Paolo Cian and Francesco Marrai conquer Portoferraio

The Giro d'Italia a Vela offshore leg from Naples to Portoferraio concluded with a highly tactical race, as the Figaro 3 fleet battled extremely light winds all the way to Elba Island. In a day dominated by calm conditions, success depended on finding every breath of breeze.<br><br>

The Fiamme Gialle (Italian Financial Police) crew of Paolo Cian and Francesco Marrai claimed victory, crossing the finish line at approximately 11:30 a.m. after expertly navigating the challenging conditions to secure a prestigious stage win.<br><br>

Close behind, the Aeronautica Militare team of Giancarlo Simeoli and Giovanni Bannetta finished second after pushing the leaders throughout the race. Third place went to the German crew from Verein Seglerhaus am Wannsee (VSaW), skippered by Alex Jones, underlining the international level of the competition.<br><br>

Six more boats completed the offshore passage during the afternoon, while the final two crews are expected to arrive late in the evening after being slowed by increasingly calm conditions.<br><br>

The lack of wind also forced the cancellation of the scheduled Waszp and WingFoil Inshore races. With the breeze never exceeding 6 knots, foiling conditions were insufficient, leaving the Race Committee with no option but to postpone the spectacular coastal racing until more favorable weather returns.