FRIDAY MARKED THE CONCLUSION OF THE OPEN SKIFF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ON LAKE GARDA. THE WORLD CHAMPIONS ARE SAMUEL PIANTONI (ITA, UNDER 12), EWAN BRAZLE (NZL, UNDER 15) AND FREDERICO POLI (ITA, UNDER 17).

Italian gold and bronze in the Under 12 with the title won by Samuel Piantoni (Circolo Vela Arco) and the third place of Gabriele Lizzulli (CNV Argentario).

Silver for the Frenchman Zinquin. Undisputed victory also in the under-15s with New Zealand's Ewan Brazle; silver for France's Ganivet and bronze for Italy's Antonio Simbula (WC Cagliari).

A double win for Italy in the under-17s with gold for Federico Poli (CN Rimini) and silver for Enrico Loi (LNI Cagliari); bronze for Poland's Staron. Vittoria Silvestri, Clara Zunquin and Vittoria Cartelli first women's U12, U15 and U17

While Olympic sailing is giving away its first medals, the very young helmsmen approaching their first important international regattas concluded Friday on Lake Garda, at Circolo Vela Arco, the OpenSkiff World Championship, the smart, fast, fun dinghy for children and youngsters in the under-12, under-15, and under-17 categories.

Italy occupied most of the podiums and won two of the three titles awarded, the under-12 title with Circolo Vela Arco's Samuel Piantoni and the under-17 title with Romagna's Federico Poli (CN Rimini).

Under 15 title to New Zealand's Ewan Brazle. In all three categories, the winners came out on top right from the first races, leaving no room for their opponents, who only competed for the other positions on the podium.

It was a championship full of regattas, eleven in all, with a new record number of participants (300), from 14 countries, mainly Italy, France, Poland, but also overseas countries such as New Zealand, Australia, India, USA, Canada, and Japan, the nation that will host the World Championship in 2025.

The class confirmed to maintain a playful, fun atmosphere, despite the technical level being raised. As stated by five-time America's Cup winner Russell Coutts, the goal is to keep the guys sailing, not so much or only the winning of victories.

Russell Coutts, who stayed all week to follow the Championships, nevertheless had the satisfaction of seeing Ewan Brazle, one of the helmsmen of the large New Zealand team present at Garda, win the under-15 title.

World Championship at home and title won at home for Samuel Piantoni, an athlete from the large OpenSkiff team of Circolo Vela Arco, organiser of the event together with the Open Skiff class by delegation of the Italian Sailing Federation, who confirmed his form shown since the start of the season.

Ten firsts and one second demonstrated the superiority of the nice youngster from Arco, who beat Frenchman Côme Zunquin by 19 points. Bronze to Gabriele Lizzulli (Italy), who was always very regular.

Excellent fifth place overall and first female for Vittoria Silvestri (Italy), who was also the protagonist of a second and third overall in regattas 3 and 7. Women's silver and bronze respectively for Circolo vela Arco's Sofia Benetti and Virna Di Gerlando (Italy).

In this category too, the winner, New Zealander Ewan Brazle, absolutely dominated. With 10 partial victories and one second, he won the Under 15 title with the same advantage as Piantoni, 19 points this time over Frenchman Charles Ganivet.

Three points behind bronze medal Antonio Simbula (Windsurfing Club Cagliari) penalised in the last race by an early start, without which he could have won silver.

French victory among the girls with Clara Zunquin, followed by Vittoria Berteotti (Fraglia Vela Riva) and Maria Elena Barbarino (CN Posillipo) protagonist of a beautiful victory in the eleventh and final race.

An Italian one-two in the under-17 fleet with the victory of Federico Poli (CN Rimini) over Enrico Loi (LNI Cagliari), silver, protagonist of a great Championship finish (3-1-1-4 in the last 4 races), which allowed him to overtake the Polish Hubert Staron.

