The magnificent seven stages of the VELA Cup 2024

Team that wins, doesn’t change. And there’s no changing the VELA Cup, the regatta/festival circuit organized by GdV that brings hundreds of boats of all ages, sizes and shapes to the water each year. A success due above all to you, the more than 4,000 passionate sailors, racers and non-racers, who invaded our race courses in 2023 and followed us along the coasts all over Italy in search of wind and fun.

The new stages of the VELA Cup 2024

This year the program becomes even richer, with a return to Liguria and a new stop in the beautiful Gulf of Naples, on the island of Procida, for a total of seven stops around Italy and an important main partner who shares the values of the VELA Cup, Moby. Many technical partners have already been confirmed, including. Honda, HiNelson, Garmin, Leatherman, ACSI Vela, Veneziani Yachting, Plastimo, YachtIngBond, AMBECO.

The formula is always the same, simple and effective: a sailing competition among boats of all sizes and shapes, with no age restrictions, no bureaucracy or technical complications, with rankings drawn up by length. First come, first served wins. And in the evening, party on the dock with an awards ceremony. (Almost) everyone can win something. There are those who participate with white sails in the “Cruising Boat” category and those who are more sporty and want to hoist spi, gennaker or code 0 and enter the “Sport Boat” category. There are special prizes for the most elegant crew “Elegant Boat,” first-place “Leg Winner,” and last-place finishers, as well as many raffle prizes for everyone. Finally, this year again there will be no shortage of special rankings for “Classic Boats,” all boats with at least 25 years of age on their backs, even if they are mass-produced and made of fiberglass.

Seven events in the most beautiful places in Italy

It starts in April and ends in October. The VELA Cup 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. Here are details of all the stages. For info and pre-registration, visit www.velacup.it

April 27 – VELA Cup Liguria / ICE Cup

So many of you asked us and we wanted to please you. The first leg of the VELA Cup 2024 returns to where it all began. Liguria, home of yachting and sailing, and the Gulf of Tigullio, are waiting for you to kick off the season. On Saturday, April 27, we will be guests of the Marina di Chiavari Calata Ovest, in Chiavari.

Not only crystal clear waters and breathtaking coastline, Chiavari is also a beautiful town rich in history and culture. A city on a human scale, with an interesting architectural, artistic and natural heritage, all to be explored.

The ICE Cup also returns, drawing superboats from all over the Mediterranean!

May 25/26 – VELA Cup Tuscany / Triton Cup

A second edition that fills up and doubles, even triples! In weekend before the 151 Miglia, as well as there being the second leg of the VELA Cup, the regatta circuit open to all boats and all sailors (sports and non-sports), the Saturday, after the awards ceremony Italian sailing champions will take the stage, with the awarding of the Sailor of the Year., the Oscar of Italian sailing.

There is eating, drinking and dancing, and if you still have energy and desire to go boating on Sunday, there is the Triton Cup – Natura 2000 Regatta. Two regattas, for a weekend to be framed by the scents and flavors of Tuscany and the crystal clear waters of Castiglioncello!

Stage Partner: David Insurance – Marina Cala de’ Medici

June 1 – VELA Cup Brindisi

Celebrate Republic Day together with us! 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, in the waters of Salento.

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.

Stage partner: Marina di Brindisi

July 6 – VELA Cup La Maddalena

Is this where the party is? In theMaddalena Archipelago, the Caribbean of the Mediterranean, the VELA Cup is at home. We will sail inside a marine protected area, among the enchanting islands of Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Budelli, Santa Maria, Razzoli and Spargi. Welcomed into one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, with a stage in the center of town, food and local music, what better way to start the summer cruise before the waters and beaches get crowded.

Stage Partner: Municipality of La Maddalena

August 22 – VELA Cup Costa Smeralda / Beneteau & Lagoon Cup

Race skippers and superstar cabin cruisers alongside passionate cruising sailors. This is the spirit of the VELA Cup! If you come with us Cala dei Sardi, the Mediterranean’s greenest marina in the heart of the Emerald Coast, this is what awaits you.

A breathtaking route, departing from Porto Rotondo, exiting the Gulf of Cugnana, heading for the Soffi Islands, circumnavigating Mortorio and arriving in front of Sardinian Cove. 10 miles of sailing in a paradise that the whole world envies us. Caribbean water and lots of fun for large maxi-yachts and small dinghies.

There will also be the Beneteau & Lagoon Cup.

Stage Partner: Marina Cala dei Sardi – NSS Charter

September 28 – VELA Cup Procida

An island of seafarers, Procida is enveloped by an ever-clear blue sea and is easily reached by ferry and hydrofoil from Naples. An island where you can winter and take advantage of the boat all year round! Rich in delicious freshly caught fish restaurants, churches and museums, with its long sandy beaches, small bays, unforgettable coves and breathtaking views.

Marina di Procida will host the most fun regatta ever for the first time, an event you can’t miss!

Stage Partner: City of Procida – Marina di Procida

October 5 – VELA Cup Sicily

The sailing tour of Italy is not complete without a stop in Sicily. While in the north, autumn and cold weather are already making themselves felt, we escape to the islands. A magical place, just a breath away from the fascinating Aeolian Islands, Capo d’Orlando Marina awaits us for the last leg of the VELA Cup. Outside the chaotic months of July and August, Sicily has much to offer: unique views, delicious food and many cultural sites to visit.

Stage partners: Capo d’Orlando Marina – Spartivento

James Barbaro