A Spectacular Showdown in the Waters of Sardinia
The Sardinia Challenge 2024 made a thrilling return with the Coppa Italia of Wingfoil, hosted in the stunning Gulf of Carbonara, Villasimius. This event marked the sixth stop in the national circuit, bringing together top athletes to compete for the championship title in breathtaking natural settings.
Exceptional Conditions and Enthralling Races
The weather conditions were perfect for the event, allowing the vibrant sails of the Wingfoil to slice through the waters. Mirco Babini, president of CKWI (Classe Kiteboarding e Wingsport Italia) and the Sardinia Challenge’s head, praised Villasimius for exceeding expectations. He noted the venue’s suitability for long-distance courses using natural markers, similar to prestigious offshore races in northern Sardinia.
Marco Rebeggiani emerged victorious in this sixth leg of the Coppa Italia Wingfoil, outperforming his competitors in the races held the previous day. Joining him on the podium were young talents Jan Orlowski and Gioele Incani, with special mentions for Krzysztof Orlowski and Riccardo Piana.
Thrilling Long Distance Race
The event was characterized by four exhilarating races, featuring a course that took athletes from Campulongu beach to Fortezza Vecchia and around Santo Stefano Island. The highlight was an 8-mile long-distance race across the Gulf of Carbonara, with competitors circling Santo Stefano Island again and navigating the rocky Is Piscadeddus.
Marco Rebeggiani dominated the overall standings, securing first place after a remarkable performance in the long-distance race. The youngest participants, the 14-year-old Orlowski twins, showcased their potential, with Jan achieving second place in the second race.
A Blend of Youth and Experience
The final day of the Sardinia Challenge on Sunday, May 26, saw no additional races due to insufficient wind conditions. However, the event coincided with the third leg of the Trofeo Optimist Italia Kinder Joy of Moving – Coppa Touring, which involved over 250 young sailors in three days of national competitions. These young athletes received an insightful lesson on Wingfoil, bridging the gap between different sailing disciplines.
Promoting Sailing and Innovation
Mirco Babini highlighted the integration of Wingfoil into a three-day event dedicated to the Optimist Class as a unique opportunity to bring the two sports closer. He noted the presence of four athletes under 16 years old on Wingfoil boards, three of whom came from the Optimist and Laser classes, demonstrating the potential for young sailors to explore the advanced foil discipline.
Looking Ahead
The Sardinia Challenge continues to promote sailing events, beginning in May with the Trofeo Optimist Italia Kinder Joy of Moving – Coppa Touring and the Coppa Italia of Wingfoil. The series will proceed towards the first international Swan 28 event scheduled for late October.
Organizers and Supporters
The Sardinia Challenge is organized by the Lega Navale Italiana Sezione di Villasimius, in collaboration with the Yacht Club Villasimius, Marina di Villasimius, Federazione Italiana Vela, and the III Zona FIV. The event receives essential support from the Classe Optimist Italia, the Ferrero Group with the Kinder Joy Of Moving project, and is sponsored by the Municipality of Villasimius and the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara. The Regione Autonoma della Sardegna, Assessorato del Turismo Artigianato e Commercio, promotes the event.
The Sardinia Challenge 2024 has once again showcased the beauty of Villasimius and the thrilling world of Wingfoil, setting the stage for future events and innovations in the sport.