Guido Sirolli, President of the Italian OpenSkiff Class, as well as founder and Vice-President of the international OpenSkiff Class:‘We complete this 15th edition of the OpenSkiff World Championship in a great way. We are really very satisfied with the success of this fantastic event thanks to the commitment of the Circolo Vela Arco led by Carlo Pompili, who has always supported and invested in this class.

Masterful direction by the buoy ‘men’ who managed very well a race course with three clubs and two finishers, but with a single start; the pairing of Milos di Lasio, course manager, with the formidable Mario Lupinelli, president of the FIV Race Committee, made the difference: 11 races per category, with three U15 fleets, meant no less than 33 perfect starts in 5 days.

Laura Pennati, Secretary General of the Class represented our colours well, leading 139 competitors and over 20 Italian coaches.  Italy, with 2 golds between U12 and U17, confirmed itself as the nation to beat! 

Next appointments in Italy: 4-6 October in Rimini for the Ascob Cup (Italian OpenSkiff & RS Aero Class Association) and then on 1-3 November in Campione sul Garda for the fourth stage of the Eurochallenge Circuit!"

Italy’s Guillermo Duranti and Kristian Porcu are competing in the U17 boys and they felt that Wednesday’s race was not really good for them, the course seemed a bit long in such strong winds, which made their job a lot harder, especially at the buoys, because they had to sail much faster than before.

There were also some minor communication problems between the categories due to the increase in speed, making this a more difficult day to complete.

One of the most balanced Hungarian competitors in the first 3 days was Dalma Gádorfalvi in the U15 girls’ competition, who is the daughter of the Hungarian surfing legend, European Champion, World Championship bronze medallist and six-time Olympian Áron Gádorfalvi, who is here of course with her as her coach in Balatonföldvár.

FRIDAY THE CONCLUSION ON GARDA TRENTINO OF THE O'PEN SKIFF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

On Thursday, the approach of a thunderstorm allowed only one race for all the fleets, which, however, have already reached a total of 10 races. Leaders in each category still solidly defending their position: Piantoni, Brazle and Poli do not give up.

On the penultimate day of the OpenSkiff Championships organised on Garda Trentino by Circolo Vela Arco, the weather conditioned the number of races held. Initially the morning north wind continued until after midday and at the same time the south wind arrived very light forcing the Race Committee to postpone the start until the intensity increased.

This postponement did not give much time to anticipate the expected storm, and so only one race was held, but in fine conditions of 14 knots and more, as on previous days. In all the categories there were no major surprises and the race for the rainbow titles continued by the leaders in each category, who immediately took the overall lead.

Piantoni, the local Circolo vela Arco under-12 athlete, and New Zealander Brazle in the under-15s, did not give up a metre and continued to collect first partials, which propelled them decisively towards the title. In the under-17s, even if there is no string of partial victories, Federico Poli (Italy) maintains his concentration and is still first with 13 points over Enrico Loi from Italy, who was first today.

FINALS BEGIN WITH THE GOLD FLEET FOR THE UNDER 15 FLEET

On Garda Trentino another beautiful day of sun and wind. The leaders in each category confirmed: Piantoni (U12, Italy), Brazle (U15, New Zealand) and Poli (U17, Italy)

The third day of the Open Skiff World Championship, being held on Garda Trentino and organised by Circolo Vela Arco, was again characterised by a beautiful sunny day and stable winds of 12-14 knots from the south.

The situation in the largest category, the under-15 category, was also stable, despite the fact that the finals began with the gold fleet, which saw the first 64 helmsmen in the ranking list race together after the first 6 qualifying races. 

In fact, New Zealander Ewan Brazle, continued his series of partial victories undisturbed: after the 6 qualifying races, he added a further 3 wins in today's three races, leaving behind his rivals, who will fight to the end to win the remaining podium places, as Brazle seems unbeatable.

The New Zealander's lead over the second placed Frenchman Charles Ganivet, now 3-36-6, has become 10 points. Three points behind the Italian Antonio Simbula (Italy) who is quite regular with 9-5-4.

Behind him were two down-under helmsmen, New Zealand's Tiedemann and Australia's Puls Kaison. First of the girls the local Vittoria Berteotti (Italy), excellent ninth overall. 

