VELA Cup is now also Classic: room for boats over 25 years old

Now in its tenth year, this year’s VELA Cup also goes Classic, for all boats, standard and non-production, whatever the material of construction (including fiberglass) over 25 years old. Six stages in 2023, from May to October, along all Italian coasts. Here is all the news.

Welcome back VELA Cup number 10!

Boating is a passion, and we Sailing Newspaper, who have been telling you about boats for 48 years, know something about it. That is why we want to invite precisely you, passionate sailors and “sea lovers,” to participate in the tenth edition of the VELA Cup, the series of sailing events, in the most beautiful places in Italy, open to every boat, regardless of the rig, year and size. The formula does not change: first come, first served wins, and in the evening a big party for everyone at the dock. But, After last year’s success, with more than 400 participating boats, 700,000 people in 5 events and 185 prizes awarded, this year we also wanted to highlight the slightly more mature boats, the boats of the heart, which we do not change because they are part of our history, safe and reliable, our true passion.

The VELA Cup is also done Classic

Here’s this year’s new feature unveiled: a new category for classic boats, more than 25 years old, even if they are standard. Yes, because it doesn’t matter if the boat was built in series, for each owner his boat is unique, his baby and woe betide anyone who touches it. The choice is yours whether to participate in the Sport Boat category (with spi/gennaker/code 0), for the more sporty, or Cruising Boat (with white sails), for those who just want to have fun with family or friends. We then take care of dividing you by homogeneous lengths and, starting this year, we will also take into account how old your boat is. You do not have to be a sailing champion to participate, nor do you have to have a planing hull or carbon sails, the VELA Cup is for everyone. By now in fact you know, at the VELA Cup you don’t just win at sea, but also if you have a little luck.

Six stages around Italy

This year the VELA Cup circuit, which has revolutionized the world of sailing competitions since 2013 by opening it up to a new audience with boats of all sizes and types, is even richer and more attractive. The venues for the six stages, from May to October, are the best of Italy’s coastlines. We will take you along the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas, let you explore the coasts of Sicily and Sardinia, and satisfy your desire for the sea, sailing, and fun. Each sail will take place on a coastal course, determined by the Notice of Race, around buoys and islands in the crystal clear waters of our seas.

No red tape: the VELA Cup is for everyone

All boats (including dinghies) can participate in the VELA Cup, even without a tonnage certificate. Each category (Sport/Cruising) is divided into classes according to the overall length of the boat. New this year, for boats over 25 years old, the first boat in each category and length will be awarded. In addition, the single stage trophy will be awarded to the winner in compensated time, according to our secret formula. There are prizes a little bit for everyone. To the best at sea, but also by lottery!

It starts in May in Tuscany

From Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21, the Cala de’ Medici Tourist Port, between Castiglioncello and Rosignano Marittimo, in the heart of the Etruscan Coast and in front of the Tuscan Archipelago, will host the first leg of the VELA Cup 2023. Three days of celebration in a village where enthusiasts, exhibitors and legendary sailors can share their stories and passions. An off-show, in-show, and at sea competition for all.

Second stage in Brindisi

Celebrate Republic Day together with us! A long weekend, in the waters of Salento, a week before the famous Brindisi-Corfu, VELA Cup Brindisi will take you sailing off the prestigious Brindisi beaches of Punta Penne and Torre Testa. Participants’ boats will be housed free of charge in the 650-berth Brindisi Marina. This is where the awards party, entertainment and games on the water reserved for participating crews will take place. Food and music will not be lacking, of course.

End of June in La Maddalena

In the Maddalena Archipelago, the Caribbean of the Mediterranean, the VELA Cup is at home. After the success of 2019 in Caprera, we return to sail among the enchanting islands of Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli and Spargi. Inside a marine protected area, in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages and just a few miles from Corsica. This is the perfect opportunity to move the boat to Sardinia for summer cruising or, why not, have a nice cruise before the waters get crowded.

Rendetore and VELA Cup in Venice

What better opportunity to spend some time in the world’s most beautiful city on water and perhaps, leaving a little early, enjoy the Redentore fireworks display, the “New Year’s Eve” of Venetians. A week before the VELA Cup, Venice celebrates the most traditional holiday there is, to commemorate the end of the plague epidemic of 1575-1577. If that were not enough, we will take you to exclusive, unique places along a route that will circumnavigate the Venice Lido, the most glamorous island in the lagoon, where Hollywood stars still visit every summer to get on the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival.

What summer vacation would it be without VELA Cup?

Cala dei Sardi, the Mediterranean’s greenest marina in the heart of the Costa Smeralda, awaits you as summer ends for one last chance to have fun before heading home from vacation. The route is breathtaking: departure from Porto Rotondo, exit the Gulf of Cugnana, route to the Soffi Islands, circumnavigation of Mortorio and arrival in front of Sardinian Cove. 10-12 miles in a paradise the whole world envies us. Caribbean water and lots of fun for large maxi-yachts and small dinghies.

In Sicily to enjoy the sea even in October

For the last leg of the VELA Cup 2023 we take you to Sicily, in front of the fascinating Aeolian Islands, to Capo d’Orlando Marina. A perfect place to escape the already late autumn in northern Italy and bring your boat to winter in the land of the sun. Outside the chaotic months of July and August, Sicily has much to offer: unique views, delicious food and many cultural sites to visit.

Stage information and registration at www.velacup.it

James Barbaro