Impressive Turnout for the EurILCA Europa Cup Italy at Punta Ala

Over 550 boats are arriving at the Centro Velico Punta Ala, making its debut as a venue of an ILCA class regatta.

The excitement is sky-high for the Centro Velico Punta Ala, which is preparing to welcome a record number of sailors for the Italian stage of the EurILCA Europa Cup. With registrations just closed, the event has reached an incredible milestone, exceeding all expectations, with over 550 participants ready to battle it out in the Gulf of Follonica from May 1 to 5, 2024.

"We are honored to host such a prestigious event, which highlights not only the sport of sailing but also the beauty and hospitality of our region and contributes to the international recognition of the Centro Velico Punta Ala as a benchmark for quality sport and tourism. I would like to thank the Municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia and the Municipality of Scarlino for the support they have given us in organizing this event." Stated Thomas A. Daddi, the President of the Centro Velico Punta Ala.

Scrolling through the list of participants from no fewer than 25 countries, names of some of the best laser sailors worldwide and in Europe emerge, including international medal winners. Among them, athletes who have previously won the title in the Europa Cup, thus promising exciting challenges for the podium and ensuring a very high competitive level.

In the ILCA 7 category, we find champions like Attilio Borio (Italy), Yogev Alcalay (Israel), Rem Pulci Magen (Israel), Cesare Barabino (Italy), Enrico Tanferna (Italy), and Massimiliano Antoniazzi (Italy). In the ILCA 6 category, the competitions will feature Maria Vittoria Arseni (Italy), Nicolo Cassitta (Italy), Luca Centazzo (Italy), Emma Mattivi (Italy), Carlota Rizzardi (Italy), Sara Savelli (Italy), Matilda Talluri (Italy), Giorgia Della Valle (Italy), and Sara Lacko (Hungary), Ivan Antipin (Ukraine), and Soffia Naumenko (Ukraine).

The President of the Italian Sailing Federation - Tuscany and Umbria, Andrea Leonardi, stated: "The Europa Cup of the ILCA Class is eagerly awaited by all of us, technicians, and managers. These are regattas that force the organizers to take care of the many details imposed by the large number of participants, which once again is enormous. The Centro Velico Punta Ala has been able to form a team and has been at the top for many years with a prestigious curriculum; their work is absolutely in line with all the directives of the Italian Sailing Federation, and the race area is among the most beautiful in Italy. I know everyone will give their best, and I thank in advance the managers of the International Class and all the athletes."

The official opening of the event will take place, thanks to the support of the Municipality of Scarlino, with a picturesque and impressive opening ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 5:00 PM at the Castle Rocca Pisana of Scarlino. The evening will open with a performance by the flag-wavers and musicians of Massa Marittima, followed by a parade through the Borgo of Scarlino, which will feature the athletes in a historical procession. Refreshments will conclude the event, during which a Red Bench and Red Shoes will be symbolically installed to promote the fight against violence towards women.

On the water, the races will take place on two race areas, to best manage the large number of participants: the alpha course, located to the north for the ILCA 7 fleets, Olympic men's class, and ILCA 4, represented by the youngest athletes under18 and under16, and the bravo course to the south for the ILCA 6 fleets, Olympic women's class.

The land organization will be managed by the PuntAla Camp&Resort where everything is ready to host the crews, many of whom will arrive early after participating in the Italian Championship ILCA Italia Cup, which is taking place right now in Tuscany, on the Island of Elba.

Prizes include prestigious awards such as a Devoti Sailing hull for the first-ranked Italian in the Open category and various ILCA spare parts offered by Negrinautica, which will also provide on-site technical assistance.

In addition to the charm of the show on the water, there will be no shortage of entertainment activities at the Punta Ala Beach Bar on the beach. For the public and companions, it will be a unique opportunity to watch the competition among the best laser sailors in the world. Imagine yourself on a beach chair, facing the island of Elba, while watching a fleet of 550 boats competing in this tough Olympic class.

We look forward to seeing you in Punta Ala from May 1 to 5 for the EurILCA Europa Cup Italy!