A ‘photocopy’ situation among the younger under-12s where Circolo Vela Arco's Samuel Piantoni again today scored three firsts, enjoying himself in the gusting south wind. Twenty-three points ahead of the second, Frenchman Côme Zunquin, who did well today with a 3-2-3 partial.

He is followed by the Italians Fabio Serra (LNI Sulcis) and Gabriele Lizzulli (CNV Argentario), one point from each other and pressed in turn by Poland's Grygolowicz and Italy's Vittoria Silvestri (CNRimini), sixth and seventh respectively, as well as the first of the girls.

Also in the under-17s, the Romagna-born Federico Poli (Italy) consolidates his position as leader of the rankings. With a 2-6-4 on the day he is first with a 10-point lead over the Pole Hubert Staron.

Four points behind the second is the other Italian Enrico Loi (Italy), brilliant today with a 10-3-1, which ensures him provisional third place with an 11-point lead over the fourth, the Spaniard Pepe. First of the girls Vittoria Cartelli (Italy), excellent sixth overall.

Second day at the Open Skiff World Championships perfect: sunshine and 14+ knots of wind with 3 more races. First positions maintained by Piantoni (Italy-under 12), Brazle (New Zealand-under 15) and Poli (Italy-under 17).

If the first day of the OpenSkiff World Championship scheduled on Garda Trentino until 2 August went well, the second went very well.

The wind arrived punctually and more intensely than on Monday, and the fleets were able to start even today at the stroke of 1pm, but with a southerly wind already nicely stretched over the race course, at 12-16 knots.

Practically the perfect day for the 300 young helmsmen, who after two days have already sailed six races in all three categories under 12, under 15 and under 17.

For the largest fleet, the under 15s, from Wednesday the top third will be grouped in the gold fleet and the best will be able to have a direct confrontation after the qualifying races of the first two days, contested in three different batteries.

Russell Coutts (PDG Sail GP) super coach

At the Circolo Vela Arco, organiser of the event together with the Italian and international OpenSkiff class and the Italian Sailing Federation, everything is going very well and it is a real spectacle to see the boats leave the beach near the mouth of the Sarca River.

At this world championship there is no shortage of illustrious presences, camouflaging themselves among the coaches:

Russell Coutts follows the 19 New Zealand kids on Garda, with daily pre-start briefings and then going out on the water to watch the races.

His commitment to young people, after having won the Olympics and no less than 5 America's Cups, is based on spreading sailing in a competitive form, but with the aim of first of all making them have fun, so that they will continue sailing in the years to follow. 

And the OpenSkiff Class responds perfectly to this educational and sporting vision, with an approach to racing based on fun, without detracting from technical and tactical skills.

The rankings in all categories did not see any change in leadership: among the under-12 junior athletes, the home athlete Samuel Piantoni is defending the tradition of Circolo Vela Arco, which in recent years has always won important international podiums in the OpenSkiff class.

Samuel has not stopped in collecting partial victories, accumulating 6 so far and suggesting that the category title is well within his reach, considering the gap he gives to his opponents at each race.

Behind him, the Sardinian Fabio Serra (3-3-9 Italy), second, is trying to fight for the podium, followed in turn by the Tuscan Gabriele Lizzulli (5-2-5, Italy), just one point behind him; first of the girls is Vittoria Silvestri (Italy), fifth overall. 

The same goes for the under-15s, a category in which New Zealand's Ewan Brazle is leading with six partial victories, but he is pursued by France's Gavinet and Cagliari's Antonio Simbula (Italy), who is tied with the other Sardinian Gianluca Pilia (Italy), just three points behind him.

First female Vittoria Berteotti (Italy), tenth overall. From Wednesday it will be very interesting to watch the under-15 Gold fleet, with all the firsts in the general classification racing in the same battery.

