2025 OpenSkiff Eurochallenge at Calasetta - Overall
by Elena Giolai 21 Apr 2025 12:52 BST
18-20 April 2025
Calasetta (South Sardinia) delivered three perfect days for the opening of the OpenSkiff EuroChallenge, with nine races completed in ideal conditions.
The event was expertly organised and warmly hosted by the Lega Navale Italiana Sulcis, in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation, the Municipality and Marina of Calasetta, and with the support of the Autonomous Region of Sardinia.
Once again, the synergy between sport and tourism proved to be a winning combination, especially in such a scenic location and during a period that lends itself perfectly to both competition and relaxation. Many families took the opportunity to follow their young sailors while enjoying a short break in this corner of paradise, where nature takes centre stage and allows for safe racing in all wind and sea conditions. Even a pod of dolphins joined in to accompany the final day's regattas!
Since reintroducing the EuroChallenge international circuit last year, the OpenSkiff class has continued its mission to promote a sporting environment built on fun, fair play and passion. The aim remains to offer a competitive yet inclusive experience, with strong educational and social values at its core. The final results confirmed Italy's role as a key technical benchmark, with podium finishes shared among sailors from northern, central, and southern clubs across both the Under 13 and Under 17 categories. Poland also secured strong finishes, further reinforcing the international competitiveness of the event. Hungary, which will host the second leg of the EuroChallenge on Lake Balaton at the end of May, is showing encouraging signs of progress - and certainly found success in the Easter egg draw!
Ukraine, sadly still affected by the ongoing war, once again made its presence felt thanks to the outstanding performance of Sviatoslav Yasnolobov, now a regular at the Club Nautico Rimini, where he trains under the guidance of his father, who also coaches at the club.
The teamwork demonstrated by the organisers at LNI Sulcis was exceptional, highlighting the importance of investing in youth and keeping them involved even as they grow. Former OpenSkiff sailors, now active in the RS Aero class, returned to assist both onshore - launching and recovering boats - and on the water aboard support RIBs. A model worth replicating.
From a sporting perspective, the varied wind conditions over the three days allowed all sailors to showcase their abilities. From the light westerly breeze on day one, to the strong sirocco on the second, and finally the moderate mistral on the last day, nine high-quality races were completed. Two discards were allowed, helping to offset the numerous BFD (black flag disqualifications) from the first day.
In the Under 13 category, the competition remained wide open until the final race. Gabriele Lizzulli (Italy) from Tuscany managed to hold onto the lead, just ahead of Davide De Felice (Italy), a light wind specialist who won two races on the final day. Third place went to Franciszek Sowa from Poland, tied on points with De Felice. Among the girls, the most consistent performer was Sofia Benetti (Circolo Vela Arco, Trentino), who impressed in the stronger winds of day two and took the win ahead of Bianca Gorgerino (Italy) and local sailor Gaia Sabbatino (Italy, LNI Sulcis), who had finished second overall in one race on day one - a promising result for one of the club's rising stars, continuing its proud tradition in the OpenSkiff class.
In the Under 17 fleet, the gaps were more pronounced, with Sviatoslav Yasnolobov (Ukraina, Club Nautico Rimini) dominating the field and finishing with a 16-point lead over Polish sailor Pawel Sitko. The third spot went to Mattia Giusto (Italy), whose best results included a second and a first place. In the girls' ranking, Paulina Szczepa of Poland claimed the win, finishing fifth overall, followed by Aurora Milanese (Italy), who impressed with a second place overall in the final race. Maria Elena Barbarino (Italy) rounded out the podium, placing tenth overall.
The OpenSkiff EuroChallenge now looks ahead to its next stop: Lake Balaton at the end of May. But this Sardinian leg will be remembered for its technical quality, strong fair play, and warm hospitality. As for the Italian national calendar, the third ranking regatta of the 2025 season will take place in early May at the Trofeo Accademia Navale in Livorno.