Naples, Italy – The 54th edition of the Campionato Invernale di Vela d’Altura del Golfo di Napoli (Gulf of Naples Winter Sailing Championship) concluded this past weekend, marking the end of an eight-stage competition that showcased the region’s vibrant sailing community. The event, which wrapped up on March 2nd, 2026, saw fierce competition across three classes – Gran Crociera, ORC, and Sportboat – and highlighted growing collaboration between the Circolo Nautico Punta Imperatore and various Italian naval and aeronautical institutions.
The final two races of the championship were particularly noteworthy. Saturday’s regatta was organized by the Circolo Nautico Punta Imperatore, a new organizer for this long-standing event, although Sunday’s race fell under the purview of the sailing section of the Accademia Aeronautica (Aeronautical Academy) and the Sport Velico of the Marina Militare (Italian Navy). The competition unfolded under cloudy skies with moderate southerly winds, providing challenging conditions for the sailors vying for the coveted Coppa Francesco de Pinedo trophy.
Gran Crociera Class Results
In the Gran Crociera class, Fruscio, skippered by Francesco Golia of the Lega Navale Italiana (Naples section), secured first place. Vis Iovis, helmed by Giovanni De Pasquale, finished second, also representing the Lega Navale Italiana (Naples), while Blues, captained by Vincenzo Guida (Lega Navale Italiana, Torre del Greco), rounded out the podium in third.
ORC Class Champions
The ORC class saw a victory for Raffica, steered by Pasquale Orofino of the Circolo Nautico Punta Imperatore, in collaboration with RYCCS and CCN. Nientemale, sailed by Giuseppe Osci and Riccardo Calcagni (Lega Navale Italiana, Pozzuoli section), claimed second place, followed by Soulaima Ala Spa, captained by Davide Russo (Reale Yacht Canottieri Savoia), in third.
Sportboat Class Standings
The Sportboat class was dominated by Eurosia Pompa Pa’, with Vittoriano Neri and Marcello Cassese at the helm for the Circolo Canottieri Napoli. Pestifera, skippered by Bruno Conetta (Lega Navale Italiana, Naples section), took second, and Lamu’, captained by Roberto Pinto (Lega Navale Italiana, Naples section), finished third.
The championship’s conclusion comes as Naples prepares to host the America’s Cup, a prestigious international sailing competition. Gianluigi Ascione, Vice President of the Organizing Committee, emphasized the importance of the Campionato Invernale as a cornerstone of sailing in the Campania region. “This event has become a must for sailing in Campania, thanks also to the collaboration of the sailing clubs that formed the organizing committee,” Ascione said. “We now look forward to next year, confident that sailing will experience a moment of extraordinary interest thanks to the America’s Cup, which will have the Gulf of Naples as its stage.”
The Circolo Nautico Punta Imperatore’s involvement as a new organizing entity was particularly highlighted. President Pasquale Orofino noted the club’s pride in contributing to the event’s success, emphasizing the importance of their “Scuola vela Ischia” (Ischia Sailing School) in fostering the next generation of sailors. The school, now integrated within the Circolo Nautico Punta Imperatore, boasts a substantial fleet of boats and a team of certified instructors dedicated to promoting sailing as a lifestyle and developing sailors from beginners to competitive racers.
The 54th edition of the Campionato Invernale di Vela d’Altura del Golfo di Napoli not only provided thrilling competition but also underscored the growing synergy between civilian sailing clubs and Italy’s military institutions. This collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Naples’ bid to become a leading international sailing destination, particularly as the city prepares to welcome the world for the America’s Cup. For those interested in following the developments surrounding the America’s Cup in Naples, further information can be found on official event websites and through updates from the Italian Sailing Federation.
The next scheduled event for many of these teams will likely be regional qualifying races for national championships later in the year. Sailors and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the momentum from this winter championship translates into success on the larger stage.
