Il Giornale della Vela has organized the VELA Cups every year since 2015, from May to October in the most beautiful places in Italy. The series of sailing events with the largest number of participants in Italy. Boat owners and crews, as well as ordinary enthusiasts and the curious, come together for a weekend celebration at sea and on the dock. Over the years the most beautiful racing and cruising boats have enlivened the event, a few names out of all: Vento di Sardegna, My Song, Benbow, Rainbow, Twin Soul, and many more…..the spectacle of watching them compete in 3-meter boats and vintage sails, always in the utmost safety is a outstanding show!
Now in its ninth year, the TAG Heuer VELA Cup is the regatta/sailing series organized by the Journal of Sailing that takes all kinds of boats and sailors out to sea. The TAG Heuer VELA Cup is the sailing event series with the most participants in Italy. It is a competition among boats of all sizes, with rankings based on length, open to all boats, of all kinds. First come, first served wins. On the evening itself, complying with all anticovid regulations, award ceremony with prizes for “almost everyone” and a splendid TAG Heuer Aquaracer up for grabs at each stage. The TAG Heuer Vela Cup is the party at sea, it’s a great opportunity to get back on the boat. The formula is very simple: a sailing competition among boats of all sizes and shapes, with no age restrictions, no bureaucracy or technical complications, with rankings based on length. First come, first served wins. Evening party at the dock. The year 2022 will be full of new things, new routes, new stages, the introduction of a rating that will allow everyone to compete according to the “the faster the better” philosophy.
Who can participate in the TAG Heuer Vela Cup?
All boats (including dinghies) may participate even without a tonnage certificate. One participates with gennaker or spinnaker in the racing category, with white sails in the cruising category. Each category is then divided into classes according to the overall length of the boat. In addition, the single leg trophy will be awarded to the winner on corrected time in the cruising class.
Where and when
- Liguria: May 7 – 8 with the TAG Heuer VELA Cup – Chiavari Calata Ovest (Genoa).
- Apulia: June 4 – 5 TAG Heuer VELA Cup Brindisi
- Sicily: June 18 – 19 TAG Heuer VELA Cup / Capo d’Orlando
- Veneto: July 23 – 24 TAG Heuer VELA Cup / Round Lido – Venice
- Sardinia: August 27 – 28 TAG Heuer VELA Cup / Cala dei Sardi – Costa Smeralda
Route
Each sail will take place on a coastal course determined by the Notice of Race. Spectacular locations where you can enjoy sailing as well as a good dose of adrenaline.
Awards
There are prizes for (almost) everyone. In fact, prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each class and category, as well as many special prizes such as those for Gentlemen Yachting or “vintage” boats. A valuable TAG Heuer Aquaracer watch and a Garmin inReach satellite communicator will be raffled among all entrants. After the awards ceremony there will always be a party open to all crews with drinks and buffet.
