Aeronautica Militare dominates a memorable edition

Genoa has crowned the champions of the 2026 Giro d'Italia a Vela. After weeks of fiercely contested racing, the grand finale in the Gulf of Genoa brought the curtain down on a spectacular edition of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour, marked by challenging weather conditions, tactical battles and an exceptionally high level of competition. Standing above all was the Italian Air Force, which emerged as the dominant force in both the Offshore and Inshore competitions.<br><br>

The final stage, which started from Portoferraio, delivered everything that makes offshore sailing so compelling. Strong winds powered the Figaro 3 fleet up the Tyrrhenian Sea, allowing the crews to achieve remarkable average speeds before producing one of the most spectacular moments of the race at the legendary Giraglia Rock. There, the foiling monohulls flew across the waves, smashing the expected schedule and raising hopes of a record-breaking arrival in Liguria. But as the fleet approached Genoa, the Gulf revealed its most unpredictable side. The breeze suddenly disappeared, turning the final miles into a nerve-racking tactical battle. The gaps built over days of racing vanished as the fleet compressed within just a few hundred metres of the finish line. The competitiveness of this year's event is reflected in the final results: all ten Figaro 3 yachts crossed the finish line within just two hours of each other after several days at sea. Cambridge University Yacht Club claimed the stage victory, ahead of the Italian Air Force and Flushing Sailing Club.<br><br>

With the finish in Genoa, the overall Offshore standings were officially confirmed. Racing aboard the Bénéteau Figaro 3, the Italian Air Force secured the overall title thanks to the consistency of Giancarlo Simeoli, Niccolò Bertola and Giovanni Bannetta, who finished the event with 126 points after an outstanding campaign around Italy. The Guardia di Finanza, represented by Paolo Cian and Pierluigi Fornelli, finished second overall with 120 points after a close battle throughout the tour. Flushing Sailing Club completed the overall podium with 102 points, thanks to the performances of the international crew led by Femke Schaap and Levi Ogryzlo.<br><br>

The Italian Air Force also dominated the foiling disciplines contested at every stop of the tour. In the overall Waszp standings, Britain's William Symonds claimed victory for the Italian Air Force with 56 points. New Zealand's Ash Cole, racing for the Guardia di Finanza, finished second with 50 points, while Britain's Alex Jones of Flushing Sailing Club completed the podium with 48 points. The WingFoil overall standings also went the way of the Italian Air Force, with Riccardo Bevilacqua securing first place on 38 points. Donato Foschini of Cambridge University Yacht Club finished second with 35 points, while Andrea Camerota of EXE Sailing Club completed the podium with 28 points.<br><br>

Once the racing was over, the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour moved from the docks to the historic heart of Genoa. The official prize-giving ceremony took place in the magnificent Sala del Maggior Consiglio at Palazzo Ducale, providing a fitting setting to celebrate the protagonists of an edition that brought together Italy's seas through sport, innovation and the country's great maritime tradition. With the presentation of the trophies, the curtain falls on the 2026 Giro d'Italia a Vela, a spectacular edition that delivered excitement until the very last mile and confirmed the Italian Air Force as the outstanding team of the season.