The VELAFestival… in 10 questions

Ten questions that explain what TAG Heuer VELAFestival will be like, what you will find, and why it is a must-see event.

Why would an enthusiast come to Santa Margherita Ligure from May 7 to 10 by taking on a trip that could be long?
An enthusiast who lives in a city far from the sea is willing to travel and move to go boating on weekends. is happy to do so because when he arrives in port his mood changes, breathing different, clean air. In every sense of the word. Santa Margherita Ligure will breathe just that air. Air that smacks of passion for sailing.

How does a boat show, while different from the usual, convey this atmosphere?
Those who think this is a trade show or social occasion have taken a wrongturn. TAG Heuer VELAFestival, unlike classic “fairs,” is a time when enthusiasts, exhibitors, professionals, sailors, come together to speak the same language, that of passion. A four-day party in an ideal harbor, where you can chat,have a good meal, watch an exciting video, visit an exhibition, meet and talk with a famous sailor, visit a “marine” exhibition. Also, board dozens of boats of all types and sizes. Boats that fit every budget. And then you can touch and try on hundreds of accessories, exchange opinions with people who work in the sailing world, who tell you what and why they do it before they sell you something.

But why was Santa Margherita Ligure specifically chosen?
Because it has remained an intact fishing village in a natural harbor, set in an extraordinary gulf, the Tigullio and a stone’s throw from Portofino. The advantage of this choice is that it is as magical as Mediterranean island ports and towns are, but on the mainland, easily accessible from all over Italy. In Santa Margherita, thanks to advantageous agreements, discounts in hotels, restaurants, stores and parking lots. Just register and get the VELAFestival Card, which also gives access to the Hospitality area.

So going into specifics, what do I find in this “sailing citadel”?
As soon as you have entered, you find yourself in front of a real marina, dozens of boats of the latest generation from the most important Italian and world shipyards. There is the best of world boating, from 2 to 30 meters, monohulls and multi. And not only that. For every taste, with a few goodies, which cannot be found in any other salon. “Cult” boats that have made sailing history.
And if you want a used or rental boat for next summer, you’ll be spoiled for choice. After visiting the boats, you will find lined up in plain sight about sixty booths where an enthusiast can find everything he or she dreams of concentrated in one space, from the latest novelties to the essentials for a boat: accessories, equipment, sailmakers, insurance, leasing, etc.. Available not only to be admired, but also purchased.

But does all this still not correspond to a “fair”?
Have you ever seen at an Italian boat show a sailor engaging in a competition with a passerby to see who can tie knots better (and maybe teach them) or free outings for children? Has anyone ever seen a food court at a fair where, without charging an exorbitant amount, they eat something special, typical of Ligurian cuisine? The sailing citadel has a real big space reserved for events, relaxation, entertainment.

Will there also be small boats, dinghies, monotypes, kites, surfing?
There is a dedicated area in front of the beach with opportunities for sea demonstrations. Every day, young people and families can take a ride in specially designed boats together with an instructor in complete safety. For example, you can also visit and have great sailors explain how a micro boat like a Mini Transat can cross the Atlantic solo at incredible speeds.

What if I want to come with my boat, enjoy a long weekend and maybe do a sail/race?
There are moorings at subsidized prices and you can participate in the “Vela Cup,” the big sailing festival at sea (Saturday, May 9) open to boats of all sizes with coastal route, in which you can participate in the category of “cruising” with white sails or “racing,” with spi gennaker, etc. You don’t need to have a tonnage certificate, the sea sailing festival is open to everyone! There are prizes for everyone, even the last one to arrive.

What about the “rest,” exhibitions, events, videos?
Every day from the time VELAFestival opens until the evening there is something for everyone. Let’s start with the exhibition and video space. Sifting through the archives of the Newspaper of Sailing on scenic sheets, the 40-year life of the Newspaper of Sailing was immortalized through its most emblematic covers and photos. On a large screen meanwhile, videos scroll by. You can spend a whole day there among mythical movies, stories of great sailors, curious clips “à la paperissima.” Then each day there is a prize draw among visitors holding the VELAFestival Card.

In the “Event Space,” what happens?
Every day, several times a day it comes alive with meetings with famous people on topics that a fan cannot miss. For example: the great sailors of the year arrive for “Champions Day” with the awards ceremony on Friday, May 8, and sailing legends recounting the past, present and future of sailing with the grand finale on Sunday, May 10 with “Fogar Day,” a tribute to the first Italian to solo around the world. Not forgetting the big party on Saturday, May 9, with the VELA Cup awards ceremony. There are many events in the four-day event in the Sailing Citadel.

But what if you want to know something more specialized?
There are meetings where the most qualified operators explain their most innovative products, how they are made and why they are useful.