The start ofGenova Sailing Week, the highly anticipated annual sailing event, will take place from March 25 to 27 in Genoese waters
For sailing enthusiasts who moor their boats at Marina Porto Antico, a sports season rich in events begins, all taking place in Genoa.
While awaiting the arrival of the first edition of The Ocean Race Europe which will conclude in the Ligurian capital this June and the Grand Finale, the final leg of the crewed round-the-world sailing race (The Ocean Race 2022-23), the Ligurian capital hosts Genova Sailing Week, the historic sailing event organized by the Yacht Club Italiano.
The Genova Sailing Week is historically known as the International Regattas of Genoa, the first regattas organized by the Yacht Club Italiano, under whose direction this much-anticipated three days of racing will also take place. The 2021 edition will be held from Thursday, March 25 to Saturday, March 27 in the waters off Lido di Albaro, easily accessible when departing from Marina Porto Antico.
The regatta is open to boats rated under ORC/ORC Club and IRC, and a maximum of 2 races per day will be held on windward-leeward courses with offset marks, under the supervision of the Yacht Club Italiano.
A brief history of Genova Sailing Week
The first International Regattas were held in the Gulf of Genoa from April 4 to 16, 1887. These regattas were open to all classes and 15 competitors registered for the first edition.
During the 1892 edition, the then Royal Yacht Club Italiano (R.Y.C.I.) adopted the English Dixon Kemp rating formula, and thus, for the first time in Europe, sail area was measured. Six Classes participated in that edition.
International rating rules were introduced later, in 1906, contributing to a considerable increase in sailing’s popularity. In 1926, during one of these regattas, the “Genoa Jib” was born, designed to better capture the Gulf’s wind puffs and increase boat speed.
The International Regattas returned regularly in March 1948, after the forced stop caused by World War II. During these years, participation by high-level crews increased significantly, and the event became increasingly important.
Towards the end of the 1960s, the Genoa Regattas attracted growing interest with a significant number of participants, and representatives from many nations sought to win the coveted Italia Cup; on the water, in addition to the S.I. metrics, many Classes succeeded each other, such as Dragons, Stars, and R.O.R.C. and I.O.R. Classes.
Event schedule:
- Wednesday, March 24, 2021 – registration
- Thursday, March 25, 2021 – races
- Friday, March 26, 2021 – races
- Saturday, March 27, 2021 – races
The event will be held with a maximum of two races per day and the Yacht Club Italiano ensures that all activities will be conducted according to current provisions regarding the prevention and containment of Covid-19 spread, issued by the federation and competent authorities.
For more information about the event, visit the official website of YCI (www.yachtclubitaliano.it/it/news-287/genova-sailing-week.html)
Registration
Registration (http://www.sgstracking.com/yci/login) is open to all boats rated under ORC/ORC Club or IRC, which will be divided into three groups. Windward-leeward courses with offset marks are planned in the waters in front of Lido di Albaro.
Award Ceremony
Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the Overall final ranking of each Group (ORC and IRC) and also to the first place in each Class with at least 6 entries.
Mooring for registered boats from outside Genoa
Registered boats from outside Genoa will be moored, subject to availability, at the YCI docks and nearby Marinas from Wednesday, March 24, 2021, until Sunday, March 28, 2021, upon specific request via email to regate@yci.it
Mooring will be assigned based on both the registration order (including payment of fees) and the boat’s dimensions in relation to the spaces made available by the Organization.
