando/Eolie, Capo d’Orlando Marina