RS Elite chosen for first Hospital Sailing Race in Genoa

Luna Grigia and Lunetta © Paolo Pasquini

The RS Elite has been chosen for the first Hospital Sailing Race in Genoa, Italy, to be held on 21 September 2019 as part of the annual Millevele regatta. This new event is a sailing challenge between the two principal hospitals in Genoa, the Galliera Hospital, a major general hospital, and the G. Gaslini Institute, a leading children's hospital.

The boats used will be the two Italian RS Elites, Lunetta RS Elite 12 and Luna Grigia RS Elite 45 and the event is being organised by Paolo Pasquini, a doctor from the Galliera Hospital who has done an enormous amount of work to establish the RS Elite in Italy.

In what is hoped to become an annual event in its own right the boats will be crewed by doctors from the two hospitals who will be raising money for scientific research in their respective institutions. The idea was conceived by a group of friends and colleagues who are all sailing enthusiasts. They have been inspired to create a competition between two institutions from the UK's Oxford and Cambridge Boat race but implemented as a sailing match rather than a rowing race.

Using the RS Elite which is a strict one-design they will be able to compete on equal terms, so close racing is to be expected. Prior to race day the boats are being displayed in their respective hospitals, giving visibility to sponsors, hospital management, press offices and the general public.