Among the under-17s, the gap between the first two is minimal: Italy's Federico Poli (5-2-1, Italy) is still in the lead, followed by Poland's Hubert Staron at two points, while the third placed Spaniard Pepe is 12 points behind the second. Wednesday's (day 3) start is also at 13:00.

With the picturesque opening ceremony on Sunday evening in the historic center of Arco, the OpenSkiff Youth World Championships officially began, organized by Circolo Vela Arco in collaboration with the Italian and international classes and the Italian Sailing Federation.

Once again, a record edition with 300 participants from 14 nations: 300 boys and girls who, already at last night's opening ceremony, showed that they are in Garda not only to race but also to have fun with many friends. 

Smiles abound these days, both on land and in the water: Sunday saw the practice race, an unofficial regatta that, the day before the start of the Championship, allows the entire organizational machine to be tested, as well as giving participants a chance to try the racecourse.

Video practice race and opening ceremony

On Monday, promptly at 1 PM, the first three races valid for the assignment of the world titles in the three categories competing on Garda, Under 12 (51), Under 15 (the most numerous with 188 competitors divided into 3 batteries), and Under 17 (61), began.

The inaugural day was splendid, with sun and wind at 11-14 knots, typical medium conditions of Upper Garda.

Regarding the provisional rankings after the first day of racing, Italy got off to an excellent start:

in the Under 12 category, Circolo Vela Arco's Samuel Piantoni has started to rack up a series of first places in this World Championship, as he did in previous national Open Skiff races:

three races and three victories put him at the top, ahead of the French Zunquin Côme (6-3-2) and the Italian Fabio Serra (2-4-7, LNI Sulcis).

In the large Under 15 fleet, New Zealander Ewan Brazle, who participated in many regattas in Italy last year, leads with a triple first in his battery; in second place is French Charles Ganivet (2-1-1) followed by Italian Antonio Simbula (2-3-4, Windsurfing Club Cagliari) in third place. 

Italy also leads in the Under 17 category with Romagnolo Federico Poli (CN Rimini) first with three second places; behind him is the Polish Hubert Staro, and in third, an excellent Vittoria Cartelli (CN Rimini).

From an organizational perspective, the Championship also started well with many judges, race officers, referees, secretariat, buoy positioning staff, and land coordination staff, essential to ensure safe and orderly departures and returns of the boats, all working to provide these young sailors with an experience that will surely be unforgettable.

More races are scheduled for Tuesday, with the start always at 1 PM. 

Video DAY 1

28th July to 3rd August – Arco – Lake Garda – Italy

In just a few days time, the 2024 O'pen Skiff World Championships will get underway in Arco, on Lake Garda, with more than 300 competitors already registered. Yet another new record for the Class! Lake Garda and O'pen Skiff have a long shared history, a perfect cradle to nurture the new class thanks to its good winds and strategic central location in Europe.  

Many of the 14 national teams registered are already in Arco for some intensive pre-event training, especially those with long journeys to get here. India, Australia, New Zealand...

The New Zealanders will be very hopeful of retaining the U15 title that Ewan Brazle brought home last time round. But they'll have their work cut out faced with strong French and Italian teams ultra-motivated to bring the title home.

Not forgetting the outsider/wild cards who often make it to the podiums, as has happened many times already.  

Lake Garda has earned its place in the Pantheon of legendary sail and board sport destinations, reputed for its sturdy year-round thermal winds, especially in high summer.

In the mornings it's the north wind, the Piler, blowing in hard up to about 11 o-clock, dropping away completely around midday, turning round to blow the Ora wind in from the south, climbing quickly to 15 - 20 knots until late afternoon.

This "metronomic" regularity is one of the reasons Garda attracts so many event organisers from all around the world. The northern part of the lake is a mecca for board and sail sports with a lot of activity in dinghy, catamaran, windsurf, foil... 

These are the ideal conditions that the top 2024 O'pen Skiff skippers will take on. The first races will be happening from Monday morning onwards after the training day race on Sunday.

We recommend that you follow the whole event on the official website, featuring a real-time GPS/tracker and regular news updates plus all the latest photos and videos!